Are you hosting an ugly sweater Christmas party this holiday season and searching for fun ideas for drinks and delicious foods? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading because we’ve got you covered with some yummy recipes for all your ugly Christmas sweater party food ideas.
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There’s something delightfully festive (and maybe a little ridiculous) about hosting your own ugly sweater party during the Christmas season.
Maybe it’s the thrill of digging out the quirkiest, silliest, sparkliest, and ugliest holiday sweaters imaginable!
Or, perhaps it’s just a fun way to laugh and celebrate with friends and family.
But what truly elevates any holiday gathering – especially ugly sweater parties?
The Christmas party food!
If you’re hosting an ugly sweater theme party, you’ll want festive drinks, party snacks, and yummy food that match the holiday spirit of fun, festive, and maybe even a bit crazy.
From amazing finger food to an ugly sweater charcuterie board to holiday-inspired desserts, we’ve got you covered with all the food party ideas you need to make this event one your guests won’t soon forget.
So grab your glitter antlers, ugly holiday sweaters, plug in those twinkling lights on your Christmas trees, and let’s get into some deliciously festive food ideas that’ll make your ugly Christmas sweater holiday party a jolly hit!
1. Serve Delicious Ugly Sweater Party Drinks
Serving delicious drinks is the perfect way to keep the festive spirit flowing at your ugly sweater party.
You can create a signature cocktail that reflects the holiday cheer, or offer some different types of bottles of wine.
Here are some amazing alcoholic drink ideas:
Cranberry Moscow Mule
This holiday twist on a classic Moscow Mule combines vodka, ginger beer, and a splash of cranberry juice. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A cozy drink that doubles as dessert! Mix hot chocolate with a shot of peppermint schnapps, then top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and a dusting of cocoa.
Christmas Sangria
Red wine, apple cider, brandy, and fresh slices of apples, oranges, and cranberries make this sangria merry and bright. Add a hint of cinnamon for a warm, spiced finish.
Gingerbread Martini
This creamy drink features vodka, Kahlúa, and Irish cream liqueur with a splash of gingerbread syrup. Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookies for an extra festive touch.
Poinsettia Punch
Light and bubbly, this cocktail combines cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and champagne. It’s a refreshing, sparkling option that’s perfect for a holiday toast!
Apple Cider Margarita
A fall favorite with a holiday twist, this margarita mixes tequila, apple cider, and a touch of lime juice. Serve it in a cinnamon-sugar rimmed glass for a sweet and spicy edge.
Eggnog White Russian
This holiday-inspired White Russian blends eggnog, vodka, and Kahlúa. It’s creamy, rich, and perfect for sipping by the Christmas tree.
Sparkling Rosemary Gin Fizz
A fresh and festive cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of rosemary syrup. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a sophisticated holiday sip.
Winter Wonderland Margarita
For a snowy effect, blend tequila, triple sec, and coconut cream with ice. Rim the glass with shredded coconut for a wintery presentation and add a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Mulled Wine
Red wine is simmered with oranges, cloves, cinnamon, and a touch of honey for a warm, aromatic holiday drink. Serve in a mug for an inviting, cozy treat on a chilly winter night.
Don’t forget a few alcohol-free options for guests who prefer a lighter sip.
Here are a few non-alcoholic drink options for your party:
Cranberry Ginger Fizz
This sparkling drink combines cranberry juice, ginger ale, and a splash of fresh lime juice. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a holiday look.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A holiday favorite! Make rich hot chocolate, then add a dash of peppermint extract. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
Apple Cider Punch
Mix chilled apple cider with sparkling water, a splash of orange juice, and a pinch of cinnamon. Serve over ice with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a cozy, refreshing punch.
Pomegranate Sparkler
Combine pomegranate juice and sparkling water in a glass, then add a touch of honey or simple syrup. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a twist of orange peel for a festive touch.
Spiced Cran-Apple Spritz
Mix equal parts cranberry and apple juice, and add a splash of sparkling water, and a dash of cinnamon. Garnish with fresh cranberries and an apple slice to make it extra festive.
Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea
Brew cinnamon spice tea and add a drizzle of honey and a few orange slices. Perfect for warming up on a chilly night, this tea is both fragrant and cozy.
Coconut Snowflake Smoothie
Blend coconut milk, vanilla yogurt, and a little honey with ice until smooth. Garnish with shredded coconut on top and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a wintery, snow-like effect.
Winter Berry Punch
Combine grape juice, cranberry juice, and sparkling water for a berry-filled treat. Add frozen berries like raspberries or blackberries to keep it chilled and colorful.
Mulled Apple Cider
Heat apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a few slices of orange. Simmer for a few minutes, then serve warm in a mug for a non-alcoholic version of this classic holiday drink.
Gingerbread Drink
A creamy treat that’s a great option! Mix milk with a little gingerbread syrup and warm it up. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon and green sugar to give it that gingerbread flavor.
With festive drinks in hand, everyone will be toasting the holiday season in style (and probably snapping a few ugly sweater selfies, too!).
2. Create an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Charcuterie Board
A festive charcuterie board is a great way to start your ugly sweater party.
By offering a delicious mix of flavors with larger or smaller boards you’ll create a treat that’s a little bit of fun for your eyes and taste buds.
Here are a few charcuterie board ideas to bring a little holiday magic to your snack table:
Classic Holiday Board
A mix of cured meats like salami and prosciutto, cheeses like Brie and sharp cheddar, fresh berries, and rosemary sprigs for a touch of green. Add some holiday-themed crackers and a few candy canes for an extra festive look!
Sweet & Savory Christmas Tree Board
Arrange cheeses, grapes, and meats in the shape of a Christmas tree, then decorate with cherry tomatoes, olives, red pepper, and rosemary sprigs as “ornaments” and “garland.” It’s a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as tasty as it is festive.
Hot Chocolate Dessert Board
Fill this board with hot chocolate essentials like mini marshmallows, chocolate-covered pretzels, candy canes, and holiday cookies.
Winter Wonderland Cheese Board
A white and green themed board with Brie, goat cheese, cucumber slices, and green grapes. Add some fresh mint and a sprinkle of edible silver glitter or green sugar for a touch of sparkle for a fun type of party.
Nutcracker Snack Board
Fill this board with holiday nuts like pistachios, almonds, and candied walnuts, along with dried cranberries, popcorn, and spiced cheeses. It’s a nod to holiday classics and provides a variety of flavors to snack on.
The best part of offering a charcuterie board is that it brings its own unique flavors and style to your holiday party, adding an extra layer of holiday cheer to the festive table.
3. Feature Appetizers and Festive Holiday Party Snacks
Fun appetizers and snacks are a must for any holiday party, especially one as playful as an ugly Christmas sweater bash.
With a spread of bite-sized, festive snacks, guests can nibble as they mingle, laugh, and admire each other’s outrageous holiday attire.
Here are some appetizer ideas that are sure to bring the holiday cheer:
Mini Cheese Balls
Individual cheese balls rolled in herbs, crushed nuts, or cranberries for a festive touch. Serve with pretzel sticks for easy grabbing!
Holiday Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs dyed red and green with food coloring and topped with a sprinkle of paprika or chives for extra color.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Flaky puff pastry cups filled with warm, gooey Brie cheese and topped with a dollop of cranberry sauce. Perfectly sweet and savory in each bite.
Stuffed Mushroom Caps
Mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, then baked until golden. Easy to pick up and packed with flavor.
Christmas Tree Veggie Platter
Fresh vegetables like broccoli, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers are arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree. Serve with a creamy ranch dip on the side.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Sweet dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. This salty-sweet combination is a crowd-pleaser.
Snowman Cheese Ball
A large cheese ball shaped like a snowman and coated in shredded cheese, with olive eyes, a carrot nose, and a mini-scarf made from red peppers or chives.
Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
Classic pigs in a blanket arranged in a wreath shape served with a bowl of mustard or ketchup in the middle for dipping.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups
Individual phyllo cups filled with creamy spinach and artichoke dip. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside – perfect for a holiday snack.
Caprese Skewers
Skewers of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze for a festive red and green look.
These appetizers will bring a delicious and festive touch to your Christmas party, making it easy for guests to snack and celebrate all night long.
4. Festive Christmas Party Salad Ideas
Adding a few festive salads to your ugly sweater party spread is a great way to bring fresh, colorful options to the party table.
With seasonal ingredients like cranberries, nuts, and winter greens, these salads will add variety and balance to the rich holiday fare.
Here are some delicious holiday-inspired salad ideas that your guests will love:
Winter Kale Salad
Fresh kale massaged with olive oil and tossed with pomegranate seeds, sliced apples, and candied pecans. Drizzled with a light honey mustard dressing for a sweet and tangy bite.
Cranberry Spinach Salad
Baby spinach, dried cranberries, red onions, and crumbled feta topped with a balsamic vinaigrette. The cranberries add a festive touch while balancing the spinach’s earthiness.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula paired with roasted butternut squash, toasted walnuts, and shaved Parmesan. Finished with a warm maple vinaigrette for a comforting winter flavor.
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Shaved Brussels sprouts mixed with Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and crispy croutons. A refreshing twist on a classic Caesar with a seasonal veggie swap.
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Earthy roasted beets with creamy goat cheese, candied walnuts, and arugula, topped with a citrus vinaigrette. Bright, colorful, and full of texture.
Apple Walnut Salad
Mixed greens tossed with sliced apples, toasted walnuts, blue cheese crumbles, and dried cherries. A drizzle of apple cider vinaigrette brings out the sweet and nutty flavors.
Quinoa and Cranberry Salad
Quinoa combined with dried cranberries, chopped almonds, and fresh herbs, tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. This salad is light and festive.
Christmas Wreath Caprese Salad
Arrange cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves in a wreath shape, then drizzle with balsamic glaze. Add rosemary sprigs around the edge for a holiday look.
Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad
Warm roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, red onions, and mixed greens tossed with a cumin-lime dressing. A hearty salad with bold flavors and colors.
Broccoli Cranberry Salad
Crunchy broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Sweet and tangy, this salad is a fresh addition to a holiday table.
These salads add a burst of color and fresh flavors to your holiday party, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
5. Serve Some Soup at the Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
Serving soups at your ugly sweater party is a fantastic way to add a cozy, comforting touch to your seasonal holiday menu.
Set up a soup station with ladles, mugs, and toppings, so guests can serve themselves and stay warm and satisfied.
Here are some seasonal soup ideas that will make your holiday gathering feel extra inviting:
Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy and slightly sweet, this soup is made with roasted butternut squash, a hint of cinnamon, and a swirl of coconut milk for extra richness. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Classic Tomato Basil Soup
A crowd-pleaser made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic. Pair with mini grilled cheese sticks for a comforting, nostalgic twist.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Thick and hearty, this soup is filled with tender potatoes, crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and chives. Each spoonful tastes like a loaded baked potato in soup form.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Spicy and flavorful, with shredded chicken, black beans, and corn, all in a tomato-based broth. Serve with crunchy tortilla strips, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
French Onion Soup
Caramelized onions in a rich, savory beef broth topped with a toasted baguette slice and melted Gruyère cheese. This classic soup is perfect for chilly holiday nights.
Creamy Mushroom Soup
Earthy mushrooms blended with garlic, onions, and a touch of cream for a smooth, velvety texture. Top with fresh herbs or crispy shallots for an extra special touch.
Winter Minestrone
A veggie-packed Italian soup with carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, and kidney beans, flavored with fresh rosemary and Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Pumpkin and Sage Soup
A silky soup made with pumpkin puree, fresh sage, and a hint of nutmeg. This seasonal favorite has an inviting, warm flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Sweet roasted red peppers blended with tomatoes and a hint of smoked paprika. This bright red soup is as festive as it is flavorful.
Spiced Carrot and Ginger Soup
Pureed carrots with a hint of ginger and a touch of orange zest give this soup a light, zesty flavor. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh chives for a pop of color.
Each of these soups will add warmth and seasonal flavors to your party, creating a welcoming, festive party atmosphere.
6. Create a Festive Holiday Themed Food Bar for Party Guests
Creating a themed food bar is a fantastic way to elevate your ugly sweater party, allowing guests to customize their meals while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Not only does a food bar encourage mingling and creativity, but it also adds an element of fun to the dining experience.
Here are themed food bar ideas that will delight your guests:
Taco Bar
A taco bar lets guests build their own tacos with a variety of tortillas, proteins like seasoned chicken, beef, or black beans, and a selection of toppings such as salsas, guacamole, shredded cheese, and fresh veggies. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a classic favorite.
Hamburger Bar
Set up a hamburger station where guests can choose from different types of buns, beef patties, or even turkey and veggie options. Provide an array of toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and an assortment of cheeses and condiments, so everyone can create their ultimate burger masterpiece.
Sandwich Bar
Offer a selection of breads, deli meats, cheeses, and toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and specialty sauces. Guests can mix and match ingredients to craft their perfect sandwiches, and you can even include some holiday-themed spreads like cranberry sauce or stuffing for a festive twist.
Pizza Bar
Allow guests to create their own pizzas with premade dough or crusts, a selection of sauces (like marinara, pesto, and barbecue), various cheeses, and an array of toppings, including veggies, meats, and unique options like pineapple or jalapeños.
Hot Dog Bar
Guests can build their perfect hot dogs with a variety of sausages, buns, and a wide array of toppings. Offer classic options like mustard, ketchup, and relish, as well as more adventurous toppings like chili, cheese, jalapeños, onions, and sauerkraut.
These food bars will encourage food creativity and interaction among your guests, making the holiday gathering memorable and yummy.
7. Best Delicious Main Course Ugly Sweater Christmas Party Food Ideas
For the main course at your ugly sweater party, serve a variety of delicious options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Offering a selection of hearty dishes will not only satisfy your guests but also create a warm atmosphere.
Here are a few main course ideas:
Beef or Chicken Enchiladas
Rolled tortillas stuffed with seasoned beef or chicken, topped with enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Serve with sour cream and guacamole for a flavorful twist.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and spices, then baked to perfection.
Baked Ziti
A comforting dish made with ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses baked until bubbly. This cheesy classic is sure to please a crowd.
Roast Chicken
Juicy roasted chicken seasoned with herbs and spices served alongside seasonal vegetables. This classic dish is a comforting centerpiece for a holiday table.
Vegetarian Lasagna
Layers of pasta, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and a medley of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms. This hearty vegetarian option is flavorful and filling.
Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow-cooked, tender pulled pork served on mini buns with barbecue sauce. Add coleslaw for a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Creamy Alfredo sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta and grilled chicken, garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese. This dish is indulgent and satisfying.
Beef Stroganoff
Tender strips of beef cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce and served over egg noodles. This classic comfort food is rich and hearty, perfect for a winter gathering.
Baked Salmon
Flaky salmon filets baked with lemon, dill, and garlic. This healthy option is light yet flavorful and pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables.
Chili
A hearty chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, simmered to perfection. Serve it with cornbread for a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for colder months.
These main course ideas will provide a delicious centerpiece for your bash, ensuring your guests leave feeling satisfied and full.
8. Amazing Festive Holiday Party Dessert Ideas
No holiday gathering is complete without a selection of festive desserts to satisfy your guests’ sweet cravings.
Offering a variety of delicious treats will not only delight the taste buds but also add a fun and celebratory touch to your event.
Here are fun Christmas dessert ideas for your festivities:
Gingerbread Cookies
Classic gingerbread cookies shaped like holiday figures and decorated with colorful icing. These spiced treats are perfect for getting creative with festive designs.
Peppermint Bark
A delightful combination of dark and white chocolate layered with crushed peppermint candy. This sweet and minty treat is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Chocolate or vanilla cupcakes topped with green buttercream frosting shaped like Christmas trees, decorated with candy ornaments and a sprinkle of edible glitter.
Eggnog Cheesecake
A rich and creamy cheesecake infused with eggnog flavor and topped with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. This festive dessert is perfect for the holiday season.
Red Velvet Cake Pops
Moist red velvet cake crumbled and mixed with cream cheese frosting then rolled into balls and dipped in white chocolate. These bite-sized treats are a fun and colorful addition to any dessert table.
Snowman Brownies
Fudgy brownies topped with white frosting and decorated to look like snowmen, complete with mini chocolate chips for eyes and a candy corn nose. They’re cute and tasty.
Ugly Sweater Decorated Christmas Cookies
Sugar cookies are cutout into sweater shapes and then decorated with icing to mirror the ugly sweaters at the party. These cookies are cute and a holiday party favorite.
Candy Cane Cheesecake Bars
Creamy cheesecake bars with a hint of peppermint and crushed candy canes, set on a graham cracker crust. These bars are easy to serve and full of festive flavor.
Yule Log Cake
A chocolate sponge cake rolled with rich chocolate ganache, shaped like a log and decorated with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. This traditional holiday dessert is as impressive as it is delicious.
Holiday Fruitcake
A moist cake loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, often soaked in rum or brandy. This classic dessert is perfect for sharing and evokes the flavors of the season.
These festive dessert ideas will add a sweet finish to your party, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile and a satisfied sweet tooth.
9. Set Up a Late Night Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Buffet
As the evening winds down, setting up an end-of-the-night buffet is a wonderful way to keep the festive spirit alive while offering guests a chance to nibble on some late-night treats.
This relaxed approach allows everyone to gather one last time, enjoying delicious bites and reflecting on the fun memories made during the party.
Here are some festive food ideas that are perfect for your late-night buffet:
Mini Quiches
Bite-sized quiches filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, spinach, and bacon. These savory treats are easy to grab and perfect for a late-night snack.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
An assortment of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and fruits arranged beautifully. This flavorful platter is a great way to encourage mingling and sampling throughout the night.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs, baked until golden brown. These bite-sized appetizers are always a crowd favorite.
Pigs in a Blanket
Mini hot dogs wrapped in flaky pastry and baked until golden. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for a fun and nostalgic snack.
Christmas Cheese Balls
Creamy cheese balls coated in festive herbs, nuts, or cranberries, served with crackers or pretzels. These are not only tasty but also add a holiday touch to your spread.
Vegetable Platter with Dip
A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers served with a creamy ranch or hummus dip. This healthy option balances out the heavier fare.
Holiday Popcorn
Popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkled with festive candies or crushed peppermint. This sweet and salty treat is easy to munch on while mingling.
Fruit and Nut Medley
A mix of dried fruits like apricots and cranberries, along with assorted nuts. This nutritious option provides a nice contrast to the richer dishes.
Savory Meatballs
Flavorful meatballs served in a tangy barbecue or sweet and sour sauce. They are perfect for picking up with toothpicks for a hearty late-night bite.
Hot Chocolate Bar
A DIY hot chocolate station with various toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and chocolate shavings. This cozy treat is perfect for warming up as the night comes to a close.
These festive food ideas will ensure that your end-of-the-night buffet is not only delicious but also a delightful way for guests to celebrate the memories of the evening while enjoying a final snack.
Final thoughts
As the night winds down and everyone has cast their vote for the ugliest sweater (bonus points if it’s inspired by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or A Christmas Story), you’ll know you’ve thrown a good party when the laughter lingers and guests keep going back for “just one more” bite of those festive boards and finger foods.
An ugly Christmas sweater party is truly the perfect way to bring everyone together in the festive mood.
From delicious cheese balls to those classic candy canes on desserts to a signature cocktail (or alcohol-free option for those who prefer) to keep the holiday cheer flowing, we hope you found inspiration to host the perfect time for your friends and family.
Cheers to a memorable, merry night with fun decorations, lots of ugly Christmas sweaters, and of course, amazing party food!
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Your turn
Are you hosting a holiday party this year? Which of these ugly Christmas sweater party food ideas are your favorites? Let me know in the comments!
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