The festive season is almost upon is and it’s time to dust off the tinsel and dig out the mistletoe. Among these traditions is the humble Christmas cracker, a seasonal favourite in Britain that works wonders for getting guests in the festive spirit.
Fun fact: Christmas crackers date back as far as 1845 and were created by a London confectioner, who was inspired by French bon-bons and the crackling of a log fire. They have since become a mainstay of the festive season all across Britain, involving an explosive pop, paper crowns and brilliantly unfunny jokes.
Nowadays, the traditional hat and joke doesn’t suffice with brands offering luxurious and quirky variations – including gin and makeup-filled offerings.
Whether you are sticking with tradition, sticking to a budget, or want to splash out on some lavish options, we’ve hand-picked some of the best Christmas crackers on the market in different varieties.
Use these quick links to jump to each section:
Luxury
Harrods Traditional Christmas Crackers
A class act in these traditional gold-and-red crackers from Harrods, tied with delicate ribbon bows. The famous department store has packed these beauties with sophisticated gifts like a cheese grater and a glitzy pen.
£100 | Harrods | Buy it now
Meri Meri Nutcracker Christmas Crackers
Bring some colour to your table with these delightful Meri Meri creations inspired by the classic Nutcracker story. A great choice for little ones, each pack of four features a different character from the tale and is decorated with sparkly details. Besides a hat and joke, winners can expect a whistle and a music sheet game card.
£23 | Harrods | Buy it now
Fortnum and Mason Gold Wreath Crackers
If only the most lavish option will do, look to this fabulously designed Fortnums selection. The gold pattern and wreath embellishment make these crackers the most stunning options on our list, but it's the treats inside that really make them special. They include luxe gifts such as a silk pocket square, a silver-plated honey drizzler and a stylish bracelet – nothing tacky whatsoever.
£550 | Fortnum and Mason | Buy it now
Liberty London Peacock Feather Christmas Crackers
Take your celebrations up a notch with Liberty's showstopping Peacock Feather crackers, which are offered in sparkly and metallic finishes. The handy trinkets inside, such as a mini screwdriver set, wine stopper and cufflinks, are sure to be used beyond the festive season.
£39.95 | Liberty London | Buy it now
The White Company Pimlico Luxury Christmas Crackers
Elegantly hand-finished with glittery ribbons, this selection of six luxury crackers from The White Company will certainly make a statement. The gifts inside are wonderfully handy, too - ranging from a mini flask and bottle opener to a pen and keyring.
£45 | The White Company | Buy it now
High Street
M&S Fun Santa Family Christmas Crackers Pack of 12
Conquer Christmas boredom with this colourful M&S set. East Santa cracker contains a joke and hat as well as fun or useful gift like a chess game, measuring spoons and a springy toy.
£15 | Marks and Spencer | Buy it now
John Lewis Rainbow Musical Xylophone Game Luxury Christmas Crackers
With a variety of musical gifts to be won, these John Lewis crackers are a splendid way to keep everyone in high spirits after Christmas dinner. Treats include a numbered xylophone bar, a conductor Baton and mallet.
£22 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Dunelm Premium Gold Stars Christmas Crackers
If you want luxury on a budget, head to Dunelm where you can get beautifully designed but affordable selections. Our favourite are these gold and white crackers that are packed with a cheesy joke, a paper hat and a handy little gift.
£6 | Dunelm Stores | Buy it now
Lakeland Fill-Your-Own Christmas Crackers
These Lakeland crackers come as ready-made templates for you to fill up with your own gifts, but also come with a hat and joke to get you started as well as gift tags to finish them off. This is a great idea for anyone who wants to add a personalised touch to this year's table.
£14.99 | Lakeland | Buy it now
Beauty
L’Occitane Lavender Christmas Cracker
For beauty lovers, there are a whole host of brands offering crackers that swap the naff jokes for pampering treats. This L'Occitane offering contains trial-sized versions of the brand's Relaxing Pillow Mist, which is perfect for helping you wind down after all that celebrating, and a 10ml Lavender Hand Cream to keep your mitts soft and smooth.
£10 | L’Ocittane | Buy it now
Jo Malone Christmas Cracker
Not only is this Jo Malone option a sight to behold, but has some equally gorgeous gifts to be won. It includes mini variations of the Red Roses Cologne, the English Oak & Redcurrant Body & Hand Wash and the Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Crème.
£32 | Jo Malone | Buy it now
Yves Saint Laurent Christmas Cracker
Treat your favourite YSL fan to this gram-worthy holiday cracker containing popular products from the brand's makeup, skincare and fragrance ranges. Each pretty package is home to the Top Secrets Natural Action Exfoliator, the Rouge Pur Couture N°1 lipstick, the Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils and a clutch-friendly version of the Black Opium Eau de Parfum.
£23.75 | Feel Unique | Buy it now
Food & Drink
Charbonnel et Walker Chorus Line Cracker Drum
One of the best things about Christmas is that you can indulge (almost) guilt-free. Delight your dinner table with these charming Charbonnel crackers, which are filled with decadent milk sea salt caramel and praline truffles. The Nobleman and Ballerina designs are inspired by Victorian Miniature Paper Theatres and will add a sophisticated feel to any spread.
£45 | Charbonnel et Walker | Buy it now
Lindt Lindor Christmas Crackers
Containing Lindt's famous Lindor milk truffle balls and hollow milk figures, these colourful crackers will leave any chocolate fan smiling from ear to ear.
£10 | Tesco | Buy it now
Lakes Sloe Gin Christmas Cracker
As if the festive season wasn't boozy enough, you can now decorate your table with crackers containing alcoholic miniatures. Not designed for pulling, this sleek looking option is complete with a 5cl glass bottle of Lakes Sloe Gin Liqueur and makes the ultimate stocking filler for gin lovers.
£7.95 | Notonthehighstreet | Buy it now
Hotel Chocolat Table Christmas Crackers
Simple yet sophisticated, this Hotel Chocolat offering had one of the best snaps when pulled open. Each contains three chocolate festive shapes in milk, white and dark flavours.
£5 | Hotel Chocolat | Buy it now
Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial champagne Christmas cracker
If you really want to get the juices flowing before dinner, crack open this luxe cracker from Moët & Chandon. Winners can expect a 20cl bottle of the champagne brand's famous Brut Imperial.
£20.99 | Bottled and Boxed | Buy it now
Toys
L.O.L. Surprise ! 6 Fun Christmas Crackers
The L.O.L Surprise! dolls have been pegged as one of the most popular presents for kids this Christmas and they are even offered in a fun bundle with a bookmark, sticker sheet, activity book, colouring book, dot to dot book, word search book and a party hat.
£8.99 | Amazon | Buy from October 31
6 Build and Play Christmas Crackers
Promising hours of fun at the Christmas table, each of these crackers contain building blocks and instructions as well as the traditional joke and crown. The nano blocks makes the animals more difficult to complete, offering a challenge for the whole family.
£20 | Amazon | Buy it now
6 Magic Game Christmas Crackers
Prepare for something amazing with these crackers that each contain a magic trick as well as a party hat and joke. Within each cracker is a trick to be performed to the whole table for the added entertainment factor.
£11.95 | Amazon | Buy it now
Verdict:
With a classy appearance, satisfying snap and sophisticated gift options, Harrods has come up trumps with its Traditional Christmas Crackers selection. They pack a pricey punch but are guaranteed to look good on your table and impress fussy Christmas guests. If you don't want to splash out, Dunelm's Premium Gold Stars crackers and the Lindt Lindor Christmas Crackers will help make your spread look that extra bit special without breaking the bank.
