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

Get ready for Pokémon Go's Holiday festivities! Niantic's Holiday Part One event kicks off December 17th and runs through the 22nd, bringing a flurry of seasonal fun.

This event doubles your XP for catching Pokémon and cuts egg hatching distances in half. A new costumed Dedenne, sporting its holiday best, makes its debut, with a shiny variant possible! Shiny Sandygast also appears for the first time.

Expect to encounter Alolan Sandshrew, Swinub, and Darumaka in the wild. Raids offer a festive lineup: One-star raids feature Pikachu (Winter Carnival outfit) and Psyduck (holiday attire). Three-star raids challenge you with Glaceon (Undersea Holiday outfit) and Cryogonal. Mega Latias and Mega Latios headline Mega Raids.

Seven-kilometer Eggs hold the possibility of hatching Hisuian Growlithe or a ribbon-adorned Cubchoo. Complete event-themed Field Research tasks (including a $2.00 Timed Research) for themed Pokémon encounters, Premium Battle Passes, and more.

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

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