New Year’s 2026 in Pokémon GO
The New Year’s 2026 in Pokémon GO event is scheduled to start on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time. It will continue into the New Year, Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time. During this event, Trainers will experience festive fireworks in-game.
In addition, Trainers participating in the event will have access to the following event-themed bonuses.
- 2× XP from Raid Battles.
- 2× Stardust from Raid Battles.
- Increased chance to encounter Shiny Pikachu wearing a party top hat in the wild and in raids.
Wild Encounters
Event-themed Pokémon will be appearing in the wild. These may include Bulbasaur wearing a party hat, Jigglypuff wearing a ribbon, and Hoothoot wearing a New Year’s outfit! You might even encounter Pikachu wearing a party top hat.
Raids
The following Pokémon will appear in their respective raid tiers.
- One-Star Raids: Pikachu wearing a party top hat and Wurmple wearing a party hat
- Three-Star Raids: Raticate wearing a party hat, Nidorino wearing a party hat, Gengar wearing a party hat, and Wobbuffet wearing a party hat
Field Research Task Encounters
Event-themed Field Research tasks will be available. Completing the Field Research tasks will lead to Stardust as a reward.
New Year’s 2026 in Pokémon GO Daily Field Research
During the event, Trainers will receive one bonus daily Field Research task each day they log in to the game. In addition, Trainers must have three or fewer active Field Research tasks when they log in for the first time each day to get the bonus Field Research. Completing these tasks leads to either a Lucky Egg or an Incense.
Year 2026 Guaranteed Lucky Pokémon
The number of guaranteed Lucky Pokémon a Trainer can receive in a trade will be increased from 35 to 45! Likewise, when the event starts, if you trade a Pokémon that has been caught since the year 2020, it is guaranteed to become a Lucky Pokémon until the limit is reached!
Paid Timed Research
For US$1.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency), you’ll be able to access event-exclusive Timed Research. Purchasing this ticket will also grant the following bonus during the New Year’s 2026 event.
- One additional Raid Pass per day from spinning Photo Discs at Gyms (for a daily total of two).
Timed Research rewards include the following.
- Two Premium Battle Passes
- 3,000 Stardust
- Encounters with Pikachu wearing a party top hat
Please note that Timed Research expires. The tasks associated with this Timed Research must be completed, and their rewards must be claimed before Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
