Meet the Competitors of Holiday Baking Championship, Season 4

A new set of pastry chefs and home bakers are throwing on their aprons, getting their hands in the dough and taking on holiday-themed culinary challenges, but only one can win the grand prize of $50,000 and the title of Holiday Baking Champion.

Don't let her sweet demeanor fool you. This mom and bakery owner used to be a corrections officer at an all-male prison. Now she's bringing her Christmas cheer to the Holiday Baking Championship.

Ian started his culinary career working in high-end New York kitchens, but now he teaches culinary arts to high school students. His 12-year-old daughter was born with down syndrome, and Ian wants to take home the championship and show her that anything is possible.

Stephany is a pastry arts instructor at the International Culinary Center, and a major holiday enthusiast. "I love the holidays so much," she said. "Every year I cut down my own Christmas tree, and I throw a huge holiday party." Stephany is sure that her decades of experience are going to help her win the title.

Aristo is an executive chef with a passion for both baking and the holidays. "I love the holidays so much that I have a Santa Claus collection," he said. "If I could come back and be something else, I'd like to be Santa Claus. I think that would be awesome."

Andra is currently the head baker for Daytona State College's culinary program. Her birthday is four days before Christmas, and she celebrates it all year long.

Aveed is a 20-year-old home baker with a special knack for traditional American and French desserts. Aveed's family celebrates Persian holidays as well as Christmas. "More food and more baking for me," she said.

Joshua is an executive pastry chef, and he loves baking for his family around the holidays. "I spend most of my time creating dessert for other people," he said. "Finally, when Christmas comes, it's a time for me to spend time with my family and create things for them."

Pablo is an executive pastry chef and a grandfather of five. When it comes to holiday celebrations, he is best known for his massive gingerbread houses.

You might remember this stay-at-home mom from her appearance on Halloween Baking Championship when she was six months pregnant. Now with a new baby at home, Amy's back to show her warmer, softer holiday side.