How Ugly Christmas Sweaters Became a Beloved Holiday Tradition
Every December, people dig out their most garish knitwear to celebrate National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. The tradition, now a festive staple, began with a small party in Vancouver over two decades ago. Since then, it has grown into a worldwide event marked by bright colours, bold patterns and plenty of holiday cheer.
The trend of wearing loud, mismatched Christmas sweaters dates back to the 1950s. Retailers first sold so-called Jingle Bell Sweaters, featuring clashing colours and festive motifs. By the 1980s, the look had hit mainstream culture, thanks to television.
Characters in popular shows like The Cosby Show, Family Ties, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation wore exaggerated knits, turning them into a cultural joke. Celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Michael J. Fox, Chevy Chase, and John Goodman made the style iconic. The sweaters became a symbol of playful holiday excess.
In 2002, two college students in Vancouver threw an ugly sweater party, sparking a revival. The idea spread quickly across Canada and the US. By the 2010s, the tradition had gone global, with people embracing the sillier, the better.
Today, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is celebrated each year on December 19. Participants wear sweaters they already own, hunt for secondhand finds, or decorate plain knits with DIY embellishments. Social media buzzes with hashtags like #UglyChristmasSweater and #UglySweaterDay. Major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and brands like Tipsy Elves, now stock entire collections of over-the-top designs.
The event has also taken on a charitable side. Schools, companies, and nonprofits—such as DePaul University, HIMSS NCA, and Operation Breakthrough—host sweater-themed fundraisers. Donations go toward causes ranging from education to disaster relief.
What started as a quirky holiday joke has turned into a festive tradition. The ugly Christmas sweater brings people together, adds energy to December gatherings, and supports good causes. With its mix of humour, creativity, and charity, the trend shows no signs of fading.
