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 hatch distances, and exciting new encounters.

This year's event 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 lineup: One-star raids include a Winter Carnival Pikachu and a holiday Psyduck. Three-star raids feature a special Undersea Holiday Glaceon and Cryogonal. Mega Latias and Mega Latios will also appear in Mega Raids.

Seven-kilometer Eggs hold the possibility of hatching Hisuian Growlithe or a holiday-ribboned Cubchoo. Complete event-themed Field Research tasks, or purchase a $2.00 Timed Research for additional encounters and rewards, including Premium Battle Passes.

Collection Challenges return, rewarding Stardust, Poké Balls, and Great Balls. Show off your event Pokémon in PokéStop Showcases! Don't forget to redeem available Pokémon Go codes for free items.

The Pokémon Go Web Store offers two limited-time deals: 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 resources while you can!