Pokemon Go Holiday Event Up, Expect Santa Pikachu and Its Icy Hoenn Friends

As rumoured, Niantic has released a press statement on the Pokemon Go Holiday Events.

Players can expect a lot of things if they brave the cold this holiday season. First up is that Santa hat Pikachu is back. Alongside Pikachu, there will be new Pokemon roaming the fields as new water and ice type Pokemon from the Hoenn region begin roaming the world.

Also to celebrate the Holiday season, the first PokéStop you visit from 22 December 2017 to 25 December 2017, you’ll get a single-use Egg Incubator with your first Photo Disc Spin.

Special boxes will also be on sale from 25 December 2017 until 4 January 2018 with a mystery item being placed inside the box. If you are lucky you may just get the all-new Star Pieces which earn bonus Stardust for 30 minutes when used.

Overall, the holidays are not for resting trainers. You can read the full PR here:

Trainers,

The holiday season is here, and we have a celebration that will inspire you to go out exploring your neighborhood with family and friends. Starting today at 1:00 p.m. PST, a familiar festive Pikachu is back—and bringing a few frosty friends along for the fun! In addition to more Ice-type Pokémon appearing around the world, additional Water-type and Ice-type Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region in the Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire video games will also begin appearing in Pokémon GO for the very first time. As a special bonus, the first PokéStop you visit each day between December 22 at 1:00 p.m. PST and December 25 at 1:00 p.m. PST will award you a single-use Egg Incubator with your first Photo Disc spin, so make sure to check in every day to collect an incubator.

Don’t miss out on your chance to stock up for your holiday adventures with special boxes from the in-game shop, featuring the best deals of the year. From December 21 through December 25 at 1:00 p.m. PST, special boxes will feature items such as Super Incubators, Lure Modules, and the all-new Star Pieces, which earn bonus Stardust for 30 minutes when activated. From December 25 at 1:00 p.m. PST through January 4, 2018, keep an eye on the in-game shop for special boxes, featuring items such as Premium Raid Passes, Super Incubators, and Star Pieces.

We can’t wait to see you out with family and friends this holiday season. As you’re outside exploring the world, be sure to share your favorite AR photos and best catches using #PokemonGO on your preferred social media channel.

—The Pokémon GO team