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Ugly Christmas sweaters have proved to be much more than a passing fad, and the digital marketplace is teeming with every variation imaginable. And it’s not limited to just holiday-themed designs, either. Today, you're just as likely to find a gaudy Santa sweater as you are a Darth Vader- or Harry Potter-inspired one.
Even if you don’t plan on going to many holiday gatherings and parties this year, it doesn’t mean you can’t still wear your holiday spirit quite literally on your sleeve. If you’re not sure where to start, how about one of these flashy, festive, not-so-ugly Christmas sweaters?
1. Back to the Presents Ugly Christmas Sweater; $60
You won’t have to race into the future—or the past—to get your hands on this Back to the Future-inspired ugly Christmas sweater. With Doc’s tricked-out DeLorean right in the center, this design actually cuts right to the chase: It’s time to get back to the presents.
Buy it: Amazon
2. The Big Lebowski Dude Abide Marmot Bowling Ugly Christmas Sweater; $53
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season isn’t for everyone. In fact, a lot of folks would rather be relaxing with a White Russian in one hand and a little something extra (if you catch our drift) in the other. The Dude abides, after all, and if you’re a Big Lebowski fan who wants to bring a bit of that energy to your next Christmas shindig, this officially licensed pick could be a great choice. Might not get you into the Little Lebowski Urban Achievers anytime soon, but chances are, friends and family will be very fond of your free spirit with this one.
Buy it: Amazon
3. Star Wars X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter Ugly Christmas Sweater; $60
There doesn’t have to be a disturbance in the Force for you to don your best intergalactic duds this Christmas. This sweater puts a clash between the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance front and center, with TIE fighters and a lone X-wing duking it out over the stars and in a galaxy far, far away. Feeling torn about which side really deserves the victory? The dueling Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance symbols mean you can switch sides any time you choose.
Buy It: Amazon
4. Krampus Ugly Christmas Sweater; $55
Is jolly old St. Nick a little too jolly for you? Then embrace your inner villain this year in a Krampus sweater. But did you know that despite being a monster, Krampus still hangs out with Santa Claus? Be sure to bone up on a few more facts about the classic Central European Christmas demon—then share them at your holiday gathering.
Buy It: Amazon
5. Harry Potter and Ron Weasley Initialed Christmas Sweaters; $44
Any Potterhead will instantly recognize the initialed sweaters that Mrs. Weasley hand-knits for her loved ones each year. Now you can unwrap your gifts this Christmas morning while clad in a cozy fleece version of Harry’s, while your partner dons Ron’s maroon one.
Buy It: Amazon
6. Gremlins Sweater; $90
Some folks might not immediately think of Gremlins as a Christmas flick, but the 1984 classic gives a lot of nods to the holiday season. With this plush sweater—which is available in multiple sizes, extra small to 3XL—you can get into the spirit of things and have some extra fun along the way. Even better? You can get it wet and it won’t inadvertently unleash bedlam on your hometown.
Buy it: Middle of Beyond
7. Llama Ugly Christmas Sweater; From $23
If this hotel’s holiday llama visits are any indication, the animals are better at spreading Christmas cheer than you might’ve thought. And since firetruck red isn’t everyone’s color, Amazon also carries similar sweaters (with a variety of other festive llamas) in blue, green, yellow, and more.
Buy It: Amazon
8. Stanley Hudson Ugly Christmas Sweater; From $35
Know an Office super-fan who is feeling down in the dumps this holiday season? You can help them shake off those doldrums with this Stanley Hudson-inspired ugly Christmas sweater, which features everyone’s favorite grumpy denizen of Dunder Mifflin in a Santa hat. Here are 12 other gift ideas any fan of The Office will definitely love.
Buy It: Amazon
9. Light-Up Cactus Ugly Christmas Sweater; From $32
This adorable cactus sweater is a great way to show people that giant, evergreen conifers aren’t the only plants that look good in lights—and these bulbs actually work, too, so you can be extra festive.
Buy It: Amazon
10. Abbey Road Ugly Christmas Sweater; $40
John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr somehow still look like the portrait of rock ‘n’ roll, even when dressed as pointy-toed, pointy-eared elves. Fuse your passion for both Christmas and The Beatles with this distinctive reimagining of the Abbey Road album cover.
Buy It: Amazon
11. Unicorn Ugly Christmas Sweater; From $30
Looking for a way to stand out in a sea of red and green at your office Christmas party? The rainbow-maned unicorn on this mostly pink and teal cotton sweater can definitely help you out. So go out there and be as bold and majestic as you want to be this year.
Buy It: Amazon
12. Menorasaurus Ugly Hanukkah Sweater; $33
Forget Ross’s holiday armadillo from Friends—this bright blue, candle-bearing Stegosaurus look-alike is a quirky reminder that menorahs are every bit as festive as Christmas trees. You can also buy this sweater in two different shades of blue or gray.
Buy It: Amazon
13. Gaudy Garland Ugly Christmas Sweater; $40
Speaking of Christmas trees: Steal the show from the one in your living room by dressing as a walking, talking, tinsel-y evergreen in this oh-so-jolly holiday sweater. And after you’ve taken down the tree, you can even put this festive pullover in the washing machine.
Buy It: Amazon
14. Cat Ugly Christmas Sweater; $27
The cat on this sweater might be thrilled about wearing a button-up cardigan and plaid bow tie this holiday season, but we can’t promise your actual cat will feel the same way.
Buy It: Amazon
15. Dr. Seuss Grinch Face Ugly Christmas Sweater; $30
Nothing says “Merry Christmas!” quite like the mischievous grin of the Grinch (before his heart grew three sizes, of course). This eye-catching green number is perfect for anyone as cuddly as a cactus and/or as charming as an eel.
Buy It: Amazon
16. Light-Up Stranger Things Ugly Christmas Sweater; $60
Stranger Things forever changed the way we see multicolored Christmas lights—not to mention the 1980s—and with this officially licensed sweater, not only will you be inviting folks to share their fan theories about the upcoming season, but you’ll also be lighting up the room yourself. This unique design offers the same kind of bold fusion of ’80s-themed eeriness and holiday cheeriness that the show is known for.
Buy It: Amazon
A version of this article was originally published in 2019. It has been updated for 2023.
This article was originally published on www.mentalfloss.com as 16 Ugly Christmas Sweaters That’ll Steal the Show at Any Holiday Party.