Three bakers run the gamut from naughty to nice as they vie to create the definitive gingerbread showpiece. The competitors receive a competition curveball mid-challenge that requires them to switch gears from assembling gingerbread to creating delicious holiday treats to act as functional parts of their final pieces. When the time runs out, the bakers must face a panel of judges that will penalize the naughty, praise the nice and send one contestant on to the grand finale for a chance at $25,000.

hree bakers are challenged with creating a gingerbread scene inspired by the classic holiday movie "Elf." Host Marcela Valladolid throws a wrench in the works by challenging the bakers to create quick holiday treats for the judges to sample. The contestants scramble to serve up Elf-inspired goodies but it's not all gumdrops and candy canes when the clock is counting down and their dreams of winning $25,000 begin to crumble. The contestant that keeps their spirits high during this sweet cinematic challenge will secure a spot in the finale!

Three bakers find fierce competition as they race to create a magical gingerbread "North Pole." Just as they get going, they're thrown a twist and have to think fast while creating a holiday treat that's both delicious and a practical part of their final creations. The judges hand out some high praise and some cold critiques while trying to decide whose gingerbread masterpiece is good enough to give its creator a trip to the grand finale for a shot at $25,000.

Our three finalists go all out to see who can create their biggest "Ultimate Holiday Celebration" scene. Each baker pulls out all the stops and incorporates their own personal touches to their elaborate creations as well as holiday treats for the judges. The competitor that wows the judges the most will walk away with the grand prize of $25,000 and will be featured in Food Network Magazine as the first Holiday Gingerbread Showdown Champion!