13. How the 'A' Stole Christmas

Spencer is out on bail for Bethany Young’s murder, and her friends are hoping to find a way to prove her innocence. The girls are walking downtown when Mona’s lawyer approaches and gives Hanna an envelope. Inside is a map of the DiLaurentis house with Alison’s hiding spots labeled. Hanna thinks that Mona is telling them where to find proof that Alison is ‘A’. They decide the “Ice Ball” Alison is hosting could be the perfect opportunity for a heist. Alison has a vivid dream. Mona visits her from beyond the grave and shows her a memory: A young Alison finds two hidden Christmas gifts, each containing a yellow dress.

Alison’s mother insists that, if her father asks, she must say she only found one dress. Mona says this was the birth of the monster Alison became. The girls meet up at the ball. Once Alison arrives, Hanna and Spencer sneak away to search her house. Toby sits by Spencer’s bedroom window and acts as a lookout while they’re inside. Spencer finds newspapers that show Alison communicating with someone through personal ads. Hanna finds a fake passport, as well as a letter to Alison from Bethany. The letter proves that Alison invited Bethany to Rosewood the day she was killed.

Back at the ball, Aria and Emily are keeping eyes on Alison. Jenna, Sydney, Cindy, and Mindy seem to be members of her new clique. Aria sees Alison kiss Detective Holbrook. A little while later, Alison sneaks away to meet up with Cece. Aria and Emily are tricked by Cindy and Mindy, causing them to lose track of Alison. Toby texts Hanna and Spencer to warn them. Spencer hides, but Hanna is away from her phone. A black-hooded figure with a knife stalks through the house. The figure goes upstairs and Spencer follows.

She finds Hanna knocked out, but is able to wake her up. That night, Alison is visited by Mona in another dream. Alison sees a casket with her own body inside. She asks about the nature of her death, but Mona has no answers. She says no one cares about Alison’s fate. The girls and their partners celebrate Christmas together. A noise from the chimney interrupts the festivities. They go outside to find a message spelled out in lights strung across the Hastings’ barn: “Merry Christmas, Bitches. -A.”