Snow sparkles across the Pokémon Go map as the Winter Holiday Part 1 event arrives, bringing festive creatures in cheerful costumes, exclusive Field Tasks, and a Timed Research challenge that rewards trainers who keep pace through the cold.
We list out all the event perks below, including the paid Timed Research.
Winter Holiday Timed Research and rewards
The Winter Holiday Timed Research offers trainers festive-themed tasks with seasonal rewards. Completing the stages grants encounters with Ice-type Pokémon, items like Incense and Mega Energy, as well as avatar clothing inspired by the holiday season. Some missions focus on catching specific Pokémon dressed in holiday attire or spinning PokéStops, adding variety to the event. Players who finish all tasks before the deadline can claim extra bonuses and rare encounters tied to the Winter Holiday Part 1 celebration.
This Timed Research is only available to players who buy a pass for $5 in the shop. The research expires on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. in your local time.
Winter Holiday step 1 of 4
- Walk 2 km (Snover encounter)
- Catch 10 Pokémon (Spheal encounter)
- Catch 10 ice-type Pokémon (Seel encounter)
Rewards: Sneasel encounter, 1 Incense, 50 Abomasnow Mega Energy
Winter Holiday step 2 of 4
- Walk 2 km (Swinub encounter)
- Transfer 10 Pokémon (Delibird encoutner)
- Catch 10 ice-type Pokémon (Cubchoo encounter)
Rewards: Galarian Mr. Mime encounter, 1 Egg Incubator, 50 Abomasnow Mega Energy
Winter Holiday step 3 of 4
- Walk 2 km (Vanillite encounter)
- Send 7 gifts to friends (Stantler encounter)
- Catch 15 ice-type Pokémon (Snowy Forme Castform encounter)
Rewards: Galarian Darumaka encounter, 1 Egg Incubator, 50 Abomasnow Mega Energy
Winter Holiday step 4 of 4
- Hatch an egg (Alolan Vulpix encounter)
- Catch 8 different species of ice-type Pokémon (Alolan Sandshrew encounter)
- Catch 15 ice-type Pokémon (Lapras encounter)
Rewards: Galarian Mr. Mime encounter, Gifting Pose cosmetic
Pokémon Go ‘Winter Holiday Part 1’ event Field Research and rewards
During the Winter Holiday Part 1 event, Field Research tasks unlock rewards such as Stardust, XP, and encounter chances with special Pokémon, while timed research challenges guide players through a sequence of tasks to earn exclusive bonuses and collectible stamps.
Task |
Reward |
|---|---|
| Catch 5 different species of Pokémon | Stantler (holiday costume) or Spheal (holiday costume) encounter |
| Catch 7 ice-type Pokémon | Seel or Shellder encounter |
| Catch 7 different species of Pokémon | Jynx encounter |
| Hatch an egg | Sneasel encounter |
| Send 3 gifts with a sticker attached | Crabrawler encounter or 25 Abomasnow Mega Energy |
| Open 5 gifts | Alolan Vulpix encounter |
| Send 5 gifts | Pikachu (holiday costume) encounter |
| Win a raid | Glaceon (holiday costume) encounter |
Increased Pokémon spawns for Winter Holiday Part 1
During Winter Holiday Part 1, spawn rates surge across themed habitats, boosting appearances of common and rare Pokémon hotspots and increasing the chances of festive surprises while you play.
- Pikachu (holiday costume)
- Vulpix
- Swinub
- Stantler (holiday costume)
- Delibird
- Snorunt
- Spheal (holiday costume)
- Snover
- Vanillite
- Cubchoo
- Cryogonal
- Bergmite
Winter Holiday Part 1 event specific 7 km eggs
During Winter Holiday Part 1, the 7 km Egg event tasks guide players through a timed sequence of field and collection challenges, rewarding encounters, stardust, and exclusive bonuses as you progress.
- Sneasel
- Smoochum
- Amaura
- Bergmite
- Crabrawler
Winter Holiday Part 1 event specific raid targets
Winter Holiday Part 1 raid targets focus on boosted legendaries and raid bosses appearing in Tier 5 and below, with a spotlight on Psychic- and Ice-type counters and popular regional Pokemon that spawn during the event window.
- Pikachu (holiday costume)
- Vulpix
- Spheal (holiday costume)
- Darumaka
- Bergmite
- Cloyster
- Stantler (holiday costume)
- Glaceon (holiday hostume)
Winter Holiday Part 1 field research tasks and rewards
Winter Holiday Part 1 in Pokémon Go features event-exclusive Field Research tasks available by spinning PokéStops during the event period, typically December 18-24. These tasks reward Stardust or encounters with holiday-themed Pokémon, often with Shiny potential.
Field Research Tasks
Tasks focus on catching Pokémon and sending gifts. Common ones from the 2025 event include:
| Task | Rewards |
|---|---|
| Catch 10 Pokémon | 1,500 Stardust |
| Catch 15 Pokémon | Pikachu (festive hat)* or Pikachu (holiday attire)* |
| Send 5 Gifts to friends | Delibird* |
| Send 15 Gifts to friends | Spheal (holiday attire)* |
*Denotes possible Shiny encounter.
Additional Notes
Rewards emphasize festive variants like costumed Pikachu and Spheal, aligning with the event’s holiday theme. These tasks complement Timed Research and wild spawns for optimal participation.
Winter Holiday Part 1 Timed Research tasks and rewards
Winter Holiday Part 1 Timed Research offers paid tasks (typically via a GO Pass Deluxe ticket) with holiday-themed steps across multiple parts, rewarding encounters like Snover, Spheal, and Lapras, plus items such as Incense and avatar poses.
Part 1/4 Tasks and Rewards
Complete these initial steps for early rewards:
| Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Walk 2 km | Snover encounter |
| Catch 10 Pokémon | Spheal encounter |
| Catch 10 Ice-types | Seel encounter |
Total: Sneasel encounter, 1 Incense, 50 Abomasnow Mega Energy.
Part 2/4 Tasks and Rewards
Focus on transfers and more catches:
| Task | Reward |
|---|---|
| Walk 2 km | Swinub encounter |
| Transfer 10 Pokémon | Delibird encounter |
| Catch 10 Ice-types | Cubchoo encounter |
Total: Mr. Mime encounter, 1 Egg Incubator.
Part 3/4 and 4/4 Tasks
Part 3/4: Walk 2 km (Vanillite), send 7 gifts (Stantler), catch 15 Ice-types (Ice Form Castform); total Darumaka + Incubator.
Part 4/4: Hatch egg (Alolan Vulpix), catch 8 Ice species (Alolan Sandshrew), catch 15 Ice-types (Lapras); total Mr. Mime + gift avatar pose.
Note: 2025 emphasized GO Pass tiers over traditional Timed Research, with tasks like catching Fire/Ice-types and choices (Spark vs. Sierra paths) for encounters and MP collection. Rewards often include Shiny chances where noted.
