How to Judge an Ugly Sweater Contest: Categories, Scoring & Prizes
Short answer: to judge an ugly sweater contest, pick three to five categories (like Ugliest Overall, Most Creative and Best Use of Lights), score each sweater from 1 to 10 in every category, and let either a small judging panel or a quick guest vote decide. Announce winners near the end of the party and hand out a real trophy. It's the part people remember.
What categories should an ugly sweater contest have?
Use three to five categories so more people can win and voting stays quick. Choose from these, which work at almost any party:
- Ugliest Overall: the grand prize.
- Most Creative / Best DIY: for anyone who glued, sewed or hot-glued their own masterpiece.
- Best Vintage Find: real 1980s or 1990s sweaters with shoulder pads and puff paint.
- Most Festive (Lights, Bells & Sound): if it blinks or jingles, it competes here.
- Best Couple or Group: matching themes or coordinated outfits.
- Funniest: for the sweater that makes everyone laugh out loud.
How do you score an ugly sweater?
Give each sweater a score from 1 to 10 on four criteria, then add them up for a total out of 40:
- Ugliness: how gloriously tacky is it?
- Creativity: is it original, or did it surprise you?
- Festiveness: holiday spirit, decorations, lights, bells.
- Commitment: matching accessories, a story, staying in character.
Break ties with a cheer-off: the contestant who gets the loudest crowd reaction wins.
Should guests vote, or should judges decide?
Both work. Pick based on your crowd:
- Judging panel (3 people): best for office parties, where a fair, quick decision matters. Choose judges who aren't competing.
- Guest vote: best for friend parties. Number each contestant with a sticker and have guests drop paper ballots in a jar, or use a free online poll on their phones.
- Hybrid: guests vote for finalists and judges pick the winner, which keeps it fun and fair.
How do you run the contest at a party?
- Before the party: announce the categories in the invite so people plan their sweaters.
- At arrival: number each contestant with a sticker and take a photo of each sweater.
- Mid-party: hold a quick "runway walk" so everyone sees each sweater. Allow 20–30 seconds per person.
- Voting: give 10–15 minutes, then count.
- Awards: announce winners category by category, saving Ugliest Overall for last.
What should an ugly sweater contest ballot include?
Print one ballot per judge, or one per guest if everyone votes. Keep it to a single card:
- Contestant number: ______ (number contestants as they arrive with a sticker on the sleeve)
- Ugliness (1–10): ______
- Creativity (1–10): ______
- Festiveness (1–10): ______
- Commitment (1–10): ______
- Total (out of 40): ______
- Category vote (Ugliest Overall, Most Creative, Best Vintage Find, Most Festive, Best Couple, Funniest): ______
Add the totals per contestant and the highest score wins. For a tie, use a quick round of applause or a one-question tiebreaker: "Where did you get it?" The best story wins.
What are funny ugly sweater award names?
Extra awards cost almost nothing and get more people on stage. Try a few of these:
- The Clark Griswold: most lights, bulbs or batteries.
- Grandma's Favorite: best cardigan or button-up.
- Most Likely to Be Seen from Space: most sequins and beads.
- The Time Traveler: best true 1980s or 1990s vintage find.
- Best Couple or Duo: coordinated sweaters.
- Most Festive Pet: if dogs are invited.
- The Overachiever: best DIY build.
What prizes should winners get?
A trophy beats a gift card because it turns into a yearly tradition, especially at work. The winner keeps it on their desk and defends the title next December. Good prize ideas:
- Ugly sweater trophies, the classic and most-photographed prize.
- A vintage ugly sweater to wear next year. Try our ugly sweaters under $20 for budget prizes.
- Holiday treats, gift cards or a day off (at the office, check with HR first).
When should you hold an ugly sweater contest?
Any time from late November through December works. Many people schedule theirs on National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, the third Friday in December (December 18, 2026). Make sure your guests have their sweaters at least a week ahead: browse vintage ugly sweaters early, because one-of-a-kind pieces sell out.
Frequently asked questions
How many judges do you need?
Three. An odd number avoids ties and keeps deliberation short.
Can the host enter the contest?
The host can wear a sweater, but it's fairer for the host to judge or emcee instead of competing.
What's a good office ugly sweater contest rule?
Keep sweaters work-appropriate. A "no offensive slogans" rule avoids awkward moments and keeps the fun focused on tacky design.
How long does an ugly sweater contest take?
About 20–30 minutes for a group of 20: a quick runway walk, 10–15 minutes of voting, and awards.
Where can contestants find a sweater that wins?
Vintage sweaters win more contests because nobody else has the same one. Browse beaded, light-up and cardigan styles, or start with ugly sweaters under $20.