Jimmy Fallon, host of The Tonight Show, has officially released his new holiday single, "Ugly Sweater," featuring rising country artist Carter Faith. The festive track, which Fallon developed, premiered on the show's annual Thanksgiving episode on November 27, 2025, and is now available for pre-save. This release marks Fallon's latest contribution to the holiday music scene, continuing a tradition of seasonal songs.
The single delves into the relatable, often humorous, experience of attending a holiday party as the sole person adorned in an "over-the-top holiday sweater." Fallon himself noted the inspiration, asking, "Ever gone to a holiday party and you’re the only one in an over-the-top holiday sweater? Then you can relate." The concept aligns with the popular cultural phenomenon of ugly Christmas sweaters.
Fallon specifically reached out to Carter Faith for the collaboration, a detail highlighted by The Tonight Show's social media announcement: > "Jimmy shares how he developed his new single 'Ugly Sweater' and got @carterxfaith to hop on the track!" Faith, recognized as Billboard's Country Rookie of the Month in March, has been making significant strides in her career, including signing with Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville and releasing her debut album, Cherry Valley, in October.
Written by Fallon and produced by Dave Cobb, "Ugly Sweater" is distributed by Republic Records. The accompanying music video, which debuted alongside the song on The Tonight Show, visually captures the song's narrative, featuring Fallon in a conspicuously flamboyant sweater amidst a more formally dressed gathering. This visual element reinforces the song's central theme of festive awkwardness.
This new single builds on Fallon's established presence in holiday music, following his full-length album Holiday Seasoning and previous collaborations with artists like Dolly Parton and Meghan Trainor. The track is expected to resonate with audiences who appreciate the lighthearted and sometimes cringeworthy aspects of holiday traditions, further cementing the "ugly sweater" as a staple of seasonal celebrations.