Isabella Thornton
Here’s everything you need to know about the Food Network’s festive baking competition Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 (2025) — from its premiere date and streaming platforms to the complete episode guide, host, judges, and contestants lineup. You’ll also find a simple, step-by-step guide on how to watch it online from outside the US.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below — I’ll respond quickly to help you start streaming and enjoy every delicious moment without any hassle.
How can I watch Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 outside the US?
You can watch Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 on Food Network, streaming on HBO Max and Discovery+, or through live TV platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, Philo, and DIRECTV Stream. Viewers outside the US can still enjoy the show by using a premium VPN to bypass geo-restrictions. Simply connect to a US server, log in to your preferred streaming service, and start watching this festive baking competition from anywhere in the world.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a US-based server.
- Open the HBO Max or Discovery+ website, then log in.
- You can watch Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 outside the US.
PS: Users of other live streaming services – providers can also apply the same method.
Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 About
In Season 12, the competition enters its most exciting phase yet, transforming the familiar Christmas village into a playground of creativity and competition. Twelve bakers are divided into Naughty and Nice teams, facing off in themed challenges that test their talent, precision, and imagination. Under the watchful eyes of judges Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller, and Kardea Brown, contestants craft everything from whimsical gingerbread displays to intricate ornament cakes.
Host Jesse Palmer keeps the festive energy alive, balancing humor and heart as he steers the bakers through their sugary struggles. Each episode captures the emotional highs and lighthearted rivalries that make the show a holiday staple. Over eight spectacular episodes, viewers can expect a perfect blend of laughter, tension, and inspiration — all leading up to a grand finale where the winner takes home $25,000 and a feature in Food Network Magazine.
When does Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 premiere?
Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 premiered on November 3, 2025, on Food Network at 8 p.m. ET/PT in the US. New episodes air every Monday night through December 22, 2025, leading right into the heart of the holiday season.
Host and Judges:
- Jesse Palmer – Host
- Duff Goldman – Judges
- Nancy Fuller – Judges
- Kardea Brown – Judges
Season 12 Contestants List:
Here’s the full contestants list for Holiday Baking Championship Season 12.
- Violet Zoner — Pastry student from Ithaca, New York
- Daniel Gray — Bakery owner from High Point, North Carolina
- Camrey Smith — Bakery owner from Detroit, Michigan
- Erin Luttrell — Pastry consultant from Kansas City, Missouri
- Nico Alkalay — Bakery owner from Denver, Colorado
- Charles Zimmerman — Pastry chef from Charlottesville, Virginia
- Jean Carlos — Pastry chef from Orlando, Florida
- Ashleigh Wright — Pastry chef from Frisco, Texas
- Alyx Abreu — Pastry chef from New Orleans, Louisiana
- Tarek Husseini — Home baker from St. Louis, Missouri
- Chase Maus — Baker from Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Jeanna “Gia” Barnes — Bakery owner from Troy, Alabama
How many episodes does Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 have?
The new season features 8 festive episodes, each with a holiday theme and airing weekly.
Episode Guide:
- Episode 1 – Holiday Harmony Release Date: November 3, 2025
The bakers enter the Christmas village and are split into Team Naughty and Team Nice, setting the stage for a lively rivalry. - Episode 2 – Holiday Cheer Release Date: November 10, 2025
Contestants create dazzling cocktails and desserts that showcase the essence of holiday celebration. - Episode 3 – Crafting Holiday Magic Release Date: November 17, 2025
Bakers design showstopping wreath-inspired desserts, blending art and flavor in spectacular fashion. - Episode 4 – Pies and Shine Release Date: November 24, 2025
Contestants tackle holiday pies, pushing their crust and filling techniques to perfection. - Episode 5 – Gingerbread Dreams Release Date: December 1, 2025
A classic returns as bakers build elaborate gingerbread masterpieces with precision and personality. - Episode 6 – Sweet Traditions Release Date: December 8, 2025
Each baker reinvents a beloved family recipe, infusing it with festive flair and modern creativity. - Episode 7 – A Frosty Finale Release Date: December 15, 2025
The last four bakers face their toughest challenge yet, creating grand edible displays that capture the season’s spirit. - Episode 8 – Crown of Christmas Release Date: December 22, 2025
The grand finale crowns one baker as the Holiday Baking Champion, earning the $25,000 prize and national recognition.
Why was judge Carla Hall not returning this season?
The show’s judge panel changed: Carla Hall is no longer on the panel and replaced by Kardea Brown. While not officially explained, scheduling and new projects are cited.
Where to watch Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 in the US
As of November 3, 2025, Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 airs on Food Network in the United States, offering viewers a chance to experience the holiday magic live. The latest episodes become available for streaming the next day on HBO Max and Discovery+, ensuring fans never miss the festive fun. You can also watch it live or on-demand through Hulu + Live TV, Philo, or DIRECTV Stream, giving you multiple ways to enjoy every sweet and competitive moment from the holiday kitchen.
Devices You Can Use to Watch HBO Max:
| Device Type | Examples / Platforms Supported | Operating System Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phones & Tablets | iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones, and tablets | iOS 14 or later, Android 5.1 or later |
| Computers & Laptops | Windows PCs, Mac computers, and Chromebooks via browsers | Windows 7+, macOS 10.10+, Chrome 95+ |
| Smart TVs | Samsung Smart TV (2016+), LG Smart TV (webOS 3.5+), VIZIO SmartCast TVs, Android TV sets | Latest firmware updates recommended |
| Streaming Devices / Set-Top Boxes | Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku devices, Chromecast with Google TV | tvOS 14+, Fire OS 5+, Roku OS 11+ |
| Game Consoles | PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X | Latest system software required |
Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 Trailer
Here’s the trailer for season 12 of Holiday Baking Championship:
FAQs
- What is the prize for the winner?
The winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize and a feature in Food Network Magazine. - How many contestants are in Season 12?
There are 12 bakers competing this season. - What is new about the format this season?
For the first time the bakers are split into two teams: Team Naughty versus Team Nice, adding team-based strategy and holiday rivalry.
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