15 Playful Christmas Sweaters for Women

They’re delightfully silly, brightly colored, and supremely cozy—we’re talking ugly Christmas sweaters, of course.

The festive knits, featuring Christmas motifs such as snowflakes, Santas, or reindeer, first made a public appearance on television screens in the 1950s.

They appeared off and on for the next several decades, primarily as humorous props in comedies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Bridget Jones’s Diary. But it was in the early 2000s that the ugly Christmas sweater really gained momentum as a fun seasonal custom. 

The goofy garment became popular among everyone from celebrities to fashion designers, giving rise to themed parties and high-end versions. Today, Christmas sweaters have become an essential part of the winter wardrobe. 

For this article, we’ve chosen a new crop of festive, warm, well-crafted, and anything but ugly Christmas sweaters. 

Festive Fringe Sweater

1

Enjoy Christmas with this cream wool and mohair women’s sweater embellished with a colorful fringe appliqué.

Shop Weekend Max Mara $425

Nordic Jacquard Christmas Sweater

2

This pullover’s fleecy cashmere yarn will wrap you in warmth like a cup of hot Christmas cocoa—which just happens to be the color scheme.

Shop Brunello Cucinelli C$5995

Sporty Logo Women’s Christmas Sweater

3

This Christmas sweater with a sport-chic look boasts a retro vibe—just swap your ski gear for high-waisted wool trousers.

Shop Dior $2900

Cropped Star Sweater

4

Thank your lucky stars for this comfy, lightweight cropped sweater. Pair it with white pants or high-waisted boyfriend jeans for a laid-back Christmas look.

Shop Louis Vuitton $2570

Colorful Mohair Sweater

5

For adventure-loving women, this mohair crewneck sweater is sure to brighten a winter day with its yellow and Christmas-green jacquard motif.

Shop Gucci C$2550

Monochrome Fair Isle Sweater

6

Wear this elegant Fair Isle jumper with simple black pants at the office, or jazz it up with a leather mini skirt and boots for Christmas parties.

Shop Alexander McQueen C$1740

Crimson Cashmere Christmas Sweater

7

Festive Christmas vibes abound with this pretty ruby-red mock neck sweater made with organic Mongolian cashmere.

Shop N.Peal £495

Textured Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

8

The classic women’s cardigan gets a Christmas update with ribbing and a contrasting motif. Wear it buttoned up or open for a layered look.

Shop Khaite C$2660

Oversized Graphic Sweater

9

A bold Christmas red and white diamond pattern shines in this extra roomy women’s sweater made in Spain from local artisanal wool.

Shop Babaa €290

Boxy Turtleneck Christmas Sweater

10

This high-neck sweater brings cozy Christmas vibes with its Nordic jacquard pattern. Complement the boxy cut with printed leggings and combat boots.

Shop Alanui $815

Cozy Wool-Blend Turtleneck

11

Keep the Christmas season sweet with this caramel and cream-hued turtleneck sweater, a perfect complement to wide-leg jeans and a cute beret.

Shop Nili Loton C$‌680

Modern Woman’s Snowflake Christmas Sweater

12

The snowflake Christmas sweater goes contemporary with a geometric pattern in grey and white cashmere.

Shop Johnstons of Elgin C$1850

Scottish Donegal and Fair Isle Sweater

13

If a neutral palette is your choice this Christmas, look no further than this flecked beige sweater knit from three different yarns.

Shop Alex Mill C$‌450

Baltic Folklore Christmas Sweater

14

Lithuanian mythology inspired the print for this turtleneck Christmas sweater made from fine green merino wool.

Shop The Knotty Ones $242

Seamless Lambswool Chrismtas Sweater

15

Women love this taupe sweater for its seamless, flattering fit, accented with a Fair Isle print in muted Christmas shades.

Shop Bamford $407.10