National Ugly Sweater Day

Happy National Ugly Sweater Day! It’s time to pull out your wildest Christmas sweaters and prepare for some good-natured laughs. This quirky holiday has become a beloved American tradition, bringing friends and families together for some light-hearted fun.

History

The trend began in the 1950s when Christmas in the United States became highly commercialized, and sweaters were mass-produced and sold everywhere. Most of them were actually quite nice, which contributed to their popularity. Everything changed with the release of the series The Cosby Show in the 1980s, where Cliff Huxtable was frequently seen sporting sweaters with outlandish patterns—making the “ugly sweater” a phenomenon. In the 1990s, the trend faded, but it came roaring back in 2001 thanks to the film Bridget Jones’s Diary. The movie’s hilariously awkward holiday scenes made ugly sweaters trendy once more, turning them into a national favorite.

Ugly Christmas sweaters are so notoriously bad that they’re loved for their very tackiness! It’s a chance to laugh at yourself, be silly, and simply enjoy the company of others. That’s why National Ugly Sweater Day is a hit every December.

Interesting Facts

• About 23% of Americans receive an ugly sweater for Christmas and proudly show it off.
• Every year, 10% of people decide to attend an ugly sweater party for the first time.
• Most Americans can’t bring themselves to throw away an ugly sweater, no matter how hideous it is.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day by finding—or making—the ugliest sweater you can! Host a sweater party, join a community event, or design your own masterpiece with paints, tinsel, or anything that makes it unique. It’s all about fun and spreading holiday cheer.

When is National Ugly Sweater Day in 2025?

National Ugly Sweater Day is observed on the third Friday of December each year.

Observations