Guide
Christmas jumper party ideas
Tinsel optional. Laughter compulsory. Here is how to throw a woolly get-together people will talk about until next year.
Set the dress code
Put “Christmas jumper essential” on the invitation and mean it. Give people plenty of notice so they can dig one out, borrow one or order online. It helps to say what kind of party it is: a family afternoon calls for different jumpers from a late night with friends, and a work do needs everyone to feel comfortable.
Run a jumper contest (with proper categories)
A single “ugliest jumper” prize is fun, but categories mean more people win. Try:
- Most lights: the brightest person in the room.
- Best pun: judged by groans.
- Best homemade: for anyone who's been at it with a glue gun.
- Best couple or family: for matching sets.
- Best film or TV reference: bonus points if you can quote it.
Hand out paper rosettes, chocolate coins or a slightly rubbish trophy that has to be returned next year.
Build a decorating station
Some guests will arrive in a plain jumper. Set up a table with tinsel, felt shapes, pompoms, ribbon, jingle bells, safety pins and fabric-safe glue dots so they can upgrade on the spot. Safety pins mean the jumper can go back to normal afterwards.
Games that work in a jumper
- Jumper bingo: bingo cards with squares like “reindeer”, “pompom nose”, “snowman” and “flashing lights”. First to spot a full line wins.
- The big jumper relay: teams race to put on and pass along one enormous jumper.
- Name that jumper: before the party, collect baby photos or old family photos of people in festive knits and guess who's who.
- Festive film quote-off: act out lines from Christmas films while others guess.
- Pass the parcel: with a forfeit or a joke in every layer.
Host a jumper swap
Ask everyone to bring a clean festive jumper they no longer wear and leave with a different one. It's a great way to refresh your collection without buying new, and very satisfying when someone's cast-off becomes another guest's favourite.
Food and drink with a festive twist
- A gingerbread-decorating table with icing pens (bonus: decorate a biscuit to match your jumper).
- A hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, cream and candy canes.
- Mince pies, pigs in blankets and a cheeseboard for the grown-ups.
- Napkins close to hand: melted chocolate and pale knitwear are not friends.
Photo booth and playlist
Hang some fairy lights and tinsel on a wall, add a few props (antlers, Santa hats, oversized glasses) and let the photos happen. Build a playlist that mixes the classics with a few surprises, and turn the volume up when the contest winners are announced.
Keeping the office party friendly
Some jumpers are designed for adult company only. For a workplace event, it's worth a gentle line in the invitation asking people to keep it family-friendly. Our cheeky section is clearly labelled so you know which ones to save for the pub.
Raise money while you're at it
If your party falls near Christmas Jumper Day, you could invite guests to make a donation to Save the Children as their “entry fee”. Check the charity's official website for the date and fundraising resources.
Still need a jumper for the big night? Funny, light-up and matching picks are waiting.