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

Get ready for some festive fun in Pokémon GO! Niantic is kicking off the first part of their Holiday event, bringing a flurry of exciting activities from December 17th to 22nd. This event is packed with bonuses, special Pokémon encounters, and seasonal challenges designed to get you into the holiday spirit.

During Holiday Part One, you'll enjoy double XP for catching Pokémon and a 50% reduction in Egg hatch distance. A new costumed Dedenne, decked out in holiday attire, makes its debut, with a chance to snag a shiny version! And for the first time ever, Shiny Sandygast will also be appearing.

Keep an eye out for Alolan Sandshrew, Swinub, and Darumaka in the wild. Raids will also feature a festive lineup. One-star raids include Pikachu and Psyduck in their winter best. For a tougher challenge, three-star raids will feature Glaceon and Cryogonal in special holiday outfits, while Mega Latias and Mega Latios will appear in Mega Raids.

Seven-kilometer Eggs hold exciting possibilities, including Hisuian Growlithe or a Cubchoo sporting a holiday ribbon. Complete event-themed Field Research tasks and a paid Timed Research ($2.00) for encounters with themed Pokémon, Premium Battle Passes, and more. Collection Challenges return, rewarding Stardust, Poké Balls, and Great Balls for catching and raiding. Don't forget to showcase your event-themed Pokémon at PokéStop Showcases!

And for those looking to stock up, the Pokémon GO Web Store offers two limited-time deals: the Ultra Holiday Box ($4.99) with a Pokémon Storage upgrade, an Item Bag upgrade, and 17 Rare Candies; and the Holiday Part 1 Ultra Ticket Box ($6.99) which includes access to Holiday events and a bonus Premium Battle Pass. You can also get some free in-game items by redeeming these *Pokémon Go codes!*