How the 'A' Stole Christmas

How the 'A' Stole Christmas is the thirteenth episode of Season 5 of Pretty Little Liars. It will air on December 9, 2014 as the series first Christmas episode.

Synopsis
Christmas is quickly approaching, and all of Rosewood is full of merriment, except for Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer, who aren't feeling much holiday cheer after the loss of Mona and Spencer's murder charge looming over them. But when an opportunity presents itself with the chance to get evidence to clear Spencer's name, the girls and their partners devise a plan to get justice for Mona and finally bring Alison down. If the plan is successful, it could be a very Merry Christmas after all.

Meanwhile, Alison gets a glimpse at the past, present and future by a ghostly presence.

Spoilers/Notes

 * This episode will be set about a month after the Summer Finale. Source
 * Marlene describes this episode as a horror with epic romance. Source
 * Raw thoughts on the episode - "Sweeping shot into the room, camera finds lit up gazebo. Magical feel. The PLLs slowly turn to us, looking - revealing their beautiful dresses".
 * There will be an Ice Ball. Source
 * More than one PLL boyfriend may be wearing Santa boxers in the episode. Source
 * There will be a "Little Alison" flashback. Source
 * There will be a Jessica flashback, which may be with "Little Alison".
 * On July 18, Marlene tweeted - "A certain PLL wants her bed buddy to wear sexy santa boxers for Christmas. She gets what she asked for x 4!"
 * On July 18, Marlene tweeted - "Let it snow let it snow. There's nowhere to go. Family is far. But friends are near. Table for eight my dear. #PLLChristmas"
 * On July 18, Marlene tweeted "Hark the herald angels sing. Glory to the newborn queen. #MajorPllHolidayClue"
 * CeCe will be back for this episode. Source
 * Mona will appear as the ghost of Christmas past, present and future. Source
 * Either in this episode or the next, we will find out how Mona was killed and see her death scene. Source
 * Mona will leave something for the liars, to help them figure out what happened. Source
 * There will be a romantic kiss under some mistletoe. Source
 * Marlene tweeted - "I've seen it [the episode] about 20 times. The "dinner scene" still makes me laugh and cry." Source
 * When asked to describe Haleb in the episode Marlene King said, "They are very, very cute, and they may be dressed up as elves". Source
 * When asked to describe Emison in the episode Marlene King said, "Oh Emison, that's a tough one. It might not be a happy Christmas for them". Source
 * When asked to describe Paily in the episode Marlene King said, "There is some hope for Paily interaction at Christmas". Source
 * When asked to describe Spoby in the episode Marlene King said, "Some very, very fun and romantic gestures. It will all make sense after people watch the episode". Source
 * When asked to describe Ezria in the episode Marlene King said, "Ezra's story is just going to be really fun and romantic. Ezra is a really good cook we actually find out". Source
 * Lucy has said that this episode sorts of sets up the remainder of season five. Source

Title and Background

 * Marlene King revealed the title in her Reddit interview.
 * The title refers to the 1957 Dr Seuss' book, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".

Main Cast

 * Troian Bellisario as Spencer Hastings
 * Ashley Benson as Hanna Marin
 * Lucy Hale as Aria Montgomery
 * Shay Mitchell as Emily Fields
 * Janel Parrish as Mona Vanderwaal
 * Sasha Pieterse as Alison DiLaurentis

Supporting Cast

 * Ian Harding as Ezra Fitz
 * Keegan Allen as Toby Cavanaugh
 * Tyler Blackburn as Caleb Rivers
 * Lindsey Shaw as Paige McCullers
 * Tammin Sursok as Jenna Marshall
 * Sean Faris as Gabriel Holbrook
 * Andrea Parker as Jessica DiLaurentis
 * Brendan Robinson as Lucas Gottesman
 * Vanessa Ray as CeCe Drake
 * Cody Allen Christian as Mike Montgomery
 * Chloe Bridges as Sydney Driscoll
 * Isabella Rice as Little Alison

Trivia

 * The table read was on July 14, 2014.
 * Filming began July 16, 2014 and wrapped July 25, 2014.
 * The episode will air December 19 in Australia.