Get your topical gags in now!

Comedy channel U&Gold has opened entries for its annual Christmas cracker joke competition – as it returns for its 13^th year.

The annual competition challenges the public to write topical festive jokes - inspired by the biggest news stories, celebrity headlines, and pop culture moments of the last 12 months.

Suggestions for topics include Taylor Swift’s engagement, Jeff Bezos shutting down Venice for his wedding, Katy Perry’s trip to space, Coldplay’s Kiss Cam moment, and ‘skibidi’ landing in the Cambridge dictionary. 

Gerald Casey, director of comedy programming at 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 13 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.’

The winner will receive £1,500 experience and travel vouchers and a festive food and drink hamper, while their joke will be immortalised in a bespoke set of crackers.

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.

The competition is open from today until 11.59pm on Monday November 17.  Entries should be emailed to goldcrackers@taylorherring.com

 The initiative aims to celebrate the best of Christmas TV on U&Gold. This year's festive highlights include Apocalypse Slough: A Murder They Hope Mystery, Blackadder's Christmas Carol, Gavin and Stacey - Christmas Special 2019, and The Royle Family - Joe's Crackers.

Last year’s winning quip, crowned by public vote, was: ‘What gifts will Sir Keir get this Christmas? None, he’s had enough!’ 

HOW TO ENTER

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

• Email an original, Christmas-themed joke to goldcrackers@taylorherring.com
• 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
• For further information on the terms and conditions, visit: https://corporate.uktv.co.uk/legal/uandgold-christmas-crackers-competition-2025

Published: 30 Oct 2025