Pokémon GO December 2020 features Kyurem returning as a five-star raid boss, Darumaka and Lapras as Research Breakthrough encounters, five different Pokémon Spotlight encounters throughout the month, a new tagging feature in Pokémon GO and search bar improvements.
Infographics
December Research Breakthrough encounter
From Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Friday, January 1, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8), Trainers will have a chance of encountering either Lapras or Unovan Darumaka as a Research Breakthrough encounter and receive bonus XP.
Kyurem returns in December
 Kyurem |
The Legendary Pokémon Kyurem will be appearing in five-star raids from Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to Friday, January 1, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8). Don’t miss your chance to encounter the Boundary Pokémon!
Mega Abomasnow debuts in December
In addition, Mega Abomasnow will be appearing in Mega Raids beginning Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 1:00 p.m PST (GMT −8), replacing Mega Blastoise. Until then, Mega Blastoise will be appearing more frequently in Mega Raids, so be sure to challenge it while you can!
December Pokémon Spotlight Hours
In the month of December, Pokémon Spotlight Hour will take place every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. local time, and each hour will spotlight a different Pokémon and special bonus!
- Tuesday, December 1, 2020: Seel will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the XP for evolving Pokémon.
- Tuesday, December 8, 2020: Swinub will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the Stardust for catching Pokémon.
- Tuesday, December 15, 2020: Adventure Hat Pikachu will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the Candy for catching Pokémon.
- Tuesday, December 22, 2020: Snorunt will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the Candy for transferring Pokémon.
- Tuesday, December 29, 2020: Snover will be in the spotlight, and you’ll earn twice the XP for evolving Pokémon.
More events and feature updates
Double Catch XP bonus ends Thursday, December 31, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. local time
As part of our huge GO Beyond update in December, we’ll be increasing the level cap to 50! To help Trainers level up during this time, a double Catch XP bonus has been live since Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., and it’ll stay in effect until Thursday, December 31, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. local time.
More exciting feature updates
Managing your Pokémon is about to become much easier with the introduction of Pokémon tagging and other general search updates.
Pokémon tagging will allow you to create different colored tags, apply them to Pokémon, and use them to filter Pokémon in your collection. A redditor created a video showcasing the feature using the actual Pokémon GO app.
The Pokémon search function will also be updated to allow for enhanced usability. When you tap into the search bar, a new screen will appear with recommended search terms, such as Pokémon Type, Region, Buddy Level, Shiny, and more.
