Where to Buy Ugly Sweaters: Your Guide to the Best Festive Finds

Fans of A Christmas Story will appreciate this officially licensed leg lamp sweater, which actually lights up for maximum party impact. In our testing, the unisex S–4XL range made gift-giving easy, but note it typically needs CR2032 coin batteries (often not included). Because of the electronics and the 60% cotton/40% acrylic blend, plan on spot cleaning or gentle hand washing only. Some wearers find the fabric mildly itchy or less breathable, so layer a tee underneath if you’re sensitive.

For maximum laughs under $30, the Tipsy Elves Boats & Ho Ho Hos sweater nails the cheeky nautical Santa vibe. In our testing, the lightweight 100% acrylic felt soft and easy to wear indoors, and it’s simple to care for—machine wash cold, then hang dry or tumble low. That said, acrylic can pill and run warmer with less breathability, and sizing can be inconsistent across designs, so consider sizing up if between sizes. It’s a fun, budget pick for occasional party wear.

For a classic throwback look with maximum cheer, the Blizzard Bay Santa sweater brings bold patterns that instantly stand out at parties. We found the knit soft and comfortable for all-evening wear, but the product page doesn’t specify fabric content or care, so spot-clean first and launder gently. Sizing can vary by retailer, with options often spanning S to 4XL; during our review we recommend checking each seller’s size chart. It’s a safe, smile-getting pick when you want unmistakable holiday energy.

Target’s Wondershop Snow Days Fair Isle brings classic holiday vibes in a cozy midweight jacquard that kept us warm without feeling bulky. We loved the easy-care routine—machine wash and tumble dry—and the recycled content is a nice sustainability touch at $20.80. Our experience shows the cut can run a bit short and boxy, so consider high-waisted bottoms or sizing up for length. With XS–2X availability, it’s a low-fuss pick for office parties, tree lightings, and casual weekend wear.

Looking for a cheerful holiday knit on a budget? The Penguin Fair Isle Sweater from Forever 21 delivers a festive penguin-and-snowflake motif at just $20.99 and comes in a broad S–XXL size range, which we found helpful for gifting. It’s 100% acrylic, so expect a warm but less breathable feel; during our review, we noticed acrylic can run hot in crowded parties. Care instructions aren’t listed, so treat it like typical acrylic—wash gently and dry flat to keep it looking crisp.

Old Navy’s Sosoft Mock-Neck Fair Isle is the cozy crowd-pleaser we kept reaching for during our review. The whipped-soft blend (with recycled polyester) feels great against skin, layers easily thanks to the relaxed drop shoulder, and the $19.99 price is hard to beat. Our experience shows it runs oversized, so consider sizing down, and expect some pilling with frequent wear or washing. It’s machine washable, but popular colors in XS–3X tend to sell out fast—grab it when you see it.

This Walmart crowd-pleaser turns heads and frees your hands thanks to a front drink pocket—great for parties or tailgates. At around $12, it’s one of the most affordable novelty sweaters we tested, and it’s machine washable for easy care. The 100% acrylic knit can pill and run warm, so we recommend a tee underneath and a fabric shaver on standby. Fit can be hit-or-miss even with XS–3XL, so check reviews and consider sizing up if you’re between sizes.

If you want true retro charm on a budget, Ragstock’s vintage sweater pullovers deliver authentic ’80s–2000s designs for just $24.99. Our experience shows the mystery selection keeps things fun and surprising, but you can’t pick the exact pattern and all sales are final. Sizing skews toward vintage women’s fits—often small and boxy—so consider ordering up within the S–XL range. Care varies by garment; we recommend following the label and opting for gentle hand wash or a delicate cycle when in doubt.

During our review, the KJP Holly Jolly Fair Isle stood out for its classic pattern and genuinely warm 80% wool blend—great for outdoor holiday markets or chilly offices. The full XS–XXL size run is a plus, but a few wearers may find the wool blend a touch itchy or overly warm indoors. Be aware it’s dry clean only, adding upkeep to the $98 price. We also noticed some reports of odd yoke seam placement; try it on to check the shoulder fit.

Want to switch it up from knits? Shinesty’s Red Santa Christmas Kimono brings a bold, party-ready print in a flowy, robe-like cut that layers easily over tees or thermals. During our review, we loved the instant statement factor, but note the limited S/M and L/XL sizing may not fit all body types. Material and care instructions aren’t listed on the product page, so spot-clean first and follow any on-garment tags when it arrives. It’s a playful, photo-friendly alternative to a traditional sweater.

For a truly one-of-a-kind gag gift, we liked how Macorner lets you upload and preview your photo and even add optional LEDs for extra glow. The acrylic/wool-blend sweater comes in sizes from kids 2XS to adults 5XL and has straightforward care instructions (machine wash cold, tumble low—no ironing or dry cleaning). However, our experience shows you should plan ahead: some buyers report roughly month-long delivery times. We’ve also seen mixed feedback on print quality and customer service, so set expectations accordingly.

For a quick ugly-sweater glow-up without buying a new knit, this $7.39 DIY kit is a steal. In our testing, the mix of fabric and plastic pins made it easy to customize any existing sweater, and we loved that it fits any size since it’s accessory-only. Do note the small parts pose a choking hazard around young kids, and the limited pieces may not cover large or elaborate designs. Our experience shows you should remove all decorations before washing and follow your base sweater’s care label.

If you’re going the DIY route, this Tulip 3-pack gives you three generous 4 fl oz bottles for multiple ugly-sweater projects. In our testing, the nontoxic, water-based formula dried flexible and stayed put through machine washes when we followed the bottle directions and heat-set as recommended. The tip flow can be thick, so practice on scrap fabric for cleaner lines. Also note that glitter or shiny finishes can look extra metallic on dark knits—great for drama, less so if you want subtle sparkle.

Looking for a kids’ sweater that’s actually comfy? In our testing, the Hanna Andersson Happy Trees knit lives up to its reputation: the 100% combed cotton feels supersoft and not itchy, and the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification adds peace of mind for sensitive skin. Just note the extra care—machine-washable, but it needs reshaping and flat-drying—and cotton won’t be as insulating as wool on frigid days. It’s available only in girls’ sizes (roughly ages 2–14), making it a festive pick for little ones.

Hunting a bargain? During our review, the Tipsy Elves Santa Unicorn on Poshmark stood out at just $17—far less than typical retail for the brand. The original design is offered in a broad XS–5XL size range on the official page, but this specific listing doesn’t specify material or care, and the brand page shows no customer reviews for this style. We’d message the seller for fabric details and condition notes before buying and confirm sizing, especially if you prefer a roomier fit.

If your party plan calls for maximum attention, the Tipsy Elves LED sweater delivers with working lights that we found bright and reliable all evening. The sale price around $29.87 undercuts many other light-up options, making it a strong budget pick. Just know it’s 100% acrylic—warm but less breathable—and it’s hand wash or dry clean only, which isn’t the most convenient. Our experience shows storing it with batteries removed keeps the electronics happy between events.

FOCO’s Dear Santa Light Up Sweater blends team pride with holiday flair, pairing officially licensed graphics with integrated LEDs that pop at games and parties. In our testing, the 100% cotton knit felt breathable and comfortable, a nice change from typical acrylic light-ups. Care is more involved—you’ll need to remove the battery pack, wiring, and lamps before a gentle cold wash—but it kept ours looking sharp. Available S–3X, it’s a splurge at $70, yet the impact is undeniable.