Christmas
Ugly Sweater Contest
Also called Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, Tacky Christmas Outfit Contest, Christmas Costume Parade
Guests come in their tackiest Christmas outfit and walk a runway; the crowd's cheering picks the winner.
- people
- 8–200
- time
- 15 min
- energy
- Medium
- materials
- Needs prep
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Announce the theme with the invite and say it is optional. On the day, mark out a runway with tape or a strip of floor between tables.
- 1Entrants sign up with the host when they arrive.
- 2Each entrant walks the runway to music and strikes one pose.
- 3The crowd cheers for each one; the loudest response wins.
- 4Award separate categories so more than one person goes home happy.
What to say3
- 1“Ladies and gentlemen, the runway is open — show us the tackiest Christmas you've got!”
- 2“Look at those blinking lights! Let me hear it for this one!”
- 3“And the loudest cheer of the night goes to…”
Host tips3
- Make entering opt-in. Never pull someone onto the runway because their normal clothes look festive — that is the version that embarrasses people.
- Use the noise meter for judging; it ends arguments about favouritism, especially when the boss enters.
- Create categories like Most Creative, Most Lights and Best Homemade so the person who spent effort on a DIY outfit does not lose to someone who bought one.
Variants2
Hot-weather edition
In tropical countries, swap sweaters for any tacky Christmas outfit: tinsel scarves, parol-print shirts, blinking headbands.
Team build
Give each team a plain shirt and a bag of craft supplies; they have 15 minutes to decorate one member's outfit.
Safety2
- Battery-powered lights only — no plug-in light strings worn on the body.
- Keep the runway clear of cables and drinks; people walk it while looking at the crowd.
Good for
Occasions
Christmas
Venues
Indoor, smallIndoor, largeOfficeChurch hallOnline