Special edition Pokemon aren't new in Niantic's Pokemon Go. This time, they're going at it again with holiday-themed costumes for their Pokemon.
Not all Pokemon wear costumes, though. Pikachu's evolution line will be wearing Santa hats for Christmas. Stantler will be wearing bells. And that's about it. Getting these Pokemon is a novelty, as having them don't get you any special bonuses. They also don't have higher stats compared to non-costumed Pokemon. They're just dressed for the Holidays, which they'll continue wearing even after the end of the event.
New Pokemon
Three new Pokemon will also be introduced this Holiday season. Ice-type Pokemon Cubchoo, its evolution Beartic, and Ice-type Cryogonal will be making their first appearance in Niantic's game this season. Cubchoo can be found in the wild during the event, while Cryogonal will be around Glacial Lures. The only way to get Beartic is by catching a Cubchoo and evolving it, or getting one from trades.
Meanwhile, if you evolve Eevee into Glaceon during this Holiday season, it will be able to learn Last Resort, which should come in handy for raid battles.
There are also higher rates in finding a shiny Stantler and a shiny Snover during the event. Go find a shiny Stantler with bells for your collection.
Legendary Pokemon Raids
The Holidays will be featuring Lugia and Ho-Oh in Raid Battles, as well as Regice. Lugia and Ho-Oh will appear in raids from Dec. 20-23, while Regice will be around on Dec. 28. The legendary Pokemon Virizion from Pokemon Black and White will also start appearing in raids starting Dec. 17.
Season of Giving
Holidays aren't the same without gifts, which is why the gift-giving Pokemon Delibird can be caught as a Shadow Pokemon during this event. Players will also be able to experience additional mileage for their items during the event.
On Dec. 28, players will be able to use Glacial Lures (which, as mentioned above, will net you lots of Cryogonals) and have them up for two hours. From Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, 2020, players will also be able to open up to 40 gifts, carry twice as many gifts, and get a guaranteed incubator for their first photo disc every day.
As usual, the event will also give double the rewards from catching Pokemon, which means players will be awash with candies and stardusts once again. They will also be able to hatch eggs for half the required distance at different times during the event. Players also get two extra raid passes from Photo Discs during the event but remember that you can't have more than one at the same time. Go on raids first then come back to the Poke Stops for more Raid Passes!
Holiday Event Calendar Summary
- Dec. 14-15: Final Pokemon Go Community Day of the year, featuring Pokemon from all Community Days of 2019.
- Dec. 20-23: Special Raid Weekend, featuring Lugia and Ho-Oh.
- Dec. 24-January 1: Even proper, which is when most of the player benefits could be enjoyed.
- Dec. 28: Special Winter Weekend, with two-hour Glacial Lures and Regice Raid Battles.
