Nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like an ugly Christmas sweater party. It’s the perfect mix of laughter, creativity, and cozy celebration — where everyone competes to wear the most over-the-top holiday outfit possible. Whether you’re planning your first ugly sweater party or looking to make this year’s even more memorable, this guide walks you through every step of the process — from planning and holiday party invitations to food, games, and decorations — so you can host a party everyone will remember.
What Is an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party?
An ugly sweater party is a festive holiday tradition that celebrates all things tacky and cheerful. Guests arrive wearing their most outrageous Christmas sweaters — think reindeer faces with blinking noses, 3D tinsel, and more pom-poms than you ever thought possible. The goal is to outdo one another with creativity, humor, and holiday spirit.
While these parties started as a fun nod to retro fashion, they’ve evolved into one of the season’s most beloved holiday gatherings. Whether hosted at home, at the office, or even virtually, an ugly Christmas sweater party is an easy, inclusive way to bring people together.
To make yours special, choose whether you want a casual potluck night, a photo-ready themed bash, or a family-friendly event with games and crafts. Whatever your style, the key is to lean into the joyful chaos — the uglier, the better!
How to Plan an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Hosting a great ugly sweater party starts with a few simple steps.
1. Pick a Theme or Twist
Give your event a fun theme to set it apart. Here are some ugly Christmas sweater party ideas to inspire you:
- Classic Christmas Cheer: Think Santa, snowmen, and red-and-green everything.
- Winter Wonderland: Encourage sweaters with snowflakes, glitter, and icy tones.
- DIY Extravaganza: Have guests create their own sweaters using craft supplies — the more handmade chaos, the better!
- Pop Culture Christmas: Everyone wears a holiday sweater inspired by their favorite movie, show, or meme.
- Matching Madness: Have couples or teams coordinate sweaters for double the fun.
2. Choose a Date and Location
Aim for a weekend in December when most guests are free. Hosting at home creates a cozy atmosphere, but you can also reserve a community space or even host outdoors with heaters and blankets.
3. Create a Guest List and Budget
Decide early how many people you’ll invite and what your budget looks like. Consider food, drinks, prizes, and décor when planning.
4. Add Contests and Prizes
A little competition always makes things more fun! Offer small prizes for categories like:
- Ugliest Sweater Overall
- Most Creative Design
- Best DIY Sweater
- Funniest Theme
Simple prizes like gift cards, ornaments, or homemade treats work great.
5. Don’t Forget the Music and Photos
Put together a festive playlist full of holiday hits and upbeat classics. Create a DIY photo booth with props so guests can capture their sweaters — and easily turn those snapshots into photo prints or holiday cards through Shutterfly afterward.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Invitations
Set the tone for your event with custom holiday party invitations that match your sweater theme. On Shutterfly, you can easily create invitations with playful designs — from bold sweaters and ornaments to snowflakes and Christmas lights. Add photos, change the color palette, and include festive fonts to make it uniquely yours. Personalized invites instantly get guests excited and let them know this will be a party full of laughter and holiday cheer.
Ugly Sweater Party Invitation Wording Examples
The wording on your invitation should capture your party’s playful, festive spirit. Keep the tone lighthearted and clear, and don’t forget to include RSVP details and any specifics like potluck contributions or gift exchanges. Here are a few examples and templates you can use or tweak for your own invitations:
Example One:
Eat, Drink & Be Ugly
Join Us For An
Ugly Sweater Party
Friday, December 20th at 6 pm
Jess and Michael’s Home
1678 Turlock Lane
Columbus, OH
Prizes For the Best/Worst Sweaters
RSVP by December 10th to 805.447.3325
Example Two:
‘Tis The Season For An
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Prize For the Person Wearing the Tackiest Holiday Sweater
Join Us
Saturday, December 5, 2017 | 6:30 PM
The Uhar Residence | 418 North Johnson
Oak Park, Illinois
RSVP to Claire at 708.594.4436 before November 25th
Example Three:
We’re Having a Party
And Things are Going to Get UGLY
Wear a Ho-Ho-Horrible Holiday Sweater
December 12th at 7pm
Chris & Jill’s House
902 Liberty Drive, Raleigh
RSVP call/text Jill
980.375.3333
Prize For the Person Wearing the Ugliest Sweater
Example Four:
It’s the Most Tacky Time of the Year
Come to Our
Tacky Christmas Sweater Party
Dress to Impress in Your Holiday Worst Prizes Will be Awarded
December 12th at 5pm
1829 Walnut Ave. San Mateo, California
RSVP by December 7th at 305.358.0815
Example Five:
Get Ready to Sleigh in Style!
You’re invited to our annual Ugly Sweater Party
Saturday, December 14th | 7:00 PM
The Turner Residence | 298 Holly Lane
Hot Cocoa, Cocktails, and Cheer!
Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater — prizes await!
Example Six:
Fa La La La Fabulous (and Tacky!)
It’s time for some festive fun at our
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
December 21st at 5:30 PM
The Smith Family Home
Potluck dinner | Games | Prizes
RSVP to Kelly by December 10th
Example Seven:
The Uglier, The Merrier!
Join us for an evening of festive chaos at our
Ugly Sweater Holiday Bash
Friday, December 13th at 7 PM
212 Pinecone Court, Springfield
Bring your favorite appetizer or dessert to share
Prize for the Ugliest Sweater of the Night!
Fun Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Game Ideas
Games are an essential part of any ugly Christmas sweater party, keeping guests entertained, breaking the ice, and making the celebration memorable. Here are several ideas to inspire your party planning.
Ugliest Sweater Contest
The highlight of most ugly sweater parties is the competition to see who can wear the tackiest, most outrageous outfit. Have guests vote for their favorites or cheer to decide the winner. Categories can include “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Best DIY Sweater.” Small prizes like candy canes, mini trophies, or festive ornaments make the contest even more exciting. You can even get playful with a “Most Hilariously Ugly” award for truly over-the-top sweaters.
Runway Show
Bring a fashion show vibe to your party by hosting a sweater runway show. Clear a small space where guests can strut their sweaters to holiday music while friends cheer them on. Encourage participants to show off details like blinking lights, pom-poms, or sewn-on ornaments. You can add a twist by giving fun titles like “Silliest Strut” or “Sparkliest Sweater” to recognize creative efforts.
Photo Booth Challenge
Set up a festive photo booth area with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or oversized candy canes. Guests can pose alone or in groups, creating funny or memorable pictures. Encourage a contest for “Funniest Group Photo” or “Most Festive Pose.” These snapshots can double as keepsakes, later turned into holiday cards or photo books through Shutterfly.
Holiday Trivia
Test your guests’ knowledge with a holiday trivia game. Include questions about classic Christmas songs, holiday movies, and seasonal traditions. Trivia can be played individually or in teams, which helps guests mingle and sparks conversation. Add a silly prize, like a mini holiday figurine, for the winning team to keep the energy light and festive.
Christmas Movie Bingo
Create bingo cards featuring scenes, quotes, or characters from favorite holiday movies. As guests watch a clip or answer trivia questions, they can mark off spaces on their cards. This game adds a fun interactive element and gives even quiet guests a way to participate.
DIY Sweater Station
Provide plain sweaters and craft supplies like felt, glitter, pom-poms, and tinsel so guests can decorate on the spot. This DIY sweater station is perfect for adding extra fun, especially if you plan to have a “best DIY” category in your sweater contest. Guests can get creative, collaborate, and even compete to make the most outrageous designs.
Secret Santa or White Elephant
No holiday party is complete without a gift exchange. A Secret Santa allows guests to give thoughtful, personalized gifts, while a White Elephant exchange brings hilarious, unexpected surprises. Both are great for encouraging interaction, laughter, and memorable moments. You can even combine the exchange with a sweater twist, like giving small prizes for “ugliest sweater-themed gifts.”
By including a mix of these games, your ugly sweater party will keep everyone laughing, mingling, and fully immersed in the festive spirit.
Festive Ugly Sweater Party Decoration Ideas
Transform your space with over-the-top ugly sweater party decorations that match your theme. The more whimsical and colorful, the better!
- Sweater-Inspired Garland: Cut out paper sweater shapes and hang them as garland across walls or doorways.
- Festive Photo Backdrop: Use wrapping paper, tinsel curtains, or string lights as a DIY photo wall.
- Table Décor: Add sweater-patterned tablecloths, mismatched holiday napkins, and mini ornaments scattered across tables.
- Cozy Lighting: Use warm string lights and candles to give the space a soft holiday glow.
- DIY Touches: Frame past party photos or display Shutterfly photo Christmas ornaments for extra charm.
A tip: choose one main color palette — like red, green, and gold — so even your “ugly” setup still feels festive and inviting.
Christmas Party Food & Dessert Ideas
The menu is where you can have just as much fun as the outfits. Keep it easy to prep and serve, and sprinkle in some themed treats:
Appetizers
- Mini grilled cheese bites with tomato soup shooters
- Cheese balls shaped like Christmas ornaments
- Snowman-shaped mozzarella skewers
- Spinach and artichoke dip in a bread bowl
Drinks
- Signature Cocktail: Cranberry mules, peppermint martinis, or spiked eggnog
- Mocktail Station: Hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, candy canes, and whipped cream
- Warm Options: Mulled wine, cider, or coffee with cinnamon sticks
Desserts
- Sweater-shaped sugar cookies decorated with icing
- Cupcakes with red and green frosting
- A “decorate your own cookie” table
- Candy cane brownies or hot chocolate trifle cup
Related Resources
At the heart of any holiday gathering is the chance to connect with the people who matter most. Whether you’re laughing over a ridiculous sweater, swapping gifts, or sharing a favorite treat, these moments become the memories you’ll carry long after the decorations come down. So light the twinkle lights, fill your home with warmth and cheer, and enjoy the simple joy of being together. This season is about the laughter, the shared stories, and the little traditions that make every celebration feel special — whatever form your party takes, let it be bright, merry, and full of heart.
Additional Resources:
