Pokemon Go Christmas Event: What to Expect, Double XP, Christmas Hats & more

Christmas has come to Pokemon Go.

The hit mobile title Pokemon Go has been known for putting a festive spin on proceedings in previous years, but will we see it again in 2020?

Pokemon Go Christmas

It may not be a full-scale event like you'd find in FIFA or Fortnite, but there is still enough going on to keep the festive fans entertained.

Here is what we are expecting this Christmas.

Release Date

As has been the case with many other Christmas events, we are yet to be given a confirmed release date.

But, taking previous years into account, we can give you a rough estimated of when we may see Pikachu donning that Santa hat!

Last years event began on Christmas Day itself, with December 21st, 18th and 24th in the years preceding.

The event usually lasts for a week or two, so with that information in mind, we're going to take a guess at Monday, December 20 as this years release date.

What to Expect

Last years event only ran for a week, but it was a jam-packed week, to say the least!

We saw plenty of festive content drop into the mobile title, including the following:

• New Costumed Creatures
• Winter Spawns
• Raids
• Egg Hatches
• Avatar Items
• Field Research
• Shadow Pokemon

As was to be expected from a winter promo, Ice Pokemon - such as Sneasel and Snowrunt - had their spawn rate increased, whilst the rare Cubchoo was released into the wild for the first time.

Costumed Pokemon

It's not just the winter-related Pokemon who benefit though, those staple Pokemon characters are also likely to be handed a Christmas twist.

We saw winter beanies handed to Pikachu and Raichu last year, with Stantler given Christmas bells on his antlers.

We don't know about you, but a Santa Claus themed Snorlax may just be the best thing to happen in 2020!

Double XP

And, if all of that isn't enough to encourage you to get out and explore the Christmas world once it arrives, there is also the benefit of Double XP!

Double Catch XP launched on November 30 and will remain in the game until Wednesday, December 30.