What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the holiday season?
You must be thinking about catching up with family or friends! You may also be looking forward to enjoying the festivities with delicious foods and drinks! But that is not all! Let’s not forget the infamous ugly Christmas sweater!
What began as a quirky fashion choice has become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon! And if there is one way to celebrate this tacky yet fun ritual, it is by attending an Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. So grab your favorite ugliest Christmas sweater and a drink, and come along to explore the history of this holiday tradition.
What is an Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
An Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is an exciting event where people don their most bizarre yet festive sweaters and hit the town with friends or peers to hop from one bar to another.
However, this is not just any random night out! It is organized and fun but with a twist! To participate in a bar crawl, you must purchase a ticket that gets you access to the party where the festivities begin. You get digital maps to find your way from bar to bar and get access to drink specials.
You can enjoy drinks at different venues and taste delicious food. You also get to dance to good music, take pictures with others and have a really good time.
A Brief History of the Ugly Sweater
Before you go further into the bar crawl scene, let’s take a quick detour and explore the origins of the ugly sweater itself!
The concept of the ugly Christmas sweater can be traced back to the 1980s. It was a time when knitwear was popular, and holiday-themed sweaters featured everything- be it snowflakes to reindeer. They were meant to be cozy, festive, and, also a little tacky.
Fast forward a couple of decades and these sweaters were no longer simple holiday attire- they became a fashion statement.
The first official Ugly Sweater Party was held in the late 2000s as people began to enjoy the bizarre charm of these wooly monstrosities. Now, it is not just about wearing an ugly sweater; it is all about having fun and making memories!
Why Are Ugly Sweater Bar Crawls the Best?
There is something indisputably festive about an ugly sweater bar crawl!
Ugly sweater bar crawls are all about bringing people together! Whether you are going with a group of friends or meeting new people, everyone is there to have fun. Plus, nothing breaks the ice quite like complimenting someone on their particularly obnoxious sweater!
Moreover, a fun night out is incomplete without lots of pictures, and a cozy and fuzzy sweater will only add to the charm. While sweaters are the highlight of the night, bar crawls are incomplete without drink specials. When you attend an Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl, your taste buds are in for a treat with discounted beers, holiday-themed cocktails, and more!
Also, you will have plenty of opportunities to dance off those drinks and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Nothing says holiday spirit like busting a move in your most ridiculous outfit!
The Crawl- From Detroit to Richmond
Now, let’s explore some cities that have truly embraced the ugly sweater bar crawl tradition!
Detroit
Detroit has a rich nightlife scene, and its Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is one of the most popular in the country. The city comes alive in December with participants in their neon greens, garish reds, and all sorts of holiday motifs.
You can explore bars while sipping on discounted drinks, all while surrounded by fellow participants. With multiple venues on the list, you will have plenty of options for a night filled with merriment.
Chicago
The Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl has become a winter staple in Chicago! You will have the chance to visit everything- be it dive bars or upscale lounges. Moreover, the friendly competition of who has the ugliest sweater only adds to the fun!
Boston
Boston’s historical charm and its youthful energy make for a perfect ambiance for an ugly sweater adventure! You can explore the historic streets and pop into legendary pubs decorated with holiday decorations. It surely makes for an atmosphere that is hard to beat.
Richmond
It may be smaller, but when it comes to Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl, Richmond takes the lead! The city’s crawl usually includes local favorites and enables you to explore the exciting nightlife scene while celebrating the season in style. Plus, you are likely to find some truly creative ugly sweaters along the way!
End note
At the end of the day, an ugly sweater bar crawl is not just about the sweater! It is about the experiences you create and the memories you share. It is also a chance to embrace the silly and quirky side of the holiday season as you gather with friends and enjoy the spirit of togetherness.
So, whether you find yourself in the busy bars of Detroit or the charming streets of Richmond, remember to wear your ugly sweater with pride. It is a time to spread some holiday cheer, meet new friends, and dance the night away!
