'Tis the season! It's finally time to begin the Holiday Season, and Niantic has us covered. A new event is on the near horizon, alongside a new Mega Evolution and a number of bonuses to take advantage of. The Holiday Season has always been a busy time in Go, and this year is no exception.
Winter Holiday Part 1
| Event Start | Event End |
|---|---|
| December 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. local time | December 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. local time |
- Mega Glalie will make its debut in Pokemon Go
- A timed research line will be available in the shop for $5
- Rewards include two Incubators, one Incense, Mega Abomasnow Mega Energy, and various event Pokemon
- This research line does have an expiration, and will need to be completed within a certain timeframe
- 50% bonus XP for winning Raids
- Players will be able to store up to 40 gifts for the duration of the event
- A selection of Pokemon will spawn for the event
- A special selection of Pokemon will be available from 7km Eggs collected during event hours
- A special selection of Pokemon will be available in raids
- Among them, Cobalion will have access to Sacred Sword
- Glaceon will also appear in its new "Undersea Holiday" outfit.
- A special selection of Pokemon will be available via Field Research tasks
- Mega Abomasnow Energy will also be available
- Multiple new sets of Avatar items will be available in the shop
Mega Glalie
For anyone interested in raids, the single most important part of this entire event has to be the introduction of Mega Glalie. One of only two Ice Type Mega Evolutions in the franchise, this slack-jawed iceball will compete directly with Mega Abomasnow for the frozen crown, so how exactly do they stack up to each other and the other big-name Ice Types?
Data Source: The Comprehensive DPS/TDO Spreadsheet
While Mega Abomasnow was once destined for the top-DPS spot, the nerf to Weather Ball - Ice dropped it below Mega Glalie. However, DPS isn't the only factor worth considering. In general, Mega Abomasnow will have higher TDO, and its DPS is still pretty competitive overall, hitting the same achievements. The biggest factor between the two is definitely Mega Abomasnow's Grass sub-typing, which can be both a blessing and a curse depending on the raid.
Overall, if you've raised a Mega Abomasnow then Mega Glalie doesn't offer a huge advantage, but it is the higher DPS option, and the ability to have two Ice Type Mega Evolutions ready to go can definitely be beneficial.
Full Announcement
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Trainers,
It’s the season of cheer, for Pokémon and Trainers alike!
Some new and familiar Pokémon faces are joining in the fun, and you and your Pokémon can look your winter best with brand new avatar items, poses, and more!
Join us for the first part of a two-part festive Winter Holiday event in Pokémon GO!
Winter Holiday Part 1
Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. to Friday, December 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. local time
Mega Glalie Debuts
Mega Glalie will make its Pokémon GO debut in Mega Raids!
Mega Glalie
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny one!
Event Bonuses
50% more XP for winning Raid Battles.
Trainers can store up to 40 Gifts until the end of the event.
Timed Research
For US$5.00 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency), you’ll be able to access event-exclusive Timed Research*.
Complete the research tasks to earn an event-themed avatar pose!
Other Timed Research rewards include:
- Two Incubators
- One Incense
- Abomasnow Mega Energy
- Various event-themed Pokémon encounters
IMPORTANT: Please note that Timed Research expires. The tasks associated with Timed Research must be completed and their rewards must be claimed before Saturday, December 31, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Trainers will be able to purchase and gift tickets to any of their Pokémon GO friends that they have achieved a Friendship level of Great Friends or higher with. Please note that purchases—including those made for other Trainers—are non-refundable (subject to applicable law and the exceptions set forth in the Terms of Service). Tickets cannot be purchased with PokéCoins.
*Please note that the Winter Holiday Timed Research Ticket will only be available in the in-game shop from December 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. until December 30, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. local time!
Wild encounters
The following Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild.
Also, for the first time in Pokémon GO, you’ll be able to encounter Shiny Bergmite—if you’re lucky!
Pikachu wearing a Winter Carnival outfit
Swinub
Delibird
Snorunt
Spheal wearing a holiday outfit
Snover
Vanillite
Cubchoo
Bergmite
If you’re lucky, you might encounter the following.
Alolan Vulpix
Stantler wearing a holiday outfit
Cryogonal
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny one!
Eggs
The following Pokémon will hatch from 7 km Eggs.
Sneasel
Smoochum
Amaura
Bergmite
Crabrawler
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny one!
Raids
The following Pokémon will be appearing in raids.
One-Star Raids
Pikachu wearing a Winter Carnival outfit
Alolan Vulpix
Spheal wearing a holiday outfit
Galarian Darumaka
Bergmite
Three-Star Raids
Cloyster
Lapras
Stantler wearing a holiday outfit
Glaceon wearing an Undersea Holiday outfit
Five-Star Raids
Cobalion
Mega Raids
Mega Glalie
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny one!
Featured attacks
Cobalion
Cobalion caught from Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. to Friday, December 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. local time will know the following featured attack.
Sacred Sword
Trainer Battles: 60 Power
Gyms and raids: 55 Power
Field Research task encounters
Event-themed Field Research tasks will be available!
The following Pokémon will be available to encounter when you complete Field Research tasks!
Pikachu wearing a Winter Carnival outfit
Alolan Vulpix
Seel
Shellder
Jynx
Stantler wearing a holiday outfit
Spheal wearing a holiday outfit
Crabrawler
If you’re lucky, you might encounter the following.
Sneasel
Glaceon wearing an Undersea Holiday outfit
Complete certain Field Research tasks to earn Mega Energy for the following Pokémon.
Abomasnow Mega Energy
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny one!
Avatar items and stickers
The following new avatar items will be available to purchase in the in-game shop during this event and will continue to be available after the event ends!
You’ll be able to get event-themed stickers by spinning PokéStops, opening Gifts, and purchasing them from the in-game shop.
Holiday Pajama Top
Holiday Pajama Bottoms
Holiday Pajama Slippers
Gifting Pose
Holiday Hat
Holiday Beard
Holiday Suit
Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change. Be sure to follow us on social media, opt in to receiving push notifications, and subscribe to our emails to stay updated.
—The Pokémon GO team
