National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day on Dec. 19 brings back the loud knits many people dig out of storage each year. The trend has long been part of holiday culture, carried by festive designs first introduced in mid-century collections. As the tradition expands, the iconic sweater brings together families, students and workplace groups throughout the month.
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Within this growing holiday season, the ugly Christmas sweater does more than spark a quick laugh. Wearing one helps energize December celebrations that attract a steady turnout across many towns.
The start of the ugly sweater
The ugly Christmas sweater wasn’t originally meant to be ironic. It started in the 1950s when retailers began selling Jingle Bell Sweaters for the holidays. These knitwear featured bright colors and festive patterns such as reindeer, snowflakes and Santa motifs that families wore with pride.
By the 1980s, television gave the sweater a pop-culture boost. Sitcoms and films introduced characters wearing bold and mismatched knits that audiences loved for their humor and charm. “The Cosby Show” made Cliff Huxtable’s patterned sweaters instantly recognizable, while “Bridget Jones’ Diary” brought them back into the spotlight decades later with a now-iconic snowman design.
In 2002, two college students in Vancouver, Chris Boyd and Jordan Birch, decided to host an ugly sweater party. Guests arrived wearing their loudest Christmas attire, turning outdated sweaters into conversation pieces. The idea spread quickly across Canada and into the United States, where offices and campuses adopted the same spirit of friendly competition.
Fashion turns ugly into cool
Retailers recognized early that quirky sweaters could blend humor, nostalgia and commercial success during the holidays. Tipsy Elves, founded in 2011, became a prominent name in the category by designing bold knitwear that embraced humor and creativity. The company’s consistent online growth kept interest in lighthearted holiday apparel visible in the market.
Major retailers soon followed with seasonal releases that reached homes across the country. Walmart packed its collection with vivid colors and lively details that appeal to families and casual shoppers. Target added new sweaters that combined classic holiday patterns with pop-culture themes, which keep the designs current and appealing.
Online communities keep it lively
The internet has turned National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day into a wide-reaching celebration. Each December, hashtags like #UglyChristmasSweater and #UglySweaterDay fill social feeds with family photos and office contests that keep the tradition in view. Influencers and celebrities post their playful knits, which encourage more people to join in.
E-commerce and social media also help the trend stick. Etsy sellers list thousands of handmade and custom sweaters that cater to every style. Participants share decorated designs with lights or ornaments, keeping the celebration creative and visible across digital platforms.
Online platforms bring the event to new audiences each year. Retailers promote limited collections through ads and seasonal features, while creators post sponsored looks that connect with holiday shoppers. The wide reach of the internet helps keep the tradition familiar and present across communities.
Fashion meets charity
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day drives holiday fundraising efforts across the U.S. In Chicago, DePaul University’s 2025 campaign invited donors to contribute $45 or more for a limited-edition sweatshirt and used the proceeds to support its Basic Needs Hub. The initiative combined school pride with direct community impact.
On the East Coast, HIMSS NCA organized its Ugly Sweater Charity Holiday Party in Alexandria, Va., raising funds for Toys for Tots. Meanwhile, in Kansas City, the 21st Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party gathered residents for a cause, collecting donations for Operation Breakthrough, a nonprofit that supports children in poverty. Both events turned holiday cheer into meaningful support for families in need.
Farther west, the 4th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Skating Event raises funds for homeless-relief programs. Organizers direct donations toward new socks, winter coats and local meal programs run by New Journey Church and Reading High School. The event’s growing turnout each year strengthens its role in addressing real community needs.
Ways to join the fun
Celebrating National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day takes little effort and creativity. Many wear a sweater they already own, buy one secondhand or decorate a plain knit with simple add-ons. The goal is to enjoy the day and share the fun.
Workplaces schedule sweater days during the week before Christmas, adding photo booths or small contests for a touch of cheer. Remote teams join through virtual calls that keep the same energy. Schools take part in classroom photos and spirit-week themes that build excitement before the break.
Others celebrate with sustainability in mind. Some swap sweaters with friends or shop at thrift stores that prepare racks of eye-catching options for the season. The practice helps reduce waste while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
A playful holiday tradition
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day on Dec. 19 brings a light, festive feel to homes and public spaces across the country. Families step out in bright knitwear for simple gatherings that fit easily into busy holiday schedules. The day keeps its charm by giving people a good reason to share a bit of seasonal fun.
Zuzana Paar is the creator of Sustainable Life Ideas, a lifestyle blog dedicated to simple, intentional and eco-friendly living. With a global perspective shaped by years abroad, she shares everyday tips, thoughtful routines and creative ways to live more sustainably, without the overwhelm.
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