74 Ugly Christmas Sweater Ideas So You Can Be Gaudy and Festive (2024)

Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way! You are either singing along with me at this point, or you are cringing at the thought that Christmas has rolled around again.

Truthfully, I’m not a huge Christmas person. I like to decorate, but I’m not much of a gift-giver or receiver for that matter. I just like to eat!

So it takes something extra special to draw my attention to Christmas. A few years ago, someone came up with the amazing idea of having ‘ugly Christmas sweater’ parties. That made my ears perk up.

Which is where we are headed today. Whether you are a Christmas person or not, everyone loves a good party, and they love it, even more, when they can concoct the ugliest outfit they can imagine that also ‘decks the halls.’

Well, here are some ideas to get you festive and in the spirit just in time for the parties:

Ugly Christmas Sweater Ideas

1. Gaudy Garland Sweater

This idea is one that looks pretty simple to create. You take an older cardigan and cover it in tensile and other festive yet gaudy décor.

Then you sport it with no fear knowing that everyone is going to know that you were definitely at the party that night.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

2. Star Trek Ugly Sweater

Some people really love certain TV shows. For me, I’m a huge Matlock fan. For some, it is Star Trek. If you are a Star Trek fan, then you’ll love this sweater.

Not only is it ugly enough to pass as an ugly sweater, but it also has a Star Trek character on the front with the message of ‘Trek the Halls.’ Kind of catchy don’t you think?

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

3. 3D Ugly Reindeer Sweater

Would you believe that you can actually purchase a premade ugly Christmas sweater? Yes, you can. The place where you can purchase this sweater will be linked below.

However, if you would like to make it yourself, it looks simple enough. Add some garland, a reindeer picture, and any other gaudy Christmas décor that you can find.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

4. The Ugly Sweater Set for Couples

This ugly sweater idea is one that you’ll have to use for inspiration only. It was a picture posted on Instagram once upon a timebut is no longer available.

So with that in mind, you will love this idea. The guy gets to wear the sweater with a reindeer head on top. The girl is the sweater that looks like a mantel. Therefore, you could finally mount your husband’s head to the mantel and get a good laugh.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

5. The Ugly Shoes

If you are going to wear an ugly sweater, then you might want the perfect shoes to accompany the outfit.

However, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Just pick a pair of shoes out and deck them in garland and a few bows. You’ll be ‘ugly Christmas sweater’ styling in no time flat.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

6. Cheap and Ugly Homemade Christmas Sweater

This sweater might have been something my grandmother would have loved years ago. Today, many people get a good laugh out of styles we once wore on purpose.

If you find this sweater something nostalgic, then you might have to consider making it. Just put a few Christmas iron-on decals on the sweater and finish it with garland.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

7. A Christmas Story Sweater

I love this Christmas sweater because I love ‘A Christmas Story.’ If you are a fan of it, then you’ll love the use of shotgun shells and a Santa saying, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.”

So if you’d like to go classic with your ugly sweater, then consider something along these lines. You are sure to get a laugh or two.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Sweater

Another favorite Christmas movie classic is ‘ The National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.’ If you’ve ever watched the movie, then you know the trouble this family had with getting a tree in their home.

Well, through the process they end up with a tree that has a squirrel in it. Obviously, this sweater would bring a few good laughs.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

9. Mirror Ugly Sweater

This ugly sweater is another one that is pretty hilarious. You put a Santa face on your sweater, which is pretty traditional.

However, you don’t include Santa’s face. Instead, you put a mirror and let the mirror display the ‘ugly’ part. Most people would chuckle over this.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

10. Another Ugly Christmas Story Sweater

This is another really cute ugly sweater idea. It is based on ‘A Christmas Story’ which is another one of my favorite Christmas movies.

They include a picture of Ralphie in his bunny rabbit suit, the lovely leg lamp that Ralphie’s dad was so proud of, and the fragile box that his father struggled to pronounce correctly.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

11. Easy Reindeer Couple Ugly Sweater

This would be a fun ugly sweater idea to make with your sweetheart. One of you would get to decide to be the head.

Then the other would get to be the backside of the reindeer. However, when you stand together, you make a completed picture.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

12. 3D Grinch Ugly Sweater

The link below will take you to where you can purchase this sweater. It does look pretty intricate, but some people probably could recreate their own version.

If you are a fan of The Grinch, then you might consider this sweater idea. It is green and hairy. You are sure to stand out.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

13. The Beer Snowman Sweater

Some men prefer to have parties that are for males only. They are apparently called ‘beer parties.’ I’m not a man so I guess I’ve never been included in such an event.

Still, if you are, you might consider creating this ugly sweater. It has a snowman, holding a beer, and being festive.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

14. Kittens and Mittens Ugly Sweaters

Do you remember the old nursery rhyme about 3 little kittens who soiled their mittens? I think this sweater is kind of a play on this.

Regardless, this sweater is absolutely adorable for an ugly sweater. It has lots of different colors and certainly looks festive.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

15. Yeti to Party

This sweater is a playful turn on the Yeti monster. It has a crazy looking snow monster that is covered in garland and lights.

So if you want a sweater that will light up the night, then you should consider this one.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

16. The Candy Cane Sweater

This sweater is a basic zip-up hoodie that was taken one step further. Instead of just remaining a basic red, it was covered with a lot of candy canes.

This means, if you are looking for a simple DIY ugly sweater, then you should consider this one. All you need is candy canes and a glue gun.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

17. The Ugly Sweater Dress

If you want to bypass making your own ugly sweater, you can buy this one at the link below. Just be prepared, the price tag is a little more than what DIYing one might cost.

However, if you’d like to try to recreate this masterpiece yourself, you’ll just need some garland to recreate the tree and the outline of the sweater.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

18. The Bottle Cap Christmas Sweater

This sweater is definitely a hoot, and shouldn’t cost much when trying to recreate it. All you need to do is save some bottle caps for a while.

Then you attach a bow to the top like a tree topper. That is all it takes to create this simple but cute ugly sweater.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

19. The Christmas Story Window Sweater

I love the idea behind this sweater. They recreate the window scene from a Christmas story. It is perfectly gaudy with garland.

Then they include the Christmas tree, the famous fragile box, and then the leg lamp as well. It is classic and very neat.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

20. Christmas Tree Sweater with Suspenders

This tacky Christmas sweater can be purchased at the link belowif you want to skip trying to make it yourself.

However, if you decide to DIY it, then you just need to create a tacky Christmas tree and some suspenders down the side.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

21. The Leg Sweater

This is another sweater that comes from ‘A Christmas Story.’ It has a 3D version of the leg lamp, which is really cool.

So if you want a sweater that will stand out both figuratively and literally, then you’ll have to consider this idea.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

22. Beer Holder Ugly Sweater Vest

Let’s say you like to have a few drinks with you wherever you go when you party. Then this vest could be what you’ve been looking for.

You’ll just need to tacky it up and make a place for a few beers to fit in as well. You’ll be ready to party in no time.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

23. The Sick Reindeer Couples Sweater

This one might not be for every couple, but if you find bodily functions funny, then it could be just right for you.

As you can tell one person gets to be the front of the reindeer. Then the other gets to be the backside. Both ends have lights and décor flying out of their chosen orifice.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

24. Shut Up and Drink

In case you are at a Christmas party and someone needs a reminder that they should drink their beverage, you might have to wear this sweater.

However, you’ll have to guard your drink as people may want to run by and snag it right from your sweater.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

25. Stuffed Christmas Sweater

This sweater is another one that looks like a reindeer has been mounted, stuffed, and hung up on your sweater.

Needless to say, you’ll probably get a great laugh out of this. So if you want a humorous sweater, then consider choosing this one.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

26. Stuck in the Chimney

This sweater is very unique. It actually depicts Santa being stuck in a chimney. Which is quite humorous to those around you.

You have a sweater that looks like Santa at the top, and then a fireplace at the bottom.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

27. The Chimney Christmas Sweater

I really love this ugly sweater. It has a fireplace on the front. Then when you raise your arms, they look like the mantel.

So you can easily recreate this yourself by attaching a few pictures to the arms of the sweaterand then recreating a fireplace picture.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

28. Ya Filthy Animal

Can you go an entire Christmas season without watching ‘Home Alone?’ Umm…I can’t! I absolutely love that movie.

When I saw this sweater that has one of their favorite taglines, I knew it was a must share.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

29. Become a Christmas Tree

Let’s say you want to go one step further than a sweater. You’d like to have an all-over Christmas themed ugly outfit.

Well, if that is the case, then you’ll love this outfit where they were able to create an entire outfit that looks just like a Christmas tree.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

30. The Abominable Snowman

This is a cute sweater that sports the abominable snowman. It is a little girlier than some of the other sweaters.

However, if you like a snow monster and bows, then this could be just what you’ve been looking for in an ugly sweater.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

31. Oh Snap!

This sweater brings gingerbread men and women into the equation. They are cracking to go along with the saying, “Oh Snap!”

If you have a fondness for gingerbread men, then you might want to choose this design for your ugly sweater.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

32. The Stocking Wine Holder Sweater

This sweater is pretty unique. It is gaudy enough to classify itself as an ugly sweater. It also has this large stocking that really stands out.

However, the stocking also doubles as a wine bottle holderor any other beverage for that matter. So if you want to carry your drink around, you can just tuck it in there.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

33. The Christmas Tree Sweater

This sweater is pretty nice. When you let your arms down, it looks like a typical gaudy sweater.

Still, when you raise your arms, it looks like a complete Christmas tree. It is really cool the way it comes together.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

34. Ugly Tie Tree Sweater

This sweater is really nice because it requires so little but makes a really neat looking ugly sweater. You begin by taking a bunch of different ties.

Then you put them together to form a Christmas tree. You add a bow to the top as a tree topper.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater

35. The Advent Calendar Sweater

When I was little I used to love our advent calendar. We had one that you moved a small stuffed mouse along it.

Well, this is kind of the same idea, only it is on a sweater. Then you stuff the calendar full of treats.

Check out this ugly Christmas sweater