Pokémon GO: December Content Update

Here's a complete overview of all the content coming to Pokémon GO in the December update.

Pokémon GO December Content Update Guide Niantic
The December content update is here in Pokémon GO. | © Niantic

We've entered Season 9 of Pokémon GO, Mythical Wishes. It'll start at the beginning of December and end on March 1, 2023.

That said, we'll be kicking off the new season with a month packed to the brim with action. December is going to be a great one for all players as we'll see new content and, more importantly, Pokémon!

Niantic has already revealed everything we expect to see in Pokémon GO in December. These include new Five-Star Raids, Mega Raids, Spotlight Hours, events, and Research Breakthrough events. Let's dive into all of it.

Pokémon GO December Update - Five-Star Raids

Five Star Raids Dec
Here's a look at all the Five-Star Raids coming in December. | © Niantic

Four Five-Star Raids will be available in Pokémon GO during December. They will start and end at 10 am local time on the respective dates.

These are all the Five-Star Raids and Pokémon that will be available in Pokémon GO soon:

  • December 1 - 8: Virizion
  • December 8 - 15: Terrakion
  • December 15 - 23: Cobalion
  • December 23 - January 1: Kyurem

Pokémon GO December Update - Mega Raids

Mega Raids Dec
Three-week-long Mega Raids will be available soon. | © Niantic

There will be three Mega Raids in December that will start and end at 10 am local time on the respective dates.

These are all the Mega Raids and Pokémon that will be available in Pokémon GO soon:

  • December 1 - 8: Mega Abomasnow
  • December 8 - 15: Mega Aggron
  • December 15 - January 1: Mega Glalie

Pokémon GO December Update - Raid Hours

Raid Hours Dec
You might get a shiny Pokémon in December's Raid Hours. | © Niantic

Four weekly raid hours in Pokémon GO for December. As usual, these will be held between 6-7 pm local time.

These are all the raid hours and the Pokémon that will be available in Pokémon GO soon:

  • December 7: Virizion
  • December 14: Terrakion
  • December 21: Cobalion
  • December 28: Kyurem

If you're lucky, you might encounter a shiny version of the Pokémon.

Pokémon GO December Update - Spotlight Hours

Spotlight Hours Dec
Four Spotlight hours will be coming this month. | © Niantic

Four weekly Spotlight Hours will be held in December between 6-7 pm local time.

These are all the Spotlight Hours and the Pokémon that will be available soon:

  • December 6: Wooper (2x Stardust for catching)
  • December 13: Spheal (2x XP for catching)
  • December 20: Bergmite (2x Candy for catching)
  • December 27: Cubchoo (2x Candy for transferring)

Pokémon GO December Update - Events

Events Dec
We've got a month full of events in this update. | © Niantic

Several in-game events will be held in Pokémon GO throughout December 2022. The timings of these events will vary for each one.

Regardless, these are all the in-game events you can expect to see in Pokémon GO soon:

  • December 3 (2 - 5 pm local time): Heading to Hoenn Mega Raid Day
  • December 6 - 11: Mythic Blade
  • December 10 (11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm local time): Elite Raids
  • December 10 - 11: Something Extraordinary: Keldeo Special Research
  • December 17 - 18: December Community Day
  • December 15 - 23: Winter Holiday part 1
  • December 23 - 31: Winter Holiday part 2
  • December 24 - 25: Winter Wonderland
  • December 24 (2 - 5 pm local time): Hisuian Avalugg Raid Day

Pokémon GO December Update - Research Breakthrough

Research Breakthrough Dec
December's Research Breakthrough event will be an extra long one! | © Niantic

One massive Research Breakthrough event will be introduced. It will start on December 1 at 1 pm (GMT - 8) and end on March 1 at 1 pm (GMT - 8).

Here are all the Pokémon available in this event:

  • Bagon
  • Deino
  • Delibird
  • Furfrou
  • Galarian Mr. Mine
  • Goomy

Stay up to date with the latest Pokémon GO news and guides:

Ivan Shahran

Ivan is the Content Lead for MobileMatters and provides coverage for titles such as Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars, Clash Royale, and Wild Rift. In his role, he has written guides and news pieces and attended competitions such as ESL's Snapdragon Pro Series....