For the pre-heat, host Bobby Deen challenges the nine bakers to take seasonal hot beverages like hot chocolate and apple cider a step further by turning them into desserts. Then, in the main heat, these culinary artisans show off their decorating skills by creating a filled Bundt cake wreath.
Clash of the Grandmas (2015) star Norma Zager joins Bobby Deen to lend her expertise; for the pre-heat, the contestants must make two types of cookies; the bakers compete to create the best pie, without the use of appliances.
The remaining seven bakers create elegant trifles by combining all of their favorite Thanksgiving desserts into one; the bakers make Thanksgiving impostor cupcakes.
In the pre-heat, the remaining six bakers make desserts with toasted marshmallows; the bakers embellish traditional yule logs.
The bakers must whip up ugly Christmas sweater desserts for the pre-heat; in the main heat, the bakers create edible gift boxes filled with treats.
The remaining four bakers recreate their childhood memories of Christmas mornings by making edible dessert stockings; the bakers build colorful cream pull Christmas trees.
The final three must make snacks for North Pole characters other than Santa; the bakers must create a North Pole-inspired cake; the winner gets the title Holiday Baking Champion and a $50,000 prize.
Three stars from Kids Baking Championship (2015) and three stars from Holiday Baking Championship (2014) compete in a holiday-themed showdown for the $10,000 prize.