Niantic has announced its Pokémon GO New Year’s 2025 event, and it’s packed with rewards, bonuses, and fun activities to kick off the year. Running from December 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. to January 1, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time, the event promises a mix of festive Pokémon, special challenges, and in-game goodies to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
One of the event’s standout features is the opportunity to earn 2,025 XP for every Pokémon caught with an Excellent Throw, perfectly tying into the year’s theme. To add to the celebrations, players will also see colorful fireworks illuminating the virtual skies throughout the event.
Several costumed Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild during the event, adding a festive touch. Keep an eye out for Jigglypuff with a ribbon, Hoothoot in a New Year’s outfit, and Wurmple sporting a party hat. Shiny hunters will be pleased, as there’s an increased chance to encounter shiny versions of these special Pokémon.
Raids will also feature event-exclusive battles. One-star raids will include Pikachu in a snowflake beanie, while three-star raids will showcase returning favorites like Raticate and Wobbuffet, both donning party hats. Players lucky enough might even snag their shiny forms. For trainers looking for extra rewards, event-themed Field Research tasks will provide encounters with costumed Pokémon and valuable items like Stardust.
Additionally, Niantic has introduced paid Timed Research for the event. Trainers can earn rewards such as three Premium Battle Passes and festive encounters with Pokémon like Pikachu and Wobbuffet. Players can also share the excitement by gifting tickets to friends they’ve reached Great Friends level or higher. However, tickets are non-refundable, and unused rewards will expire when the event ends.
The event will also spotlight PokéStop Showcases, where players can show off their festive Pokémon for a chance at extra bragging rights. For those looking to enhance their gameplay, a special Ultra Holiday Box will be available in the in-game shop. It includes a Pokémon Storage upgrade, an Item Bag upgrade, and 17 Rare Candies—perfect for trainers gearing up for the year ahead.
The announcement comes right on the heels of Niantic’s ongoing collaboration with McDonald’s, running from December 16 to December 22. The partnership offers exclusive bonuses like Lure Modules and Raid Battles at sponsored PokéStops and Gyms across participating McDonald’s locations in the United States.
With festive Pokémon, shiny opportunities, and plenty of rewards, Pokémon GO players have plenty to look forward to as they say goodbye to 2024 and step into the new year. Whether you’re raiding, hunting for shinies, or showing off event-themed Pokémon, this New Year’s celebration offers something for everyone.
