An ugly sweater party might be the easiest holiday party to host. The dress code does half the work. The moment guests walk in wearing tinsel, pom-poms and blinking lights, the mood is set. Your job is to keep the fun going with good food, a few games and a contest worth bragging about. Here’s how to do it.
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Set the Tone With the Invitation
Make it clear that the uglier the sweater, the better. Mention that there will be prizes, because a little competition encourages people to go all out. If you plan a DIY station (more on that below), let guests know they can show up in a plain sweater and decorate it at the party. That way nobody skips the party because they don’t own anything tacky.
- Send invites two to three weeks ahead, since December calendars fill up fast.
- Include the contest categories so guests can plan their look.
- Ask guests to bring a snack or drink if you want to keep costs down.
Decorations: Go Big and Go Tacky
This is the one party where “too much” is the goal. Lean into it.
- Tinsel everywhere. Drape it over doorways, lamps and the backs of chairs.
- Mismatched lights. Mix colored lights, blinking strands and anything else you can find.
- Sweater garland. Cut mini sweater shapes from felt or paper and hang them on a string.
- A photo backdrop. Hang a shiny metallic fringe curtain and put out a basket of props like reindeer antlers, Santa hats and oversized glasses.
- Holiday music. Build a playlist of cheesy classics and keep it running all night.
Set Up a DIY Sweater Station
A decorating station gives early arrivals something to do, and it rescues guests who forgot to plan an outfit. Pick up a few plain sweaters or sweatshirts from a thrift store and set out supplies on a covered table:
- Pom-poms, felt shapes and jingle bells
- Tinsel garland and mini ornaments
- Hot glue guns (on a heat-safe mat) and safety pins
- Battery-powered fairy lights
- Iron-on patches and fabric markers
Safety pins work surprisingly well and don’t ruin a sweater someone wants to wear normally later. Keep hot glue guns away from the drink table and away from small kids if they’re coming.
Festive Food Ideas
Keep the menu easy to eat while standing and mingling. Finger foods are your friend.
Savory
- Pigs in a blanket with a few dipping sauces
- A charcuterie board arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree
- Slow cooker meatballs
- Caprese skewers in red, white and green
- Spinach dip in a bread bowl
Sweet
- Sugar cookies decorated like ugly sweaters (a great activity, too)
- Hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, crushed peppermint and whipped cream
- Peppermint bark
- Brownie bites topped with green frosting and sprinkles
Drinks
A big-batch punch saves you from playing bartender. Cranberry juice, ginger ale and orange slices make an easy base, and adults can add their own spirits if you choose to offer them. Always have plenty of non-alcoholic options and water on hand.
The Ugly Sweater Contest
The contest is the main event. Instead of one prize, use several categories so more people win. Some favorites:
- Ugliest Overall — The grand prize.
- Most Creative — For the sweater nobody has ever seen before.
- Best DIY — For a sweater made or improved at the party.
- Most Lights — The guest who could power the block.
- Best Couple or Group — Matching sweaters always deserve recognition.
Have guests vote by dropping paper slips into a jar or by placing stickers on a poster with everyone’s photo. Announce the winners about two-thirds of the way through the party, while everyone is still around.
Games to Keep the Party Going
Sweater Relay
Teams pass one giant sweater down the line, with each player putting it on and taking it off before handing it to the next person. The first team finished wins.
Holiday Charades
Write holiday movies, songs and traditions on slips of paper and act them out. It’s simple, and it works for any group size.
Cookie Decorating Showdown
Give everyone a plain sweater-shaped cookie and a few minutes to decorate it as tackily as possible. Vote on the winner, then eat the evidence.
Prize Ideas
Prizes don’t need to be expensive. Gift cards, a bag of fancy cocoa, a novelty mug or a silly trophy all work. A traveling trophy that the winner returns next year turns your party into a tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a guest doesn’t own an ugly sweater?
That’s what the DIY station is for. Thrift stores are full of plain sweaters, and a few minutes with pom-poms and tinsel turns any of them into a contest entry.
When should I hold an ugly sweater party?
Early to mid-December works well, before family holiday plans take over everyone’s calendar. Weekend evenings are the easiest time for most guests.
Shopping List: Ugly Sweater Party Supplies
- Metallic fringe backdrop — Instantly creates a photo spot that shows off every sweater.
- Christmas photo booth props — Gives shy guests an easy way to join the fun in photos.
- Assorted craft pom-poms — The backbone of any DIY sweater station.
- Battery fairy lights — Lets guests add glowing flair to any sweater.
- Ugly sweater contest trophy — Makes the winner’s victory official.
- Hot cocoa bar supplies — An easy, self-serve treat guests love.
Wrap It Up
The beauty of an ugly sweater party is that nobody has to look good. Everyone shows up ready to laugh at themselves, and that makes for a relaxed, memorable night. Go heavy on the tinsel, keep the snacks flowing and let the voting get competitive.
