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 chance to snag a shiny variant! Shiny Sandygast also makes its first appearance.

Prepare for some exciting wild encounters with Alolan Sandshrew, Swinub, and Darumaka. Raids are equally festive: one-star raids feature Pikachu and Psyduck in holiday outfits. Three-star raids offer a chance to catch Glaceon and Cryogonal in their holiday attire, while 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. Complete event-themed Field Research tasks (or purchase a $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 festive Pokémon in PokéStop Showcases! Don't forget to redeem available Pokémon Go codes for free in-game items.

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