U&GOLD Launches Search for UK’s Best Christmas Cracker Jokes

U&GOLD, the nation’s favourite comedy channel, is inviting entries as its beloved Christmas cracker joke competition returns for the 13th year.

Each year, U&GOLD invites the nation to unleash their wit in its festive joke challenge—calling for the sharpest, silliest, and most topical gags inspired by the past 12 months of headlines, celebrity antics, and pop culture buzz. The competition is a joyful nod to the very best of Christmas TV, with classics like Gavin & Stacey, The Vicar of Dibley, and Only Fools and Horses at its heart. This season’s line-up sparkles with highlights, including Apocalypse Slough: A Murder They Hope Mystery, Blackadder’s Christmas Carol, Gavin & Stacey – Christmas Special 2019, and The Royle Family – Joe’s Crackers.

Last year’s top joke, chosen by public vote, poked fun at Westminster with: “What gifts will Sir Keir get this Christmas? None, he’s had enough!” Past winners have drawn laughs from everything from the British Museum scandal—“Did you hear about the Christmas cake on display in the British Museum? It was Stollen”—to festive political wordplay like “What type of peas ruin Christmas dinner? MPs.”

The winner will receive £1,500 experience and travel vouchers, a festive-themed food and drink hamper, and their joke will be immortalised in a bespoke, personalised set of crackers ready to pull on the big day.

The nine runners-up will also receive a festive Christmas hamper and a box of limited-edition U&GOLD Christmas crackers featuring the top six winning jokes.

HOW TO ENTER

Open to all UK residents aged 18 and over. To enter:

• Email an original, Christmas-themed joke to [email protected]
• U&GOLD is looking for the most original festive jokes that put a comedy twist on the news agenda or pop culture moments across the past year
• Jokes must be original content and suitable for a family audience (e.g. no swear words or offensive content)
• The joke entry must be in short form content (i.e. not exceed 140 characters)
• Multiple entries are allowed
• Competition ends at 23:59 on 17/11/2025

The best entries will be shortlisted by a panel led by Bruce Dessau, comedy critic and editor of comedy website Beyond The Joke.

Bruce Dessau said: “Every year, the entries never fail to make me laugh – the British public truly get funnier and funnier! The U&GOLD contest is such a brilliant way to bring everyone together and reflect on the last 12 months, finding clever and original ways to see the humour in some of the most iconic cultural moments. I can’t wait to see what people come up with for 2025!”

Gerald Casey, Director of Programming, Comedy and Entertainment, UKTV said: “The U&GOLD Christmas Cracker competition has become a real festive tradition – both for us and for comedy lovers across the country. After thirteen years, it still never disappoints! It’s a brilliant way to spread cheer, celebrate British wit and keep spirits high as we head into the holidays.”

For a shot at glory in the competition’s 13th year, get your entry in by 10 November. And don’t forget—the finest Christmas crackers are quick, clever, and sure to spark a laugh!