How to Host the Perfect Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Hosting an ugly Christmas sweater party is so much fun, and it’s actually super easy to pull together.

First, you’ve got to set the tone with the invitations. You can send digital invites or go all out with sweater-shaped cards to get everyone in the spirit.

I made it clear that the dress code was “the uglier, the better,” and it totally worked.

Don’t forget to decorate with the same cheesy, over-the-top vibe—think lots of tinsel, inflatable snowmen, and anything that screams “holiday kitsch!”

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Ideas

Ugly Sweater Contest: Crowning the Ugliest Sweater

No ugly sweater party is complete without a contest!

I had categories like “Funniest Sweater,” “Most Creative,” and, of course, “Ugliest Sweater of All.”

The competition got fierce!

We voted using secret ballots to keep it fair, and the prizes were simple but fun, like holiday mugs and Gingerbread man trophies.

Trust me, people really get into it when there’s a prize on the line, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved.

Party Games for Extra Fun

Games are a must at any party, and an ugly sweater party is no different!

One game that was a huge hit at my party was “Pin the Bow on the Sweater”—it’s like “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” but with a festive twist.

We also played “Ugly Sweater Bingo,” where the cards were full of holiday icons.

And for the grand finale, we had a Sweater Fashion Show where everyone got to strut their stuff. It was hilarious, and people went all out!

Food and Drink Ideas: Ugly Sweater Style

The food at an ugly sweater party should be as fun as the sweaters!

I made a batch of sugar cookies shaped like sweaters, and we had a little decorating station where people could design their own.

One of my friends made a Christmas Tree-Shaped charcuterie board, and needless to say, it was demolished in record time!

For drinks, we had a hot cocoa bar, complete with marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks.

You can’t forget the festive cocktails—my favorite was a peppermint-flavored eggnog that totally hit the spot!

Photo Booth Fun: Capture the Ugly Moments

One of the best parts of the party was the DIY photo booth.

I set it up with a backdrop of twinkly lights and had a ton of props like Santa hats, elf ears, and giant candy canes.

Everyone had a blast posing with their sweaters and creating ridiculous memories. I even put out an instant camera so guests could take home their own pictures as a keepsake.

It’s a great way to capture all the fun!

Jello Shots Tree

The Jello Shot Tree was such a hit at my last party! I made a bunch of colorful jello shots in different flavors and stacked them up in a pyramid to look like a Christmas tree.

It was super easy to make and ended up being the perfect party centerpiece. Everyone loved how it looked, and the best part? It doubled as a fun, interactive drink station!

We had shots in every color, from bright red to lime green, and even some blue ones. I started with a wide base and worked my way up until I had a full “tree.” People had so much fun picking their favorite colors and flavors.

Just a quick tip: remind everyone to pace themselves because those little shots can be strong!

The Jello Shot Tree really added to the festive vibe, and I’ll definitely be making it again for my next party.

Playlist: Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive

The right music makes all the difference! I created a playlist that mixed holiday classics with some upbeat party songs to keep the energy going.

We even did a bit of karaoke with some of the Christmas tunes—there’s something about belting out “Jingle Bell Rock” that just makes everyone laugh. Keeping the music festive really helped keep everyone in the holiday spirit all night long.

DIY Sweater Crafting Station

For guests who didn’t have a sweater or just wanted to get creative, I set up a DIY sweater station.

I bought a bunch of plain sweaters and provided all kinds of decorations like pom-poms, glitter, and felt shapes.

People got really into it and loved making their own ugly sweater masterpiece. Plus, it gave everyone something to do while waiting for the next game or contest to start!

Party Favors to End the Night

Sending your guests home with a little party favor is always a nice touch.

I gave out tiny ugly sweater ornaments and candy canes as people left, which was a fun reminder of the night.

A friend suggested a DIY cookie bag to take home and that’s also a GREAT idea.. I may try that one next year.

You could also give out mini holiday candles or even hot chocolate kits! It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just a small token to say “thanks for coming and being part of the fun.”

The Best Way to Celebrate the Holidays

Ugly Christmas sweater parties are all about having fun and letting loose.

It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with friends, family, or coworkers. Between the games, food, and crazy sweaters, everyone leaves with a smile on their face (and probably a few funny photos, too).

If you want a party that’s low-pressure but full of laughs, this is the way to go!