‘Tis the season to be merry — and enjoy free ice cream!
Dairy Queen is encouraging customers to celebrate Ugly Sweater Day, also known as National Ugly Holiday Sweater Day, by offering a free frozen treat for their holiday spirit.
Here’s what to know about the limited-time offer.
Ugly Sweater Day is always the third Friday of December, right around Christmas. This year, it falls on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
The first sightings of holiday-themed sweaters trace back to the 1950s, CNN reports. At the time, these were called “Jingle Bell Sweaters,” and they were less, well… ugly. These were slow to take hold of the masses — until the 1980s, that is. The clothing item made its rounds in popular culture, further promoted through TV shows like “The Cosby Show.” The trend fell off again in the 1990s before a surprising resurgence in the 21st century, with dedicated “ugly Christmas sweater parties” to celebrate the tacky holiday staple.
Texas’ beloved ice cream chain has a deal for those who need a little encouragement to embrace the holiday cringe. Customers who visit a participating Dairy Queen location wearing an ugly sweater on Friday will be rewarded with a free mini Blizzard treat.
The offer is valid for one day only on Dec. 19 through the DQ Texas app, and it must be redeemed in person. So take a break from the holiday shopping and gift-wrapping to indulge in a treat as sweet as the season.
“The holiday season is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than with a free mini Blizzard Treat at a DQ restaurant in Texas” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “Fans can enjoy the DQ Holiday Blizzard Menu that includes the NEW Peppermint Bark Blizzard Treat or the returning Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat.”
Dairy Queen stores across Texas also have a gift idea that can’t go wrong. Holiday-themed gift cards present the gift of Treats and Eats for that special someone in your life.