Watch The Great Holiday Baking Show

The Great Holiday Baking Show is a baking competition series that premiered on ABC in late 2015. Hosted by Johnny Iuzzini, a renowned pastry chef and judge on Top Chef, alongside Nia Vardalos and Ian Gomez, this festive show focuses on amateur bakers from across America who compete to be crowned the nation's best holiday baker.

Each episode of The Great Holiday Baking Show consists of three rounds where bakers are challenged to make a variety of seasonal treats such as cakes, pastries, and bread. The first round is the Signature Bake, where the bakers showcase their personal holiday baking traditions by creating a signature dish that reflects their own unique style. The second round is the Technical Challenge, where the contestants are given a recipe with missing information and have to use their baking skills and knowledge to fill in the gaps and create a picture-perfect dessert. Finally, the bakers compete in the Showstopper Challenge, where they must create a stunning holiday-themed centerpiece cake or dessert that will impress the judges.

The show's panel of judges consists of two pastry experts – Mary Berry, a beloved British baker and cookbook author, and Johnny Iuzzini. Together, they provide honest feedback to the hopeful bakers and offer tips and advice on how to step up their game in future rounds.

The Great Holiday Baking Show is not just a baking competition, but also a celebration of holiday traditions and the joy of baking. Each episode is filled with heartwarming stories from the contestants about their holiday memories and family traditions, as well as the challenges they face in the competition. But it's not all heart and warmth: there's a bit of tension and drama, too, as the contestants strive to impress the judges and avoid being sent home.

The set of The Great Holiday Baking Show is beautifully decorated with colorful candy canes, gingerbread houses, and Christmas trees, creating a festive and cozy atmosphere. Viewers are also treated to mouth-watering shots of the bakers' delicious creations, which are sure to inspire viewers to whip up some holiday treats of their own.

One unique aspect of The Great Holiday Baking Show is that it features amateur bakers, rather than professional chefs, which makes the competition feel more accessible and relatable. However, this doesn't mean that the bakers lack talent – in fact, many of them are skilled home bakers with years of experience and a true passion for baking.

Overall, The Great Holiday Baking Show is a feel-good show that's perfect for the holiday season. It's a fun and festive celebration of baking and holiday traditions, featuring talented amateur bakers, inspiring recipes, and heartwarming stories. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or just looking for some holiday cheer, this show is sure to put a smile on your face.