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, will debut, with a chance to snag a shiny variant. Making its shiny debut is Sandygast!

Expect to find Alolan Sandshrew, Swinub, and Darumaka in the wild. Raids will also feature festive Pokémon: Pikachu and Psyduck in holiday outfits in one-star raids; Glaceon (Undersea Holiday outfit) and Cryogonal in three-star raids; and Mega Latias and Mega Latios 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 the $2.00 Timed Research) for encounters with themed Pokémon, Premium Battle Passes, and other rewards.

Collection Challenges return, rewarding Stardust, Poké Balls, and Great Balls for catching and raiding. Show off your decked-out Pokémon in PokéStop Showcases! Plus, don't forget to redeem those Pokémon Go codes for free gifts!

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