Food Network has announced its 2026 holiday programming schedule. The festive slate features baking competitions, tournaments, and culinary specials starting in early November. Announced on October 8, 2026, the lineup includes returning series alongside fresh formats designed for the winter holidays.
The rollout kicks off on Monday, November 2. It features dessert challenges, savory team battles, and kitchen showdowns across the network.
Holiday Baking Championship Returns for Season 13
The festivities begin on Monday, November 2, at 8 p.m. ET/PT with the season premiere of Holiday Baking Championship. Host Jesse Palmer welcomes 12 bakers into Santa’s Village, a North Pole environment built to test technical skills and teamwork.
The competition starts with two groups: the Elf Squad and the Reindeer Crew. Later, the teams dissolve into an individual contest. Resident judges Duff Goldman, Kardea Brown, and Molly Yeh evaluate each creation. One winner will receive the title of Holiday Baking Champion and a $25,000 cash prize.
Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking Brings Magic Back to Wednesday Nights
Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking returns for its third season on Wednesday, November 4, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This season coincides with the 25th anniversary of the first film and introduces a tournament format.
Four teams of three cake artists, bakers, and pastry chefs will represent the four Hogwarts Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Series hosts James and Oliver Phelps return alongside new “Ministers of Baking” judges Duff Goldman and pastry chef Sarah Mountain.
Teams face challenges inspired by locations and lore from the books and films, including the Chamber of Secrets, the Dark Arts, Ollivander’s Wand Shop, and the Ministry of Magic. The winning House secures the Wizards of Baking Cup and a VIP trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter.
Guy Fieri Hosts Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas
The action continues on Sunday, November 8, at 8 p.m. ET/PT with Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas. Guy Fieri combines competitive cooking with holiday cheer as 32 elite chefs team up in duos to make sweet and savory dishes.
The tournament features bracket-style battles, with chefs competing for a $100,000 charity prize. Hunter Fieri, Tiffani Faison, and Justin Warner provide side commentary and strategic insights.
Sweet Deceit and Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown Expand the Slate
The schedule expands later in the month with new challenges and rivalries:
- Sweet Deceit: Premiering on Monday, November 16, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, host Josh Peck leads teams of three through edible challenges. Contestants must identify disguised cakes hidden across real-world holiday locations, such as festive ice rinks and cozy cabins, for a prize pool of up to $12,000.
- Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown: Launching on Tuesday, November 17, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, this spinoff features a girls-vs-guys team battle. Brooke Williamson leads Antonia Lofaso and Ayesha Nurdjaja against Bobby Flay, Michael Voltaggio, and Michael Jenkins in a seasonal party featuring specialty cocktails and culinary competition.
Viewers can watch all premiere episodes on Food Network and stream them the following day via digital platforms.
