Ugly sweater party ideas
To host an ugly sweater party, send invites about three weeks ahead, tell guests to wear the ugliest sweater they can find, set up a simple contest with categories and a score sheet, and serve easy finger food. Below are the contest rules, scoring and a timeline.
Invite and set expectations
Say it plainly in the invite: date, time, address, the dress code and whether there is a contest. Add a line for people who do not own a sweater: borrow, thrift, or decorate a plain one with tinsel and felt. Offer a no-sweater option, like a festive hat, for anyone who prefers it.
If you add a gift exchange, say so in the same message and put the budget in it. See Secret Santa holiday party ideas.
Contest rules and categories
- Every guest who wears a sweater is entered automatically.
- Pick three to five categories, such as Ugliest, Most Creative, Best Lights, Most Homemade and Funniest.
- Each guest votes by writing one name per category on a slip of paper.
- Guests cannot vote for themselves.
- The host counts votes while people eat. Ties are settled by a one-minute walk-off or a coin flip.
- Prizes are small: a trophy, a candy bar or a funny sweater award.
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Scoring system
If you want a fairer result than a show of hands, use a score sheet. Give each guest a card with every contestant's name and ask them to rate from 1 to 5 in three areas.
| Category | 1 point | 5 points |
|---|---|---|
| Ugliness | Looks nice | Wonderfully awful |
| Creativity | Store-bought and plain | Original and thoughtful |
| Effort | Pulled from the closet | Obviously handmade or modified |
Add a wild card: a bonus point for any sweater that lights up, plays music or has a story.
Food and drink
- Finger foods that are easy to eat while standing: sliders, dips, cheese and crackers, veggie tray.
- A hot drink station: cocoa, cider and tea.
- Cookies decorated like sweaters, if you have time.
- A sign for allergies and dietary needs on each dish.
- A non-alcohol punch next to anything with alcohol.
- Plenty of water, especially if the room gets warm.
Games and activities
Keep games short and silent-friendly so people can still talk. Try a tinsel wrap race, a guess-the-hidden-sweater game with photos of guests as kids, or a white elephant swap at the end. Our white elephant rules cover the swap, and Christmas party games for adults has more ideas.
Timeline for the party
Start the gift swap with the Secret Santa generator if you want it to be secret, and draw a week or two before.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Three weeks out | Send invites |
| One week out | Plan food, buy prizes, print score sheets |
| Day of | Set out snacks, set up the photo corner |
| First hour | Arrivals, snacks, photos |
| Second hour | Voting while people eat |
| Third hour | Awards, then the gift swap |
Frequently asked questions
How do you host an ugly sweater party?
Invite guests three weeks ahead, set categories and prizes, serve easy food and add one or two short games.
How do you judge an ugly sweater contest?
Use categories and have guests vote by slip, or use a score sheet with ratings for ugliness, creativity and effort.
What if someone does not have an ugly sweater?
Let them borrow, thrift or decorate a plain one, or wear a festive hat instead.
What prizes work for the contest?
Small items like a trophy, candy or a funny sweater award keep it light.
Can I add a gift exchange?
Yes. A Secret Santa or white elephant fits naturally after the contest.
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