Beginning on Sunday, November 6^th at 9pm ET nine bakers will compete to ‘sleigh’ their competition on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. The contestants will complete difficult challenges as host Bobby Deen mixes things up with surprising twists along the way. The one with the best baking abilities, and with the most delicious desserts that spread the holiday spirit, will rise to the top as judges Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller, and Lorraine Pascale determine who will win the biggest gift of the season – a $50,000 grand prize and the title of Holiday Baking Champion!

“The new season of Holiday Baking Championship brings the essence of Thanksgiving and Christmas to life with new festive challenges and irresistible baked goods made with the classic flavors of the season,” says Didi O’Hearn, Senior Vice President Programming, Food Network & Cooking Channel. “To top it off, the bakers’ skills are better than ever, adding to the intensity and excitement of the competition.”

On the season premiere, the bakers are tested to turn classic seasonal beverages, such as apple cider, hot chocolate and eggnog, into custom-made confections. The contestant with the best treat will win a special advantage in the main heat challenge, where they must show off their decorating skills by creating a filled Bundt cake designed like a wreath.

Throughout the season, the contestants must tackle tough challenges from baking without appliances, to creating Thanksgiving imposter cupcakes, and to putting a fresh spin on a classic yule log. Each week one baker will crumble in the competition and get sent home. Then, in the grand finale, the three remaining bakers must use their imaginations to create North Pole-inspired treats, but only one will impress the judges to win $50,000 and title of Holiday Baking Champion.