I was entirely won over by M&S’s Christmas advert featuring James Norton as Santa Claus – and not simply for the obvious appeal. Catching my eye were Lucy Punch’s striking zebra-patterned coat, which is bound to top countless Christmas wish lists, the cosy decor of the Claus’s home, and, most of all, the delicious spread of M&S Christmas food showcased in the film.
Waitrose has now also unveiled its own Christmas campaign, bringing back actor Keira Knightley and comedian Joe Wilkinson, following their rom-com debut together last season. The storyline sees Wilkinson storming Knightley’s nuptials to Rivals actor Alex Hassell, brandishing a beef Wellington in a desperate bid for her heart, with plenty of mouthwatering canapés sharing the screen.
Having tasted my way through the 2026 supermarket festive menus well in advance, it’s clear that while the competition is fierce, M&S and Waitrose lead the pack. M&S leans into tongue-in-cheek, inventive party bites designed to delight, whereas Waitrose focuses on timeless, upscale classics primed for elegant entertaining – still with a dose of fun.
Below is a rundown of what both upmarket grocers are bringing to the table this season, along with the can’t-miss items worth picking up.
Read more: The best supermarket Christmas food
Waitrose
Waitrose’s party food is now available to buy and there’s a lot to be excited about. New this year, the smoky garlic and chilli prawn bites are inspired by the classic tapas bar snack, gambas pil pil and come with a bravas sauce for dipping (£8.50, Waitrose.com). There are also returning favourites like the polar bear bao buns (£8.50, Waitrose.com), which are filled with vegetables and a hoisin sauce, sticky beef teriyaki skewers, which are made with miso and come with a teriyaki glaze (£6, Waitrose.com), and for an elevated bite, the lobster and prawn vol-au-vents – a take on lobster thermidor with king prawns in a white wine parmigiano reggiano DOP and cognac sauce (£8.50, Waitrose.com).
An inventive take on the recent pastry trend, the supermarket is also serving ham and cheese croissant stacks which feature smoked ham in a suitably French béchamel sauce (£8.50, Waitrose.com).
If you’re hosting a few, make things easy with the 40-piece savoury canapé selection which encompasses 16 ham and cheese croissant stacks and 24 mini beef Yorkshire puddings (£24, Waitrose.com). Meanwhile, if you’re after more sophistication, the luxury seafood platter has all the hallmarks, with cooked crab claws, whole Madagascan crevettes, crab shells filled with crab mousse and white crab meat, scallop shells filled with lemon and herb crème fraîche and more (£65, Waitrose.com).
M&S
M&S’s festive picky bits are a bit more playful with inventive formats and flavour combinations. To give the range a whirl, I served up some of M&S’s party food to guests at my own gathering. Standout dishes included the M&S pulled beef and ale Yorkshire puddings (£7.50, Ocado.com) which went down a storm, the creative fish and chip bites which are a thick piece of fish covered in a crust of chips (£5.50, Ocado.com) and the prawn toast cones which were fragrance and moreish (£7.50, Ocado.com).
Elsewhere new festive picky bits include vegetable firecracker fritters which are served with miso, soy and sweet chilli dip (£5.50, Ocado.com), mini beef burgers (£7.50, Ocado.com) and mini brie and cranberry tartlets (£7.50, Ocado.com).
M&S pulled beef and ale Yorkshire puddings
M&S prawn toast cones
Buy now £7.5, Ocado.com
The verdict: Which supermarket has the best Christmas party food?
This year both supermarkets have made hosting easy this Christmas with delicious canapés and bites to choose from. While Waitrose has kept things a little more refined, which will suit a more formal occasion, it’s M&S that I would head to first for party food essentials. Each bite is creative and packed full of flavour – plus preparation is easy peasy. Happy eating!
Read more: Hello Fresh’s Christmas range is back – here’s what’s on the menu
