If you’ve ever wondered what national day is today or searched for the national day today, chances are you’ve stumbled upon one of the most humorous, light-hearted, and widely celebrated festive observances of the year—National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Observed every year on the third Friday of December, this quirky national day has quickly become a beloved tradition across workplaces, schools, communities, and social media.
What Is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day?
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is an annual celebration dedicated to embracing festive, often hilariously over-the-top sweaters featuring Christmas-themed designs. These sweaters are intentionally tacky, bold, and cheerful—designed to spread fun and laughter. The day is observed on the third Friday of December, making it the perfect pre-holiday celebration as Christmas approaches.
If people around you today are wearing bright, sparkly, or ridiculously decorated sweaters, then you already know the answer to what national day is today—it’s National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day!
When Is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day?
This unique celebration takes place every year on the third Friday of December. Upcoming dates include:
2025: December 19
2026: December 18
2027: December 17
Because the date changes each year, many people check the national day today calendar to confirm the occasion—especially workplaces that plan group photos, contests, and themed events.
History of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
Ugly Christmas sweaters originated as a humorous holiday trend in the 1950s and 60s, often featured in holiday cards and family gatherings. They became iconic in the 1980s, with TV characters like Bill Huxtable from “The Cosby Show” wearing colorful knit patterns.
The celebration, as an official event, however, began in the early 2000s when a group of friends in Vancouver started hosting themed holiday parties dedicated to wearing silly Christmas sweaters. The idea quickly spread across North America and Europe, becoming a cultural phenomenon. By the 2010s, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day became widely recognized and added to national holiday calendars.
Today, the celebration has expanded to include workplace competitions, charity fundraisers, classroom activities, and viral social media trends.
Why Do We Celebrate National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day?
There are many reasons this national day has gained immense popularity:
1. It Spreads Joy and Laughter
The holiday season is about happiness and togetherness. Wearing an intentionally ugly or quirky sweater sparks instant laughter and conversation.
2. It Brings People Together
Workplaces, schools, and communities use the day to organize fun events, team-building activities, and group photos.
3. It Encourages Creativity
People decorate their sweaters with bells, LED lights, bows, and ornaments to stand out.
4. It Supports Charitable Causes
Many organizations link the celebration to fundraising events for children’s hospitals, food drives, or winter clothes donations.
5. It Honors Holiday Nostalgia
Ugly Christmas sweaters remind us of homemade knits, vintage fashion, and childhood holiday memories.
How to Celebrate National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day?
Want to make the most of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day? Here are dozens of fun and creative ways to join the celebration:
1. Wear Your Ugliest Christmas Sweater
Find the most outrageous, sparkly, or silly sweater you can—and proudly show it off. Whether it lights up or jingles with bells, the aim is to go big and bold.
2. Host a Sweater Contest
Organize a fun competition with categories like:
Ugliest Sweater
Most Creative Design
Most Festive Sweater
Funniest Sweater
Best DIY Sweater
This is one of the most popular ways offices celebrate the day.
3. Create Your Own DIY Ugly Sweater
You don’t have to buy one! Craft your own using:
Felt cutouts
Glitter
Pom-poms
Garland
Christmas ornaments
LED string lights
The more outrageous, the better!
4. Take Group Photos
Capture the moment with coworkers, friends, or family. These photos often become wonderful holiday memories—or hilarious reminders.
5. Share Your Sweater Online
Millions share their outfits across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok using hashtags like:
#UglyChristmasSweater
#NationalUglyChristmasSweaterDay
#ChristmasSweaterDay
This is another reason people constantly search national day today.
6. Celebrate at School or Workplace
Schools often set aside time for Christmas-themed fun before the holiday break. Workplaces use the day to lighten the mood during a busy season.
7. Throw an Ugly Sweater Party
Invite guests to show off their festive fashion, enjoy holiday treats, and exchange gifts.
8. Fundraise for a Good Cause
Turn the day into a charity event by donating money, clothing, or food items.
Fun Facts About National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
The market for ugly Christmas sweaters is now worth millions globally each year.
Some sweaters are intentionally designed to be ugly—and sold at premium prices.
Celebrities and sports teams often join the trend, making the day even more viral.
There are even matching ugly sweaters for couples, families, and pets!
Why National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day Continues to Grow?
The celebration is especially popular because it blends humor with holiday tradition. As people search for what national day is today, they find fun occasions that break the monotony of daily life. National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day stands out because:
It requires minimal effort to participate.
It fits perfectly into December’s festive vibe.
It appeals to all ages.
It creates social engagement both offline and online.
Brands and businesses also embrace the celebration by launching limited-edition sweaters or offering holiday discounts, boosting its visibility.
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day at Work
Workplaces worldwide celebrate the day to promote employee engagement. Here’s how offices usually plan the event:
1. Ugly Sweater Competition
Winners may receive small gifts like gift cards, chocolates, or holiday décor.
2. Themed Potluck
Everyone brings a holiday dish to share.
3. Group Photos for Social Media
Companies showcase their festive culture online.
4. Secret Santa Exchange
Pairs perfectly with the sweater theme.
5. Donation Drives
Employees donate sweaters or warm clothing to those in need.
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day at School
Schools use this national day to foster a fun and festive atmosphere before the winter break. Activities may include:
Classroom competitions
Christmas arts and crafts
Holiday storytelling sessions
Group photos for yearbooks
Charity drives for underprivileged children
Teachers often join in by wearing the most festive and funny sweaters!
DIY Ugly Sweater Ideas
If you want to stand out this year, try these creative DIY ideas:
1. Add Christmas Ornaments
Hang lightweight ornaments from your sweater for a three-dimensional effect.
2. Use LED Lights
Sew or clip battery-operated fairy lights for a glowing look.
3. Stick Santa, Reindeer, or Snowman Cutouts
Use felt or foam craft sheets to create cute holiday characters.
4. Wrap Yourself Like a Gift
Add a giant ribbon and bow to your sweater.
5. Add Garland and Tinsel
Perfect for those who want to shine—literally.
The Environmental Impact of Ugly Sweaters
While this national day is full of fun, it’s also important to celebrate responsibly:
Reuse sweaters instead of buying new ones.
Upcycle old clothing.
Swap sweaters with friends.
Choose sustainable materials.
This ensures the celebration stays eco-friendly.
Why People Search “National Day Today” Around This Time?
December is packed with celebrations, from food-based days to cultural observances. As a result, people often search:
“National Day today.”
“What national day is today?”
to stay updated and join the fun. Among all these December observances, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is one of the most colorful and festive days worth participating in.
How Brands Participate in National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day?
Major brands create special edition sweaters, run promotions, and encourage employees to take part. Fashion brands, retail chains, sports teams, and entertainment companies often release humorous sweater designs inspired by:
Movies
Christmas characters
Pop culture themes
Holiday puns
These collections boost the popularity of the day and create viral moments online.
Global Reach of the Celebration
While it originated in North America, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is now celebrated in:
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand
Europe
Asia
The internet has turned it into a worldwide movement!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dressing up in a sweater covered in ornaments or joining a workplace competition, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is all about joy, creativity, and togetherness. So, the next time you wonder what national day is today or check a national day today calendar in December, be ready to celebrate in style—ugly style!