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

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

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 available for lucky trainers. Shiny Sandygast also makes its first appearance!

Explore the wild to find Alolan Sandshrew, Swinub, and Darumaka. Raids feature a festive roster: One-star raids include a Winter Carnival Pikachu and a holiday-themed Psyduck. Three-star raids offer a chance to encounter Glaceon in an Undersea Holiday outfit and Cryogonal. Mega Latias and Mega Latios will be featured in Mega Raids.

Seven-kilometer Eggs hold the possibility of hatching Hisuian Growlithe or a holiday-ribbon-adorned Cubchoo. Event-themed Field Research tasks and a $2.00 Timed Research offer encounters with themed Pokémon, Premium Battle Passes, and more rewards.

Collection Challenges return, rewarding Stardust, Poké Balls, and Great Balls for catching and raiding. Don't miss the PokéStop Showcases to display your event Pokémon! Plus, redeem those Pokémon Go codes for free items!

The Pokémon Go Web Store offers two limited-time deals: The Ultra Holiday Box ($4.99) includes Pokémon Storage and Item Bag upgrades, and 17 Rare Candies. The Holiday Part 1 Ultra Ticket Box ($6.99) grants access to Holiday events and a bonus Premium Battle Pass. Stock up on supplies while you can!