Five hundred dollars. Two days. One room that needs to look a whole lot more like Christmas.
That is the challenge on Big Bargain Holiday Showdown, HGTV’s new decorating competition hosted by Tara Lipinski. It premieres Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
File photo: Tara Lipinski commentating at 2025 Skate America. Photo: FloweringDagwood / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Cropped.
The budget is part of the fun here. This is a holiday makeover with a spending limit and a clock ticking, which makes every bargain find a little more interesting.
What is Big Bargain Holiday Showdown?
According to HGTV’s announcement, published by WebWire, two teams compete in each of the six episodes. Friends, family and neighbors get $500 per team and 48 hours to turn one room in their homes into a winter-themed space.
DIY experts Ashley Dixon and Clinton Tharp help with the projects. Stephen Brown, founder of Glitterville Studios, and interior designer Pelar Fullilove judge the finished rooms.
The premiere puts two friendly design-business rivals up against a White Christmas theme. Later challenges include Santa’s Workshop and Retro Christmas. There is a cash prize for the winner, plus a surprise from Santa. HGTV’s announcement does not specify the prize amount.
When and where to watch
Big Bargain Holiday Showdown starts November 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV. New episodes stream the following day on HBO Max, beginning Wednesday, November 11.
If your favorite part of Christmas decorating is figuring out how to make a small budget go further, this one has a very specific challenge for you to watch from the couch.
For more holiday finds while you plan your own decorating, browse our Holiday Headquarters.
