There is no denying that the holiday season can be a stressful time of year for everyone. But what isn’t stressful is a relaxing vacation where you can sit back and forget your worries. And in the Pokemon world, this vacation can mean traveling abroad and exploring exciting new towns and cities.
Whether it’s soaking up the sun in Alola or exploring the mystical lands of Galar, the Pokemon world is sure to have something for everyone. With nine regions to choose from, each with unique cultures and attractions, here are some of the best locations to visit during the most wonderful time of the year.
10 Cabo Poco
The first order of business in your vacation-traveling adventures? Visiting your mom, of course. And your home in the Paldea region just so happens to be spacious, charming, and overlooks the ocean. It even has a huge vegetable and flower garden. Now, imagine how it would look decked out in holiday charm.
Twinkly lights over the roof, decorations in the trees, and maybe some red poinsettias in those gardens. Wouldn’t that look lovely under the warm sun? Plus, you can also enjoy eating festive sandwiches with your loved ones. Maybe the sandwich flag can be replaced by a Christmas-themed one in honor of the season.
9 Pewter City
As a trainer, Pewter City in Kanto is where you will obtain the Boulder Badge after defeating the Rock-type Gym Leader Brock. But as a vacationer, Pewter City is where you can enjoy attractions such as the Pewter Museum of Science and numerous small parks.
These small parks can add some festive cheer to the city in the form of snowmen and snow sculptures. The sculptures can even be fossil themed. After all, who wouldn’t want to see a frosty version of Aerodactyl overlooking the museum? Speaking of the museum, can you imagine all the fun ways their staff can combine science and the holidays? Expect to see a lot of Holmium puns (Ho! Ho! Ho!)
8 Ecruteak City
If you are a fan of Pokemon history (and traditional Japanese style), look no further than Ecruteak City in Johto. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but picture how picturesque it will become under the shining lights of the seasons and how the well-known attractions can take on a festive charm.
The Ecruteak Dance Theater’s Kimono Girls can switch their kimonos for more holiday-themed ones, the Burned Tower can be surrounded by Christmas candles, and the Bell Tower can be decorated with lots of golden bells. And everyone knows every time a bell rings; an angel gets their wings. Or maybe, a Ho-oh loses a feather?
7 Ballonlea
For those who prefer a holiday vacation surrounded by ivy-covered cottages, towering trees, and giant glowing mushrooms, head to the Galar region and visit Ballonlea.
This place already looks like a magical painting, so why not add some ornaments to the scenery? Stockings can be hung across the mushrooms, presents can be hidden under and behind the trees, and eco-friendly tree tinsel can be twisted all over the Pokemon Center. The town can even borrow an Ice-type Pokemon and have them use Blizzard to really bring in the Christmas cheer.
6 Lumiose City
Lumiose City in Kalos is one of those cities that you won’t ever be able to forget. From its twisting, maze-like streets to its stylish shops and amazing architecture, this city has everything you want from a fancy, metropolitan vacation spot.
During the holiday season, this already bright and illuminating city can become doubly so thanks to Christmas lights and festive music. Plus, with all the cafes Lumiose has to offer, each eatery can feature its own unique winter dessert or specialty warm drink. Hot chocolate and a Supreme Winter Poke Puff, anyone?
5 Anistar City
If the hustle and bustle of Lumiose City starts to become overwhelming, then why not take a quick trip to Anistar City? Though not as flashy as Lumiose, Anistar has its own sparkling charm.
Since the city’s iconic giant pink crystal sundial already resembles a very fancy Christmas tree star topper, why not add some foliage to really make it pop? Trees can be topped with mini versions of the sundial sprinkled throughout the town and at the main attraction. Pink might not be a Christmas-y color, but it’s always nice to try something new during the holidays.
4 Castelia City
Though Castelia City’s working environment may not seem as entertaining as Unova’s other major city, Nimbasa, it still has a lot to offer. Since Castelia itself is modeled after New York City, imagine the types of holiday delights that can come from this Big Apple. Windows filled with Christmas displays, bells ringing throughout the streets, and a giant Christmas tree in one of Castelia’s major parks.
Additionally, the office for Game Freak is located here, allowing you to step in and wish Morimoto, the game designer for Pokemon, a Happy New Year.
3 Sootopolis City
Usually, the holiday season means visiting and reconnecting with long-time friends and distant family. But, what if you don’t want to see them? What if you want some ‘me time’ during your precious December days off? If that’s the case, then Sootopolis City, located in Hoenn, is the perfect spot for you. This hidden slice of paradise is only accessible by Pokemon who know Fly or Dive, making it the ultimate hideaway and getaway spot.
Here, you can do whatever tradition your heart desires. Sleep all day? Sure. Open your presents early? Go ahead. No one at Sootopolis will judge or stop you from celebrating things your way.
2 Seafolk Village
If you've had enough of big city vacations, try visiting the Seafolk Village in Alola. Although many towns and cities in this tropical region feature ocean views, Seafolk Village is established on the waters itself and offers a special experience for vacationers who are willing to sail away from it all.
Since the main attraction here are the Pokemon-themed boats, this village’s holiday evolution can mean decking these boats out in Santa-themed hats, red poofy coats, and reindeer antlers. And instead of snowy, icy snowmen, sandy snowmen and sand-themed holiday castles can be made and displayed on the pier itself. The weather might not be frightful, but that doesn’t make this town any less delightful.
1 Floaroma Town
Ever wanted to vacation in a field of flowers? In Sinnoh’s Floaroma Town you can. As its namesake implies, Floaroma is filled with colorful flowers and heavenly floral scents. It’s a beautiful location and, during the holidays, this place can utilize its flowers and transform them into decorations. Like a Christmas show held at a botanical garden, Floaroma Town can make holiday-themed centerpieces entirely out of foliage. Maybe they can even add a toy train.
They can also use the berries typically utilized as currency in the Pick a Peck of Colors Flower Shop to make mulled wine or bake them into Christmas poffins. Nothing says ‘happy holidays’ like purchasing knickknacks and devouring something sweet and spicy.