Dig out that ugly sweater in your closet and put it to good use. There are several Ugly Sweater Parties coming up across the Range. National Ugly Sweater Day in on December 15, 2023. It is celebrated on the third Friday of the month, each December.
Whether you are a local or from out-of-town, feel free to go to any of the following parties. Here are three steps to get you ready for Festive Fashion Fun!
1. GET YOUR UGLY SWEATER! Dig it out of your closet. If you don’t have one yet, go to your local thrift store, but WalMart also has a huge selection of Ugly Christmas Sweaters. Some people raid their Funcle’s closest for some gems from his past. Others make theirs from scratch and add Christmas ornaments and lights! If you are really lucky you could win one of the Twelve Days of Sweaters on Fallon.
2. WEAR YOUR SWEATER THE ENTIRE DAY! Be proud of your choice. Wear it loud and proud, whether it is at the office, while Christmas shopping or at that local School Board meeting.
4. GO TO UGLY SWEATER PARTIES! These parties have food & drink specials, music and of course, prizes for the ugliest Christmas sweater. Do check each venues for times, food and drink specials and judging.
Here is a little Holiday History about Ugly Christmas Sweaters:
So, what is the best Ugly Sweater you have ever seen?
KAREN BLAIS: “Personally I love the actual homemade sweaters. But, I did see one the other day that had colored fuzzys all over and it said, “No one invited you, Karen.” And that was GOLD.”
TONI THURINGER: “A Busch Light sweater, it was pretty cute.”
ANDREW HANGEMON: “Best ugly sweater is the skin appearing ones that look like a mans chest without a shirt on. I have found that to be the type that requires a double take.”
Think you have what it takes? Does your sweater have tinsel and built-in lights? Well, wear that thing all across the Iron Range! Here are six Ugly Sweater Parties, this Saturday and a few more occurring right up to Christmas.
DECEMBER 16 | RUDY’S BAR
114 Main Street N – Aurora (218) 229-3983
(Begins at 8pm)
JESSIE KAUFMAN, OWNER OF RUDY’S BAR & GRILL: “It’s our annual ugly sweater party, and trust me, it’s going to be a blast. We’ve got everything you need for a good time – great music, delicious food, fun games, and even some cool prizes up for grabs. So don’t miss out, come on down and join us for an unforgettable evening. For more information, call or go to the RUDY’S BAR & GRILL FACEBOOK PAGE.
DECEMBER 16 | THE HAVEN BAR & GRILL
217 Kennedy Memorial Drive – Hoyt Lakes (218) 225-3134
(8pm – Midnight)
TONI THURINGER, OWNER OF THE HAVEN BAR & GRILL: “Wear your ugliest sweater and win a prize. Come listen to Kutdown rock the night. Its going to be a fun night”
For more information, call or go to THE HAVEN BAR & GRILL FACEBOOK PAGE.
DECEMBER 16th & 17 | GIANTS RIDGE
6329 Wynne Creek Drive, Biwabik (218) 865-8000
STEVE RAHKOLA, MARKETING DIRECTOR AT GIANTS RIDGE: “Let’s decorate the slopes with Ugly Sweaters on Saturday, December 16th AND Sunday, December 17th, for National Ugly Sweater Day! Put on your best (worst) Ugly Sweater and see how yours compares to the rest!”
You’re gonna Fa-La-La-Love it!
For more information on this and other winter fun events & activities, call or go to: GIANTS RIDGE FACEBOOK PAGE.
DECEMBER 16 | VI’S PIZZA/TNT BAR
300 N Main – Biwabik (218) 865-4164
(Begins at 4pm)
KAREN BLAIS, BAR MANAGER AT TNT BAR: “Dress in your best ugly sweater or Christmas costume. Bring in a non-perishable food item and receive a wrapped gift from TNT Bar! Gifts will be on a first come first serve and donations will be accepted until the Friday before Christmas or until the gifts run out. Gifts Range from Cash,Drink chips, merch or even a donation item. Prizes for best Single outfit and best Couple/group costume. CONTEST WILL BE AT 11 P.M. (Must Be Present to Win) Drink Specials: Holiday Jello Shots, 2/$6 McGillicuddys shots, $5 Tall Green Machines and more! Updated menu with delicious appetizers! Join us for dinner or stay late for the party!” For more information, call or go to the VI’S PIZZA/TNT BAR FACEBOOK PAGE.
DECEMBER 16th | DUGOUT BAR
214 S Broadway – Gilbert (218) 741-2150
(7pm – 1am)
Bust those ugly and creative sweaters out and come have some laughs! Will continue to do our white elephant gift exchange. Bring a gift to put under the tree and get 1 in return! We will also do a potluck
For more information, call or go to THE DUGOUT BR FACEBOOK PAGE.
DECEMBER 16th | POPPER’s BAR VIRGINIA
120 Chestnut St, Virginia (218) 741-5144
Festivities begin at 7pm
Jimmy’s Jukebox (Jimmy Porter) will be there as well!
For more information , call or go to POPPER’S BAR FACEBOOK PAGE.
After you win all the prizes for that spectacular sweater over the first weekend of parties, go for a round two on December 22 & 23, in Hibbing, Gilbert and Britt.
DECEMBER 22 | THE DO YOU
214 East Howard Street – Hibbing 218-262-9947
(10pm – 2:30am)
ANDREW HANGEMON, OWNER, THE DO YOU NIGHTCLUB: “We are doing a late night ugly sweater party at the night club. Regular menu available. DJ will be performing.
For more information about this and other events, call or go to: THE DO YOU FACEBOOK PAGE.
DECEMBER 23 | THE ORE HOUSE
102 N Broadway – Gilbert 218-741-1400
(4pm – 7pm)
TROY CARPENTER, OWNER OF THE ORE HOUSE: “Our 3rd Annual Christmas Party featuring Terry Miller (Miller Time) performing Christmas favorites from 4-7 on Saturday December 23. We will have charcuterie table and pot luck appetizers and desserts. Ugly sweater contest and some swag giveaways. Drink specials with free spiked Apple Cider. We expect some pretty ugly homemade sweaters – because we have quite a few crafters as regulars.”
For more information, on this and other events, call or go to THE ORE HOUSE FACEBOOK PAGE.
DECEMBER 23 | BRITT LOUNGE
7301 Britt Bypass – Britt (218) 741-2035
Saturday, December 23rd | 8pm- 11pm
Join us at the Lounge for a night of laughing & singing.
First prizes to Ugliest Sweater & Best Singer!
Check out the new Winter Drink Specials, too!
For more information, call or go to the BRITT LOUINGE FACEBOOK PAGE
Please check with each venue to be sure what ages can participate. Many are in bars where you would have to be 21+ to participate, but Giants Ridge would be available for all ages. As with anything, be sure to have a designated driver and be safe, not only for yourself, but for others.
Joy Mc Jingles writes a blog about Iron Range Tourism and Holidays on the Range. Blogs are posted on Thursdays & Sundays.
