16 Totally Unforgettable Ugly Sweater Party Ideas
Ugly Christmas sweater parties have become a holiday tradition—and for good reason. They’re festive, fun, and full of personality! But if you’ve been to one recently, you’ve probably noticed they’ve evolved into something much bigger. It’s not just about the tacky sweaters anymore—it’s about over-the-top creativity, hilarious holiday themes, and sometimes even full-on “ugly Christmas parties.” And honestly? We’re here for it!
Table of contents
- 1. DIY Ugly Christmas Bow Skirt
- 2. Jello Shot Christmas Tree Display
- 3. DIY Ugly Christmas Bow Shoes
- 4. Ugly Sweater Cake
- 5. Ugly Sweater Party Invitation
- 6. Ugly Sweater Awards
- 7. It’s About to Get Ugly Banner
- 8. DIY Mini Santa Belt Cups
- 9. Ugly Sweater Party Games
- 10. Ugly Sweater Cupcake Toppers
- 11. Personalized Ugly Sweater Drink Stirrers
- 12. DIY Christmas Bow Dress
- 13. Verry Merry Ornamentini
- 14. Stocking Wine Holder Ugly Sweater
- 15. Ugly AF Balloon Decorations
- 16. Christmas Fringe Party Backdrop
Whether you’re hosting or just looking for inspiration to make your party unforgettable, we’ve rounded up 16 Totally Unforgettable Ugly Sweater Party Ideas that are so wild they might even make Santa cringe (in the best way possible)!
From clever themes to jaw-dropping decor, these ideas will take your holiday gathering to the next level. And once you’re done soaking up all the “ugly,” don’t miss our 10 Tips for Throwing the Ultimate Ugly Sweater Party—because the secret to hosting a great party is all in the details. Let’s get festive!
1. DIY Ugly Christmas Bow Skirt
How amazing is this Ugly Christmas Sweater Bow Skirt? It’s not just festive—it’s a total showstopper! Pair this playful creation with your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, and you’ll be the star of the party! Whether you’re rocking a bold color combo or adding a little sparkle, this skirt brings the perfect mix of holiday cheer and over-the-top fun.
Trust us, everyone will be talking about your outfit (and probably asking for photos, too)! This look is all about embracing the season in the most creative, eye-catching way possible—because when it comes to holiday parties, the uglier and more outrageous, the better!
2. Jello Shot Christmas Tree Display
Looking to wow your guests with a fun and festive centerpiece? Meet the ultimate jello shot Christmas tree!
This creative idea includes colorful jello shots stacked high in individual cups with lids, forming the perfect tree shape. Add a shimmering gold beaded necklace as garland, and top it off with a star for a playful holiday touch.
Not only will it be the talk of the party, but it’s also a delicious way to spread some holiday spirit, one jello shot at a time!
3. DIY Ugly Christmas Bow Shoes
Get ready to dazzle from head to toes with these DIY Ugly Christmas Bow Shoes! Covered in festive holiday bows, these shoes are the perfect finishing touch to your over-the-top ugly sweater look!
They’re fun, eye-catching, and guaranteed to make a statement at any ugly sweater party. Plus, they’re easy to make and totally unique—no one else will have a pair quite like yours! So grab your glue gun, pick out the most colorful Christmas bows you can find, and get ready to strut your stuff in the most festive footwear of the season!
4. Ugly Sweater Cake
Turn dessert into the star of your holiday party with a whimsical ugly sweater cake! This festive treat is decorated to look like a classic holiday sweater—complete with colorful candy and icing “patterns” like lights, snowflakes, stars, stockings, and gingerbread men. Think gumdrops, candy canes, and sprinkles galore, all working together to create a sugary work.
Not only will it be a show-stopping centerpiece for your dessert table, but it’s also the perfect conversation starter. Guests won’t be able to resist snapping photos (and sneaking a bite!). Whether you’re baking it yourself or ordering it from a pro, this cake is guaranteed to add a sweet and playful touch to your ugly sweater party.
5. Ugly Sweater Party Invitation
Set the tone for your holiday party with this hilarious Ugly Sweater Party invitation that says, “Ho Ho Holy Crap That’s Ugly!” It’s the perfect way to let your guests know they’re in for a night of outrageous sweaters, festive fun, and plenty of laughs.
This invitation doesn’t just invite people—it makes them excited to join the party and show off their most ridiculous holiday attire. Whether you’re hosting a sweater showdown or just keeping it casual, this funny invite sets the mood from the moment it’s opened. Because let’s be honest, the uglier the sweater, the better the party!
6. Ugly Sweater Awards
Make your ugly sweater contest unforgettable by rewarding the winner with this adorable handmade ribbon necklace featuring a tiny 3×3 knitted sweater!
This one-of-a-kind ribbon wraps around the winner’s neck, turning them into the star of the night while giving them a fun keepsake to remember the party.
It’s a creative, festive prize that’s sure to be a hit with your guests. With five playful sweater designs to choose from—Santa, Tree, Wreath, Llama, and Flamingo—you can pick the one that fits your party’s vibe.
7. It’s About to Get Ugly Banner
Take your ugly sweater party to the next level with an “It’s About to Get Ugly” banner! This playful decoration sets the stage for a night full of festive fun, laughter, and (of course) some seriously hideous sweaters. Hang it over your snack table, across the photo booth, or right at the entrance to let guests know they’re stepping into an event where ugly is the goal.
8. DIY Mini Santa Belt Cups
Bring some festive flair to your ugly sweater party with these adorable DIY Santa belt cups! Made with red mini Solo cups, black ribbon, small gold buckles, and a little glue (or glue dots), these are quick and easy to make. In just a few minutes, you’ll have the perfect holiday drink holders that will surely get plenty of smiles and compliments. Whether you use them for drinks, snacks, or jello shots, these mini Santa-inspired cups will add the perfect creative touch to your celebration!
9. Ugly Sweater Party Games
Take your holiday party to the next level with an Ugly Christmas Sweater Games Bundle featuring 50 awesome games! This ultimate party pack is filled with festive fun and perfect for any gathering—whether it’s an office holiday party, family get-together, teen Christmas celebration, work happy hour, senior game night, or church event.
With so many games to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from trivia and word games to creative challenges and hilarious activities. It’s the easiest way to get everyone laughing, bonding, and fully embracing the ugly sweater spirit.
10. Ugly Sweater Cupcake Toppers
Add a festive and fun touch to your dessert table with adorable ugly sweater cupcake toppers! These colorful, quirky decorations will instantly transform your cupcakes into a highlight of your party.
Whether you’re baking homemade treats or dressing up store-bought ones, these toppers perfectly match the playful vibe of an ugly sweater party.
With their bright patterns and whimsical designs, they’re guaranteed to get your guests talking, snapping photos, and reaching for a cupcake (or two). It’s a simple way to tie your theme together and make your desserts as unforgettable as the sweaters!
11. Personalized Ugly Sweater Drink Stirrers
Add a unique and playful touch to your ugly sweater party with personalized drink stirrers featuring your guest of honor’s face—or even your guests’ faces! These fun stirrers, complete with tiny ugly sweaters, will have everyone laughing and make your drinks the highlight of the night.
Not only are they great conversation starters, but they also double as memorable keepsakes your guests can take home. It’s a small detail that will make your party stand out in the best way!
12. DIY Christmas Bow Dress
Turn heads at your next ugly sweater party with a festive and full of holiday cheer DIY Christmas bow dress! Start with a plain dress as your base, then gather an assortment of colorful holiday bows—big, small, shiny, and glittery. Secure them across the front and back with a hot glue gun.
You can arrange them in patterns, cover the entire outfit, or even add a giant statement bow as a finishing touch. The best part? It’s easy to make, totally customizable, and guaranteed to spark some smiles—and maybe even win you the title of “most creative outfit” at the party.
13. Verry Merry Ornamentini
Ready to bring some extra magic to your holiday celebrations? The Very Merry Ornamentini is the perfect way to impress your besties! Your guests will crown you holiday hostess with the mostess as you serve martinis in glass ornaments, each filled with a vibrant red cocktail waiting to be poured. It’s a festive experience no one will forget!
14. Stocking Wine Holder Ugly Sweater
Bring your favorite wine to the party with this festive stocking wine holder ugly Christmas sweater—because nothing says holiday spirit like sipping in style! Designed to turn heads and spark conversation, this sweater has a built-in wine carrier that keeps your favorite bottle close at hand.
Whether you’re toasting with friends or making everyone laugh with its quirky charm, this sweater is sure to be the highlight of the celebration. Cheers to bringing the party wherever you go!
15. Ugly AF Balloon Decorations
Take your ugly sweater party to hilarious new heights with Ugly AF balloon decor! These bold and cheeky balloons instantly set the tone for a night of over-the-top holiday fun.
Spell out “Ugly AF” in gold letters above your snack table, photobooth, or dance floor to let everyone know this party is all about embracing those fabulously tacky holiday vibes.
Pair them with garland, twinkle lights, or even some mini sweaters for the ultimate festive backdrop. It’s the perfect touch to get your guests laughing, snapping pics, and fully embracing the ugly sweater spirit!
16. Christmas Fringe Party Backdrop
Take your holiday party to the next level with a red, green, gold, and white fringe backdrop that’s perfect for a festive photobooth! This eye-catching setup, with its bold, shimmering colors and layered texture, brings all the Christmas vibes.
Hang it against a blank wall or door, and watch as your guests line up to snap their holiday selfies. Add a few fun props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or festive signs, and you’ve got an easy, creative way to keep everyone entertained while capturing some awesome photos.
With these 16 totally unforgettable ugly sweater party ideas, your holiday celebration is sure to be a hit! From creative DIY projects to fun games and unique decor, there’s something here to inspire everyone.
Which of these 16 Totally Unforgettable Ugly Sweater Party Ideas is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below! For even more holiday and party inspiration, follow us on Instagram @prettymyparty and Pinterest, and don’t forget to join our private Facebook community for exclusive sales, tips, and ideas.