National Ugly Sweater Day

National Ugly Sweater Day is observed on the third Friday in December. This lighthearted holiday gives everyone permission to embrace tacky fashion and seasonal kitsch without judgment. It is a day dedicated to the loud, clashing, and overly embellished knitwear that has transformed from a fashion faux pas into a beloved cultural phenomenon.

History of National Ugly Sweater Day

The roots of the ugly sweater trend can be traced back to the 1980s, where they were popularized by television sitcoms and films. Characters like Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show and Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation wore colorful, patterned knits that were considered fashionable at the time. However, by the 1990s, these garments had largely faded from style and were often viewed as embarrassing relics found only in the back of a closet or at a thrift store.

The modern revival of the tradition began in 2002 in Vancouver, Canada, when Jordan Birch and Chris Boyd hosted the first recorded “Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.” Their goal was to raise money for a friend’s cancer treatment while having fun with the outdated fashion. The event was a massive success, sparking a global trend that turned ironic appreciation of these garments into a mainstream holiday staple. By 2011, the day was officially established to celebrate the humor and joy these sweaters bring to the festive season.

Why is National Ugly Sweater Day important?

This day serves as a delightful antidote to the pressure of holiday perfection. December is often filled with the stress of gift shopping, cooking elaborate meals, and maintaining a polished appearance for family gatherings. National Ugly Sweater Day encourages people to let their guard down and be intentionally silly. It fosters a sense of camaraderie, as seeing a colleague or stranger in a ridiculous sweater instantly breaks the ice and creates a shared moment of laughter.

Additionally, the holiday has developed a strong charitable component. Many organizations and workplaces use the day as a fundraising opportunity, encouraging participants to donate to causes like Save the Children in exchange for the privilege of wearing their festive gear. It turns a simple act of dressing up into a powerful tool for community support, proving that something “ugly” can do a lot of beautiful good for the world.

• It relieves the stress of trying to look perfect during the holidays.
• It brings humor and lightness to workplaces and schools.
• It often supports charitable causes through fundraising events.
• It encourages creativity through DIY sweater projects.
• It creates a fun, shared experience that connects strangers.

How to Celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day

The most direct way to observe the holiday is to wear your tackiest winter knit from morning until night. Whether you are at the office, school, or running errands, the rule is to keep the sweater on all day. You can scour thrift shops for vintage gems from the 80s or buy a modern version featuring blinking lights, 3D ornaments, and loud patterns. The goal is to choose a garment that is aggressively festive and makes people smile.

For a more hands-on approach, you can host a DIY party where friends customize plain sweaters with tinsel, felt shapes, and pom-poms. Hosting a contest with categories like “Most Flammable,” “Loudest Colors,” or “Best Use of Glitter” adds a competitive edge to the fun. If you are in a workplace, organize a group photo or a fundraiser where employees donate a small amount to wear their sweaters, combining festive cheer with community giving.

• Scour local thrift stores for authentic vintage knits.
• Add bells, tinsel, or battery-powered lights to a plain sweater.
• Host a competition with prizes for the tackiest outfit.
• Donate to a children’s charity as part of the celebration.
• Wear your sweater confidently to every event on your schedule.

National Ugly Sweater Day Dates Table