National Ugly Sweater Day is celebrated every year on the third Friday of December, giving people a fun excuse to pull out (or shop for) the loudest, most tacky holiday sweater they can find. In 2026, that falls on December 18th.
History of National Ugly Sweater Day
Ugly holiday sweaters trace their origins back to the 1950s and 60s, when novelty Christmas sweaters featuring bold patterns, reindeer, and holiday motifs first became popular gifts and department store items. By the 1980s, these sweaters had become something of a fashion punchline, often associated with outdated or overly enthusiastic holiday spirit.
The trend took a sharp turn in the early 2000s and 2010s, when what was once considered a fashion mistake became a beloved, intentional party theme. “Ugly sweater parties” grew rapidly in popularity, encouraging people to seek out or even design the most over-the-top festive sweaters possible, wearing them with pride rather than embarrassment. National Ugly Sweater Day emerged from this cultural shift, celebrating the trend on a dedicated day each December.
How to Celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day
- Wear your ugliest, most festive holiday sweater to work, school, or a party
- Host or attend an ugly sweater party with friends or coworkers
- Thrift shop for a genuinely tacky vintage sweater
- Get creative and DIY your own ugly sweater with patches, lights, or ornaments
- Share your ugly sweater photos on social media using #UglySweaterDay
Fun Facts About Ugly Sweaters
- Novelty Christmas sweaters first became popular gift items in the 1950s and 60s.
- Ugly sweater parties grew dramatically in popularity throughout the 2000s and 2010s, transforming a fashion punchline into an intentional trend.
- Some ugly sweaters now include battery-powered lights, sound effects, or pop-up 3D decorations for maximum festive effect.
- Retailers now design and sell “intentionally ugly” sweaters specifically for the holiday season, turning the trend into a genuine retail category.
- Ugly sweater parties are sometimes used as charity fundraisers, with entry fees or donations tied to wearing the most outrageous sweater.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Ugly Sweater Day?
National Ugly Sweater Day is celebrated on the third Friday of December each year. In 2026, that falls on December 18th.
Where can I find an ugly Christmas sweater?
Thrift stores, novelty shops, and most major retailers sell ugly Christmas sweaters, especially during the holiday season, both in stores and online.
What makes a sweater “ugly” enough for the occasion?
Bold colors, busy patterns, holiday motifs like reindeer or snowmen, and added embellishments like pom-poms or lights are all hallmarks of a classic ugly Christmas sweater.