A fair ugly sweater contest at work is optional, needs no purchase, has three neutral judges and a short rubric, and announces its categories and prizes before the day. This guide gives you ten rules, 40 categories, a weighted scoring rubric, eight voting methods, 20 prize ideas with price bands, policy wording you can paste, a remote version and a countdown to Friday, Dec 18, 2026, which is National Ugly Sweater Day. Use it for an ugly christmas sweater contest at work, an ugly sweater day at work, an ugly christmas sweater day at work or an ugly sweater office day.
Key takeaways
- Optional and no purchase needed. Offer a loaner box.
- Neutral judges and a rubric. Not the organizer’s taste.
- Six to eight categories. Reward the sweater, never the wearer.
- Announce prizes first.
- Hybrid works with photos and a vote form.
- Keep the reveal to 20 minutes.
Start Here: Ten Rules and a 60-Second Chooser
These are the ugly sweater contest rules for work. Print them, paste them or pin them.
- It is optional. Joining, voting and wearing a sweater are all voluntary, and nobody explains why.
- No purchase is needed. Offer a loaner box, craft supplies or a scarf-and-pin way to join.
- Any sweater, vest, cardigan or jumper counts if it is festive, tacky or both.
- Nothing offensive. No words or images that mock a religion, body, identity or person.
- Safe is a rule. Battery lights only, no loose wires, nothing that blocks vision or hands, and no open flame.
- One entry per person, plus team entries if you choose them.
- Categories are announced before the day, with the prize for each.
- Judges cannot judge themselves or their own team.
- Photos only with consent, and entries can opt out of the gallery.
- The decision is final once the count is checked. Say so in advance.
Now pick the format that fits you:
| Your situation | Use | How |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 people, one office | People’s choice | One ballot, a show of hands and one prize. Ten minutes. |
| 20 to 100 people | Panel plus people’s choice | Three judges score a short rubric and everyone votes. Thirty minutes. |
| More than 100, or several sites | Category winners by site, then one overall | Each site picks, a small panel picks the overall winner by photo. |
| Remote or hybrid | Photo entries and a vote form | Everyone sends a photo and votes by form. Reveal on a call. |
| Frontline or shift teams | A board and a form | A photo board by the time clock and a ballot box on every shift. |
| You want zero fuss | One prize, one vote | Skip categories. Pick the funniest by applause. |
Decisions to Make Before You Announce
Most arguments come from rules that were decided afterwards. Settle these seven things first.
| Decision | What to do | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Who is allowed to judge? | Pick three people who are not entering, from different teams. | Name them in the announcement. |
| What counts as a sweater? | Sweater, vest, cardigan, jumper or hoodie. No costumes covering the face. | Write one sentence and stick to it. |
| What is the prize for each category? | Decide before you announce so nobody argues afterwards. | See the prizes section. |
| Is it optional, and how? | Say it is optional and offer a no-purchase way to join. | Use the policy wording below. |
| How will votes be counted? | Name one neutral person to count and one to check. | Never the organizer alone. |
| When is the reveal? | Pick a time when most people can attend, including shift staff. | Record it for those who cannot. |
| What is the budget and who pays? | Count prizes, printing and any snacks. Do not ask employees to spend. | Company pays. |
Ugly Sweater Contest Rules for Work and Eligibility
Write down what counts, so that nobody has to guess. This is the ugly sweater contest eligibility table.
| Entry | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bought novelty sweater | Eligible | Good for a category such as Best Stock Sweater |
| DIY or modified sweater | Eligible | Good for a craft category |
| Borrowed or thrifted | Eligible | Name the source if the entrant wants to |
| Vest, cardigan, hoodie | Eligible | Makes it accessible to everyone |
| Sweater with lights | Eligible if safe | Battery packs only, nothing loose |
| Costume covering the face | Not eligible | Hides identity and blocks communication |
| Sweater with a slogan | Eligible if it passes the offense rule | Ask a neutral colleague when unsure |
| A sweater bought just for the contest | Eligible | But the contest should not require a purchase |
| A scarf or pin only | Eligible for the ‘Spirit’ category | A no-sweater way to join |
| Team sweater | Eligible as a group entry | One group category |
These office ugly christmas sweater contest rules are short on purpose. A rule that fits on one poster gets followed.
The free pack has the rules poster and an entry form.
Ugly Sweater Contest Categories for Adults and Award Categories That Stay Kind
The best ugly sweater award categories reward effort and humor, and give most people a chance to win something. Pick six to eight, announce them early and skip the rest.
These are ideas for ugly sweater contest ideas for work.
The look
- Ugliest Sweater: the most gloriously tacky overall.
- Most Festive: the most Christmas per square inch.
- Most Colorful: the brightest and loudest.
- Most Elegant Ugly: the one that is ugly on purpose, with taste.
- Best Stock Sweater: unaltered and store-bought, ugly on its own.
- Most Retro: could have been worn decades ago.
- Most Minimal: festive with just one detail.
- Best Texture: the knit, fuzz or bumps that you want to touch.
The story
- Best Backstory: the best story behind the sweater.
- Greatest Traveler: the sweater that has come the farthest.
- Most Inherited: handed down through the family.
- Luckiest Find: the best thrift or swap discovery.
- Longest Survivor: the oldest sweater still in use.
- Most Surprising Source: it came from the strangest place.
The craft
- Best Modified Sweater: the most creative use of added materials.
- Best DIY: made from scratch or heavily changed.
- Best Texture Add-On: the best use of pom-poms, felt or ribbon.
- Best Lights: the cleverest and safest use of battery lights.
- Most Sustainable: made from materials that would have been thrown away.
- Most Detail: the one that rewards a close look.
Group and team
- Best Team Entry: a group that coordinated their sweaters.
- Best Department Theme: a theme across a whole team.
- Best Duo: two people, one idea.
- Most Spirit: the team with the highest share who joined in.
- Best Pair of Strangers: two colleagues who found they wore the same sweater.
Remote and hybrid
- Best Remote Entry: the best sweater on a screen.
- Best Background Match: the sweater and background work as one.
- Best Pet Cameo: the sweater, with a pet who joined.
- Best Entry in a Small Frame: it works even when only the top half is visible.
- Best Photo: the best photo of a sweater.
For everyone
- Kindest Entry: a sweater that made a colleague smile.
- Funniest Pun: the best joke on a sweater.
- People’s Choice: the most votes from colleagues.
- Best Sport: someone who joined in with good humor.
- Quiet Champion: the entry that people did not expect.
- Most Likely to Be Worn Again: wearable in a normal week.
- Best Sleeve: the best detail on a sleeve.
- Best Pocket Surprise: a hidden detail.
- Best Welcome: the person who helped others join.
- Best Photo Bomb: a friendly one.
Skip anything about bodies, age, income or a person’s faith. A category should reward the sweater and the effort, never the wearer.
How to Judge an Ugly Sweater Contest: Scoring, Rubric and Ties
There are three ways to decide, and they can be mixed.
| Method | How it works | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| People’s choice | Everyone votes for one entry per category. The most votes win. | Quick, fun, risk of a popularity win |
| Panel | Three judges score each entry on a rubric. Highest average wins. | Fair and consistent, takes longer |
| Points | Panel scores plus a share from people’s votes (for example 70 and 30). | Balanced, needs a small spreadsheet |
A Scoring Rubric With Weights
For ugly sweater contest scoring, give each judge the same short rubric. Each criterion is scored 1 to 5, multiplied by its weight and added up.
| Criterion | What the judge asks | Weight (of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday theme | Is it clearly festive? | 20 |
| Creativity | Is it original or surprising? | 30 |
| Craft or commitment | Is it well made, or committed to the bit? | 20 |
| Ugly wow factor | Does it make people laugh or gasp? | 20 |
| Team or story bonus | Does it come with a good story or group effort? | 10 |
A panel plus people’s choice mix works well: for example 70 percent from the panel average and 30 percent from the room. The free pack has an Excel scoreboard that does the sums.
Judge Rules
- Judges do not judge their own team or a close friend’s entry.
- Judges score alone first, then discuss.
- Judges see photos or live entries, not names, where possible.
- Judges are told the rubric before the day.
- Judges do not discuss scores outside the panel.
- A neutral colleague checks the arithmetic.
When There Is a Tie
An ugly sweater contest tie happens more than you expect. Use a rule you announced in advance:
- Ask the panel to vote again between the tied entries only.
- If still tied, give both the award, or use the higher score on Creativity.
- Never decide a tie by the organizer’s taste alone.
- Announce the tie rule before the vote.
- If the tie is for a minor prize, offer two smaller prizes instead.
Keep the Count Honest
| Risk | What to do | Extra step |
|---|---|---|
| Voting for yourself | One ballot per person, and the entry name goes on the ballot, not the voter’s. | Remove the entrant from their own ballot list |
| Ballot stuffing | Count ballots handed out against ballots returned. | Number the ballots |
| Group voting | Ask people to decide on their own, and vote at the same time. | Use a short window |
| Lobbying | Ban campaigning in the announcement. | Keep entries anonymous in the gallery if possible |
| Late entries | Close entries with a date and stick to it. | Allow one grace period announced in advance |
Ugly Sweater Contest Voting and Ballot Methods
Pick the method for your setting. The ugly sweater contest ballot is one slip per person with the entry numbers and the categories.
The free pack has ballots in three styles, plus ugly sweater contest voting cards you can print and cut.
| Method | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ballot box in the room | Print a ballot, give each person one, collect in a box and count after. | 10 minutes |
| Gallery walk with stickers | Entries stand in a row. Each person gets three stickers to place. | 15 minutes |
| Applause | The host points to each entry and the room claps. Use for the lightest version. | 5 minutes |
| Video chat vote | Each entrant shows their sweater. Everyone votes in a poll or in the chat. | 20 minutes |
| Form with photos | Collect photos in advance and put them in a vote form. Votes close at a set time. | 1 day |
| Photo board by the time clock | Post photos and a ballot box for shift staff. Count at shift change. | Over a week |
| Two-round vote | Round one picks three finalists, round two picks the winner. | 20 minutes |
| Judges plus room | Panel scores, room votes, scores are combined with a set share. | 30 minutes |
Fifteen Voting Tweaks
- Put numbers on entries instead of names, so friendships matter less.
- Give each voter three stickers, not one, so that second favorites count.
- Close voting at a fixed time and say so.
- Count out loud with two people watching.
- Use a single poll tool for everyone, not a mix.
- Let remote staff vote in the same window.
- Keep the vote form to five clicks.
- Do not show interim totals.
- Collect photos on a shared drive with consent forms.
- Give people a way to abstain.
- Shuffle the order of the entries.
- Name winners without ranking the rest.
- Offer a ‘no vote’ option for those who do not wish to judge.
- Announce the vote method in advance.
- Thank everyone who voted.
Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes: Prize Ideas and Funny Prizes for Ugly Sweater Contest
These ugly sweater contest prize ideas work best when they cost little and say something kind, and funny prizes for an ugly sweater contest follow the same rule. Prices below are our estimates, except where we name a source.
| Prize | What it is | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Thrift trophy | Buy a used trophy or figure, add tinsel, a pom-pom or a mini sweater and a label. | About $5 to $15 |
| New mini trophy | A small trophy with engraving for Ugliest Sweater and other top categories. | About $10 to $25 |
| Gift card | A small card for coffee, lunch or a bookstore. Cisco gave a $50 gift card per category in 2017. | $10 to $50 |
| A longer lunch | Winner takes an extra 30 minutes at lunch, with a manager’s approval. | $0 |
| Early finish | Winner leaves an hour early on a day they pick, if work allows. | $0 |
| Charity donation | A small donation in the winner’s name to a cause they choose. | $10 to $25 |
| Choose the playlist | Winner picks the playlist for the next team meeting. | $0 |
| Choose the lunch | Winner picks the next team lunch from a short list. | The lunch budget |
| Perpetual trophy | A trophy that moves to the next winner and has a plaque of winners. | $20 to $40 once |
| Snack basket | A basket of treats with allergen labels. | $15 to $30 |
| Desk plant | A small plant to put on the desk. | $8 to $15 |
| Holiday socks | A pair of festive socks, easy and cheap. | $5 to $10 |
| Certificate | A printed certificate for every category. | $0 to $2 |
| Spotlight post | A short thank-you in the newsletter with a photo (with consent). | $0 |
| A coffee with a leader | A coffee with a senior leader, if the leader agrees. | $5 |
| Swag | Branded items, if useful. | $5 to $15 |
| Participation prize | A small prize for everyone who joins, so winning is not the only reward. | $1 to $3 |
| Paid time for the winners to choose | One hour of paid time to use as they like. | Staff time |
| Wall of fame | A frame with winners’ photos, updated each year. | $10 |
| Surprise swap | A prize drawn at random from the entries, for sporting spirit. | $10 |
- Prices are our estimates and vary by place.
- Cash and gift cards are usually taxable in the US, so check with payroll.
- Keep prizes similar in value across categories.
- Add a prize for taking part so the contest is not only for the winners.
- Tell staff the prizes in the announcement.
For an ugly sweater contest award certificate, the free pack has twelve printable certificates, and every ugly sweater contest printable in it is free.
Ugly Sweater Contest Budget: What It Costs
A small ugly sweater contest budget is $20 to $60: a thrift trophy, certificates, printing and a few snacks. A larger one with gift cards and a catered break costs more.
Count staff time too. The company pays, never the employees.
Set the total first, then pick prizes that fit.
An Inclusive Ugly Sweater Day at Work: Policy Wording and Access
An ugly sweater contest inclusive of everyone is optional, costs staff nothing and avoids anything that mocks a person or a faith. In the US, employers generally have to consider reasonable religious accommodation requests, including for dress codes.
This is general information, not legal advice, so have HR or counsel review the wording.
| Area | What to do |
|---|---|
| Religion | Make the event optional, avoid sweaters that mock any faith and offer a dress alternative. In the US, employers generally have to consider reasonable religious accommodation requests, so have HR review the wording. |
| Disability and sensory needs | Offer a quiet viewing time, avoid flashing lights and loud music, and make the room step-free. |
| Cost | Do not require a purchase. Offer a loaner box, craft supplies and a scarf-and-pin option. |
| Shift and frontline staff | Plan around shift times, offer a photo board and pay for the time spent. |
| Remote staff | Let them enter by photo and vote by form in the same window. |
| Body and age | No category that comments on how a sweater fits a body or an age. |
| Alcohol | Do not tie the contest to alcohol. |
| Privacy | Photos only with consent; allow an opt-out. |
Ugly Sweater Contest Policy Wording You Can Paste
Ugly Sweater Day: what to know
On [date], we are holding an optional Ugly Sweater Day and contest. Wearing a sweater, entering and voting are voluntary. You are welcome to join as an observer.
Anything festive counts: a sweater, vest, cardigan, jumper, hoodie or a scarf and pin. We do not expect anyone to buy anything. A box of loaner sweaters and craft supplies will be available at [place].
Please choose clothing that is safe and respectful. No words or images that mock a religion, body, identity or person. Battery lights only. If you are concerned about the dress guidance for religious, health or accessibility reasons, please speak to [name or HR] and we will find a solution.
Photos are taken only with consent.
The company covers prizes and printing. Questions: [name].
A Virtual Ugly Sweater Contest and an Ugly Sweater Contest for Remote Teams
A virtual ugly sweater contest works with photos and a form. Cisco’s team shared sweaters over Webex and voted in chat. A sign-up form with a photo for each entry also works.
This is a six-day version for remote and hybrid teams.
| Step | What to do | When |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Send a photo by form by a set date. Ask for a one-line story. | Day 1 |
| Gallery | Post anonymous numbered photos in a shared album with consent. | Day 3 |
| Vote | Open a vote form for 24 hours. Show the entry number, not the name. | Day 4 |
| Panel | Judges score the photos by rubric alone. | Day 4 |
| Live reveal | On a call, show each sweater and invite the wearer to say a line. | Day 5 |
| Winners | Announce winners and send certificates by email. | Day 5 |
| Thanks | Post photos with consent and thank judges and counters. | Day 6 |
The Reveal: A 20-Minute Program and an Awards Script
The hour-by-hour dress-up day is in the spirit week guide. This is the contest reveal itself.
| Time | What happens | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00 | Welcome and a reminder that everything is optional | 1 min |
| 0:01 | Walk-up or screen reveal: each entrant says one line | 10 min |
| 0:11 | Last call for votes | 1 min |
| 0:12 | Panel scores shared with the counter | 2 min |
| 0:14 | Category awards, quick and warm | 4 min |
| 0:18 | Thanks to judges, counters and everyone who joined | 1 min |
| 0:19 | Photos with consent, then back to work | 1 min |
Awards script
Thank you all for joining in. Whether you wore a sweater, voted or just came to watch, you made this fun. A few awards, and then we will get back to work. The Best Backstory goes to [name], for the sweater that has been in [name]’s family since [story]. Most Elegant Ugly goes to [name]. And the People’s Choice, by a clear margin, goes to [name]. Thank you to our judges, to [name] for counting and to everyone who helped set up.
Countdown to Fri, Dec 18, 2026
National Ugly Sweater Day is the third Friday of December, which is Dec 18 in 2026. Work backward:
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Mon, Nov 30 | Pick the judges, the date and the budget. Send the announcement with the optional line and the no-purchase path. |
| Fri, Dec 4 | Open the entry form (for hybrid) and the loaner box. |
| Fri, Dec 11 | Send a reminder. Brief the judges and share the rubric. |
| Mon, Dec 14 | Print ballots, certificates and the rules poster. Order prizes. |
| Thu, Dec 17 | Final reminder with the time, place and vote method. |
| Fri, Dec 18 | Ugly Sweater Day. Reveal in the early afternoon; announce the winners the same day. |
| Mon, Dec 21 | Post photos with consent. Send thanks to judges and winners. |
Ugly Sweater Contest Announcement Email, Reminder and Winner Note
Announcement email
Subject: Ugly Sweater Day on Fri, Dec 18: optional and for everyone
Hi team,
On Friday, Dec 18 we are holding an optional Ugly Sweater Day with a short contest at [time]. Join as a wearer, a voter or both.
Keep it kind and safe: no words or images that mock anyone, and battery lights only. Questions or needs: [name].
Thank you, [Name]
Reminder
Reminder: Ugly Sweater Day is tomorrow. Contest at [time] in [place] or on the call. Wear a sweater, a scarf and pin or nothing special. Everything is optional. Votes close at [time].
Entry form wording
Name (optional for the gallery): __ Team: _ Category you would like: One line about your sweater: ___ Photo: attach. I agree my photo may be shown in the gallery: Yes / No.
Winner note
Congratulations, [name]. You won [category] in our Ugly Sweater Day contest. Your prize is [prize]. Thank you for joining in with such good humor.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Requiring a purchase | Offer loaner sweaters and craft supplies, and count a scarf and pin. |
| Judging by a friend group | Use three neutral judges and a rubric. |
| Revealing votes before everyone has voted | Close voting first, then count. |
| Offensive sweaters | State the rule and have a neutral colleague check. |
| One category that fits only some | Offer 6 to 8 categories with different strengths. |
| Cash prizes with no policy check | Check with payroll and your gift rules. |
| Forgetting remote and shift staff | Use photos and forms, and a board by the time clock. |
| A long, drawn-out reveal | Keep it to 20 minutes. |
| Singling out a person’s body or age | Reward the sweater, never the wearer. |
| No thank-you | Thank judges, counters and everyone who joined. |
Free Ugly Sweater Contest Pack (Printable Ballots and a Scoreboard)
A free Ugly Sweater Contest Pack is available through the popup on this page. It has a printable rules poster, an entry form, three ballot styles, a scorecard, twelve certificates and a reveal sheet, plus Word files and an Excel scoreboard.
Related Guides
| You need | Go to | What you will find |
|---|---|---|
| What to wear and DIY sweater ideas | Christmas outfit ideas for the office | A related guide |
| A full dress-up week and the hour-by-hour day | Christmas spirit week ideas | A related guide |
| The general contest framework | Christmas contest ideas for work | A related guide |
| A pajama day for the same week | Pajama day at work | A related guide |
| Your whole December | December themes for work | A related guide |
Frequently Asked Questions About Ugly Sweater Contests at Work
How do you run an ugly sweater contest at work?
Decide the judges, the rules and the prizes before you announce, keep it optional, offer a no-purchase way to join, hold a short reveal and use either a people’s choice vote, a panel or a mix. A 20-minute reveal with six to eight categories works for most teams, in the office or on video.
What are good ugly sweater contest categories for work?
Good categories reward the sweater, not the wearer: Ugliest, Most Festive, Best Stock Sweater, Best Modified Sweater, Best Backstory, Best Team Entry, Best Remote Entry and People’s Choice. Avoid anything about bodies, age, income or faith.
Six to eight categories give most people a chance to win something.
What are fair rules for an ugly sweater contest?
Keep it optional, require no purchase, count sweaters, vests, cardigans and hoodies, ban offensive words and images, allow battery lights only, set one entry per person, announce the categories and prizes ahead and keep judges away from their own team’s entries. State that the count is final once checked.
How should we judge an ugly sweater contest?
Use a mix. Three neutral judges score a short rubric with weights, such as creativity 30 and theme 20, and the room votes for a people’s choice award.
Combine them with a stated share, announce a tie rule in advance and ask a neutral colleague to check the arithmetic.
What are good prizes for an ugly sweater contest?
A thrift trophy with decoration costs $5 to $15, a mini trophy $10 to $25 and a small gift card $10 to $50. Free prizes work too: a longer lunch, an early finish, choosing the playlist or lunch.
Add a small prize for everyone who joins so that winning is not the only reward.
Can we hold an ugly sweater contest for remote teams?
Yes. Ask for a photo and a one-line story by a deadline, post numbered photos with consent, open a vote form for a day, let judges score alone and hold a live reveal on a call.
Remote staff should be able to enter and vote in the same window as everyone else.
Is an ugly sweater day okay for people who do not celebrate Christmas?
Yes if it is optional, includes no purchase requirement and avoids sweaters that mock any religion. Offer a dress alternative, such as a scarf and pin, and say whom to speak to about concerns.
In the US, employers generally consider religious accommodation requests, so have HR review the wording.
How do we stop people from voting for themselves?
Take the voter’s own entry off their ballot list, give one ballot per person, number the ballots and compare handed-out with returned ballots. Use a short voting window, ask people to decide alone and have a neutral person count with a second person watching.
How much does an ugly sweater contest cost?
A small contest can cost $20 to $60: a thrift trophy, a few certificates and printing. Larger contests with gift cards and snacks cost more.
Our figures are estimates. Decide the budget first, count staff time, and do not ask employees to buy a sweater or a prize.
What counts as an ugly sweater for the contest?
Any festive sweater, vest, cardigan, jumper or hoodie, bought, borrowed, thrifted or made. A scarf and pin can count for a spirit award.
Costumes that cover the face are out. Write one clear sentence in the announcement so that nobody argues about the line later.
How do we include shift and frontline staff?
Plan around their shift times, post a photo board by the time clock, put a ballot box on every shift and count at shift change. Pay for time spent taking part.
Record the reveal or share the photos so that people who work other hours can see the result.
What do we do if there is a tie?
Announce a tie rule before voting: ask the panel to vote again between only the tied entries, then use the higher creativity score, or share the award. Never decide by the organizer’s taste alone.
For a minor prize, two smaller prizes are a fine answer.
What should the ugly sweater contest announcement say?
State the date and time, that it is optional, what counts as a sweater, that no purchase is needed, the categories and prizes, how remote staff enter and vote, the safety and respect rule and who to contact. Keep it to a short email with bullet points.
How long should the ugly sweater reveal take?
About 20 minutes: a one-minute welcome, ten minutes for each entrant to say one line, a last call for votes, a short count, four minutes of awards and a thank-you. Longer reveals lose people, so keep each entrant to one line and cut anything that slows it down.
Sources: Cisco, ugly holiday sweater contest (2017); White Elephant Rules, ugly sweater contest; Fairygodboss, ugly sweater party; Surf Office, Christmas contest ideas.
Good to know: the ideas are original to this guide. The Cisco prize and categories are from a 2017 post. Prices are estimates. Tax, bonus and religious accommodation rules vary. This is general information, not legal or HR advice.
