Pokémon Go is getting ready for Christmas with the Holiday Part 1 event later this month

Get ready for the Pokémon Go Holiday Part One event! Running from December 17th to 22nd, this festive event brings double XP for catching Pokémon, halved egg hatching distances, and exciting new encounters.

This year's celebration features a debuting costumed Dedenne (with a shiny variant!), and the first-ever appearance of Shiny Sandygast. Keep an eye out for Alolan Sandshrew, Swinub, and Darumaka in the wild.

Raids offer a festive roster: One-star raids include a Winter Carnival Pikachu and a holiday-dressed Psyduck. Three-star raids feature an Undersea Holiday Glaceon and Cryogonal, while Mega Latias and Mega Latios appear in Mega Raids.

Seven-kilometer Eggs hold the chance to hatch Hisuian Growlithe or a holiday-ribboned Cubchoo. Complete event-themed Field Research tasks (or the optional $2.00 Timed Research) for encounters with costumed Pokémon, Premium Battle Passes, and other rewards.

Collection Challenges return, rewarding Stardust, Poké Balls, and Great Balls for catching and raiding. Show off your event Pokémon in PokéStop Showcases! Don't forget to redeem those Pokémon Go codes for extra goodies!

The Pokémon Go Web Store has two limited-time offers: The Ultra Holiday Box ($4.99) includes storage upgrades and Rare Candies, and the Holiday Part 1 Ultra Ticket Box ($6.99) provides event access and a Premium Battle Pass. Stock up on supplies for the festivities!