Why Curling Is the Most Festive Winter Sport (and Always Will Be)
There’s something about curling that just feels like Christmas. Maybe it’s the ice, maybe it’s the sweaters, or maybe it’s the fact that 90% of curling events somehow involve beer and laughter. Whatever it is, curlers have managed to turn a cold, slippery surface into the warmest, most festive place you can be in winter.
While hockey players are busy body-checking each other and skaters are perfecting triple toe loops, curlers are stringing up lights around the viewing lounge and debating whether “Skip Happens” should be embroidered in gold or silver thread. (Spoiler: both are correct.)
If you need proof that curling is the most festive winter sport, grab a broom and a beer—here’s the list you didn’t know you needed.
1. Curlers Have the Best Ugly Sweaters
You think your office ugly sweater contest is competitive? Try walking into a curling club in December. Between “Rockin’ Around the Button” and “Hurry Hard and Be Merry,” the competition is fierce.
In fact, we’ve already imagined what those sweaters would look like as shirts—because no one should have to wear itchy acrylic while sweeping. Check out our collection of funny curling shirts that say “festive” without saying “grandma’s knitting project.”
And if you need inspiration, don’t miss our post on Best Ugly Sweaters (That Should Actually Be Curling Shirts). You’ll never look at tinsel and stones the same way again.
2. The Bonspiel Is Basically a Holiday Party in Disguise
You know what a bonspiel is? It’s a multi-day holiday party where everyone pretends to be there for competition but secretly just wants to hang out, eat chili, and sing curling songs late into the night.
The festive atmosphere is unbeatable—matching team outfits, twinkling Christmas lights around the rink, and maybe even a Santa hat over a helmet. (Hey, safety first.)
If you’re planning to make the bonspiel circuit this winter, grab some inspiration from our Bonspiel Bucket List: Curling Events Worth Traveling For. Think of it as your holiday travel guide—only with more poutine and fewer airport delays.
3. The Club Lounge Is Straight-Up North Pole Energy
Every curling club has a lounge, and every lounge becomes a winter wonderland from November through February. We’re talking Christmas trees decked out with mini stones, garland-wrapped brooms, and the faint smell of hot cocoa (or, let’s be honest, beer).
It’s where legends are made, where ends are replayed in great dramatic fashion, and where someone inevitably starts singing “The 12 Days of Curlmas.”
(If you don’t know that one yet, check out The 12 Days of Curlmas: A Curler’s Holiday Song. You’ll never hear the original carol the same way again.)
4. Every Team Has “That One Friend” Who Brings Too Much Cheer
There’s always one curler who shows up in a Santa suit, brings peppermint schnapps for “sweeping motivation,” and insists on blasting Mariah Carey between ends.
And honestly? Bless them. Without that person, the rink would be a lot colder and a lot less fun. Curling is about joy, teamwork, and pretending you don’t care who wins (even though you totally do). That over-enthusiastic teammate is what keeps the spirit bright.
So if you’re that person, wear your title proudly—and maybe grab a “Curling: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” shirt to make it official.
5. Curlers Give the Best Gifts
Curlers have cracked the code on gift-giving:
- For your skip? A “Skip Happens” mug.
- For your lead? A rock-shaped stress ball (because sweeping stress is real).
- For your team? Matching curling team merch that turns heads at the next bonspiel.
Not sure what to get? Our upcoming Curling Gift Guide will have you covered with everything from stocking stuffers to full-blown Olympic-worthy presents.
6. Curling Is the Only Sport Where “Chilling” Is a Strategy
Think about it—most winter sports are about adrenaline. Curling? It’s about precision, patience, and sipping a beer between throws. It’s literally the only sport where “relax and have another round” is part of the game plan.
It’s no wonder it fits so naturally into the holiday season. It’s calm, it’s cozy, it’s social, and it always ends with a group photo that looks like a Christmas card titled “Stone Cold Joy.”
7. Because Curling Clubs Know How to Throw a Party
The holiday bonspiel, the year-end awards night, the post-game chili cook-off—it’s all part of the culture. Curlers have a knack for turning every occasion into a reason to gather.
And isn’t that what the holidays are about? Friendship, laughter, and maybe just one too many “Hurry Hard!” toasts.
So this winter, lean into it. Decorate your broom. Bring cookies to league night. Wear a shirt that screams festive ice champion. The curling season is the holiday season—and it’s better that way.
Sweep Up Some Holiday Spirit
If you’re ready to rock around the house (and the hog line), visit www.CurlingIsFun.com for our latest drops of holiday curling merch—from funny curling shirts to team-ready designs that make perfect curling gifts.
After all, curling isn’t just a sport. It’s a celebration—of ice, friends, and the kind of cheer that never melts.
Want more curling laughs?