National Ugly Sweater Day
Dress your best (or worst!) for National Ugly Sweater Day - get creative and have some fun with funky patterns, bright colors, and outrageous accessories!
Introduction
Here you go! Get ready to embrace the glorious tackiness of National Ugly Sweater Day with this fun and festive guide. Get ready to dig through the back of your closet! It's that time of year again when fashion takes a holiday, and the more tinsel, pom-poms, and flashing lights on your chest, the better. National Ugly Sweater Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the season with a sense of humor. It’s a day dedicated to embracing those wonderfully gaudy, delightfully tacky, and hilariously festive sweaters that are too amazing to stay hidden away. So, whether you're heading to a party, a contest, or just want to spread some joy, it's time to wear that masterpiece with pride and let your festive spirit shine!
👕 National Ugly Sweater Day Countdown
Saturday
19
December 2026
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National Ugly Sweater Day Timeline
2002
Ugly Sweater Parties Begin
The "ugly sweater party" trend takes root in Vancouver, Canada, as a clever excuse to clean out the wardrobe.
2007
TV Helps Popularize Trend
The trend spreads to the United States with episodes of popular TV shows like "The Office" featuring ugly holiday sweater parties.
2010
National Retailers Get Involved
Major retailers like Nordstrom, Forever 21, and Wal-Mart begin selling new "ugly" holiday sweaters.
2011
Inception of National Ugly Sweater Day
National Ugly Sweater Day is officially acknowledged in the United States, to be celebrated on the third Friday in December.
2014
Google Celebrates With Doodle
Google honours National Ugly Sweater Day with a fun, interactive doodle on its homepage.
2019
Ugly Sweaters for a Cause
Mark Rober, former NASA engineer, creates a line of ugly holiday sweaters that also double as mobile games, with proceeds going to charity.
How to Celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day
1
Host an ugly sweater party
Invite your friends to dress up in their ugliest sweaters and join in the fun. Have a contest for the ugliest sweater and the best dressed, with prizes for the winners.
2
Shop for an ugly sweater
Check out your local thrift stores for ugly sweaters. There are sure to be plenty of options, from sparkly sequins to gaudy holiday prints.
3
Craft an ugly sweater
Get creative and craft your own ugly sweater. Raid your local craft store or dollar store for materials like fabric paint, pom poms, ribbons, and glitter.
4
Organize an ugly sweater 5K
Invite your friends and family to join you in running a 5K in their ugliest sweaters. Have a post race celebration with snacks, music, and prizes.
5
Hold an ugly sweater contest
Gather your friends together and have a virtual or in person ugly sweater contest. Let everyone vote on the ugliest, most outrageous, and funniest sweaters.
Why We Love National Ugly Sweater Day
A
Ugly sweaters are fun and quirky
Ugly sweaters can be the perfect way to show your unique and quirky style. With their bright colors, wild patterns, and sometimes ridiculous designs, they're definitely something that can't be missed! They also act as great conversation starters and make for excellent holiday party outfits.
B
Ugly sweaters bring people together
There's nothing like wearing an ugly sweater to a holiday gathering to get people talking and laughing. Wearing an ugly sweater is sure to draw plenty of attention and ensure you always feel like you fit in, no matter what else is going on around you.
C
Ugly sweaters are timeless
The beauty of ugly sweaters is that they never go out of style. Even if they may look a little dated this year, chances are they'll be making a comeback next year - or even the next one after that! So embrace your inner fashionista (or anti-fashionista) and stock up on those festive knits - they won't let you down!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Ugly Sweater Day?
Mark your calendars for the tackiest day of the year! While many love to celebrate around December 19th, the official day jingles in on the third Friday of December. This year, get your gaudy gear ready for 19th, and it will be a Saturday in 2026!
What is the point of National Ugly Sweater Day?
The point is pure, simple fun! It’s a lighthearted tradition that encourages people not to take themselves too seriously during the holidays and to celebrate with a sense of humor and festive cheer.
How did the ugly sweater tradition start?
The trend gained momentum in the 1980s with cheesy holiday sitcoms, but it really took off in the early 2000s when a couple of friends in Vancouver hosted the first-ever dedicated "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party." It's been a beloved tradition ever since!
What do people do on this day?
People wear their ugliest holiday sweaters to work, school, or just out and about. Many also host or attend ugly sweater parties, which often include contests, games, and festive treats.
What makes a sweater "ugly"?
Think over-the-top! Key elements include clashing colors, 3D objects like pom-poms or bells, tinsel, felt appliques, flashing LED lights, and funny or awkward holiday scenes.
Where can I find an ugly sweater?
You can find them almost anywhere during the holiday season! Check out thrift stores for vintage gems, major retail stores for new designs, or online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy for endless options.
How can I make my own DIY ugly sweater?
It's easy and fun! Start with a plain sweater and get creative with a glue gun. Add tinsel, ornaments, felt cutouts, battery-powered lights, and anything else festive you can find at a craft store.
Are there official rules for an ugly sweater?
There are no official rules, and that's the beauty of it! The only guideline is to have fun and embrace the tackiness. The more creative and personal, the better.
Is this day only for Christmas sweaters?
While Christmas themes are the most common, any festive and gaudy holiday sweater works! You'll see sweaters for Hanukkah, winter in general, or even pop culture-themed holiday designs.
What are some good ugly sweater party ideas?
Host a sweater-making station, hold a contest with categories like "Most Blinky" or "Funniest," set up a photo booth with props, and serve festive holiday-themed snacks and drinks.
Why are ugly sweaters so popular?
They're a fun and nostalgic way to break the ice and connect with people. They bring a dose of humor and lightheartedness to the often-stressful holiday season, allowing everyone to just have a good laugh.
Is National Ugly Sweater Day a real holiday?
While it's not a public or federal holiday (you probably won't get the day off work!), it is a widely recognized and celebrated unofficial holiday across the United States and beyond.
What should I wear with my ugly sweater?
Keep it simple to let the sweater be the star! A pair of jeans or simple leggings works perfectly. You can also add a festive hat or silly glasses to complete the look.
Can I wear an ugly sweater to work?
Absolutely, in most workplaces! It's a great way to boost office morale. Just make sure it's appropriate for your company's culture and doesn't have any offensive designs on it.
Top Emojis for National Ugly Sweater Day
👕
The Star of the Show
This is it—the main event! Use this to represent your chosen ugly sweater, ask friends what they're wearing, or announce you've found the "perfect" one.
🎄
Classic Holiday Vibes
Nothing says "festive sweater" like a good old-fashioned Christmas tree. This emoji perfectly captures the theme, especially if your sweater has one on it!
🤣
The Reaction We Want
This is the goal, right? To find a sweater so ridiculously over-the-top that it makes everyone laugh. Use this to share a funny find or react to a friend's outfit.
🏆
For the Ultimate Winner
Many ugly sweater parties have a contest for the "best" (aka worst) one. This emoji is perfect for crowning the champion or showing you're in it to win it.
🦌
A Festive Friend
Reindeer are a classic motif on holiday sweaters, from cute and cuddly to hilariously awkward. It’s a perfect symbol for this fun tradition.
🥳
It's a Party!
This day is all about having fun and celebrating together. The party face shows you're ready for the festivities, the games, and all the ugly sweater fun.
National Ugly Sweater Day Dates
Year
Date
Day
2025
Dec 19
Friday
2026
Dec 19
Saturday
2027
Dec 19
Sunday
2028
Dec 19
Tuesday
2029
Dec 19
Wednesday
