On Dec. 19, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day encourages people to go all in on sequins, jingle bells and bold patterns. It’s a day many enjoy because it gives them a reason to wear an ugly sweater that sparks quick smiles. At home, families pull out their favorites and let the sweaters carry the holiday mood through the rest of the day.
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Out around town, ugly sweaters act as moving decorations at offices, schools and neighborhood spots. One loud knit can shift the atmosphere in a lobby or line, giving people something simple and funny to react to.
Community gatherings embrace festive sweaters
Local groups across the United States included Ugly Christmas Sweater Day in their early December plans. In Kansas City, the Social-Waldo gathering took place on Dec. 6 and raised funds for Operation Breakthrough. The program helped support children and families who rely on yearlong community services.
In Columbia, S.C., the Ugly Sweater 5K on Dec. 13 at Gills Creek Memorial Park brought residents together for a holiday run. Organizers used the event to support the Metropolitan Children’s Advocacy Center. Participants joined to promote physical activity while helping a local cause.
Phoenix held an Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl on Dec. 13, which encouraged guests to visit multiple bars during the event. Brooklyn also joined the season with the NYC Ugly Sweater 5K and half-marathon on Dec. 14, in Prospect Park. The run aimed to promote community engagement during a busy month and offered themed gear to encourage participation.
Shoppers reach for sweaters
Stores prepare early because many shoppers start shopping for sweaters once December arrives. Tipsy Elves offers bright designs that fit the playful nature of the celebration. The company also sponsors an organization that promotes Ugly Christmas Sweater Day to run seasonal campaigns that support charity partners.
Some online sellers receive steady orders during the first half of the month. Shoppers track delivery updates as school programs and workplace plans fill their schedules. Product listings present holiday prints that help buyers make quick choices.
Craft shops guide families who want handmade designs. Michaels provides felt pieces and simple supplies for evening projects, while Hobby Lobby carries fabric glue and holiday accents so parents can help children with basic crafting.
Schools, offices and charities bring fun
At Hawaiian Elementary in Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., students and staff marked Dec. 17 with Ugly Sweater Day as a simple dress-up theme in the middle of spirit week. At Doral Academy in Texas, the Dec. 16 event turned into a small fundraiser, with students paying $2 to wear a holiday sweater. In both campuses, the theme brought a simple holiday touch to the last days before winter break.
Charitable participation also gained attention through the HIMSS NCA Chapter’s 2025 Ugly Sweater Holiday Charity Party in Alexandria, Va., on Dec. 10. Guests arrived in festive sweaters and contributed to Toys for Tots through monetary donations. The gathering offered a clear way to support families while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and easy to join.
Co-working spaces also joined the celebration as FOCUS Coworking in the Madison area hosted an ugly sweater gathering on Dec. 11, where members spent the evening socializing and joining a simple contest. Community venues played a role too, as the Northern New Mexico toy drive held its sweater party at Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos to support children in the area.
Join in on sweater day
People join National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day by choosing sweaters that match their style or sense of humor. Some buy new pieces from online shops known for bold designs. Others wear sweaters they already have at home.
Participants plan small activities that fit naturally into their schedules. Families take photos before heading out for the day so they have something to share with relatives or friends. Groups meet at nearby cafes or markets to enjoy a few minutes of conversation while comparing their sweaters.
Those who prefer DIY create their own versions at home or go to a thrift store. Craft stores offer basic supplies that support simple decoration projects, and parents often guide children through easy steps that keep things manageable.
Share the celebration online
Many people choose to share their participation in National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day through simple posts on major platforms. Photos taken at home or during morning routines often become the first updates of the day. Others add short notes about where they found their sweater or why they chose that design.
Event participation also finds its way online. Community runs, charity parties and bar crawls usually provide public pages where attendees can post photos or confirm their spot. Online updates help viewers see how many gatherings appear across December as organizers release their schedules.
Short videos add another layer of activity during the celebration. Some capture a quick look at the front of a sweater while others record moments with friends at local events. These posts help the celebration move through social feeds in a steady, easy way that fits the pace of the season.
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day endures
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day keeps its appeal because it gives people a simple, fun way to join the season. Communities use the day to create moments that anyone can take part in, even with just a few minutes to spare. Each year, it settles a little deeper into the holiday lineup, becoming one of the light traditions people return to without much planning.
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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