Christmas crossword solution

The Spectator
issue 17 January 2026

The unclued lights comprise the seven themes (here in upper case) and six theme-words beginning with A to F.

ARTISTS: Andy Warhol, Banksy, Canaletto, Dali, El Greco, Fragonard              

BATTLES: Anzio, Boyne, Cannae, Dunbar, El Alamein, Flodden

CAPITALS: Athens, Berlin, Caracas, Doha, Edinburgh, Freetown

DOGS: Airedale, Beagle, Corgi, Dachshund, Elkhound, Fido

EQUINES: Arkle, Bidet, Clydesdale, Desert/Orchid, Eclipse, Frankel

FLORA: Acacia, Blue/bell, Celandine, Daisy, Echinacea, Flag

GREENS: Asparagus, Beet, Celeriac, Dill, Endive, Frijol.

The first prize of £100, three prizes of £25 and six prizes of A History of Britain in Ten Enemies by Terry Deary go to the following. The first four winners will each also receive a bottle of champagne.

First prize Irene Purkiss, Southend on Sea, Essex

Runners-up Stephen Billyeald, Pangbourne, Berkshire; Nicola Dice, Hereford; Stephen and Judith Willis, Stalybridge, Cheshire

Additional runners-up Paul Billington, Blackburn, Lancashire; Elizabeth Duff, London NW5; Brian MacReamoinn, Wilton, Salisbury; Kate Murchie, Wootton, Oxon; Willie Hamilton, Exeter; Margaret Shiels, Edinburgh

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