How to Watch Big Bargain Holiday Showdown on HGTV and DIRECTV

Cozy living room being decorated for Christmas on a budget with a white flocked tree, paper snowflakes, tartan fabric, ribbon, a glue gun and a garland-draped fireplace, no people, no text, no logos

Big Bargain Holiday Showdown premieres Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (8 Central) on HGTV, which is channel 229 on DIRECTV. Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski hosts the new six-episode Christmas decorating competition, and new episodes air Tuesday nights.

HGTV is in every DIRECTV Signature package, starting with ENTERTAINMENT. Each episode also streams on HBO Max the next day, beginning Wednesday, November 11.

Big Bargain Holiday Showdown at a glance

PremiereTuesday, November 10, 2026
Time9 p.m. ET/PT (8 Central), new episodes Tuesdays
NetworkHGTV
DIRECTV channel229
Lowest DIRECTV packageENTERTAINMENT (also CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER)
Episodes6
HostTara Lipinski
StreamingHBO Max, the day after each episode airs

What channel is HGTV on DIRECTV?

HGTV is channel 229 on DIRECTV satellite and DIRECTV via internet. Press 2-2-9 on your remote, or search "Big Bargain" in the guide and record the series so all six Tuesday episodes save to your DVR. Food Network is two channels up on 231, which is handy during a holiday season packed with competition shows. Our HGTV on DIRECTV channel guide and Food Network on DIRECTV guide cover both networks.

How Big Bargain Holiday Showdown works

In each episode, two teams of friends, family or neighbors get 48 hours and $500 apiece to turn one room in their home into a winter-themed wonderland. DIY experts Ashley Dixon and Clinton Tharp help with design hacks, custom projects and smart spending.

Holiday artist Stephen Brown, founder of Glitterville Studios, and interior designer Pelar Fullilove, founder of 37th Burleigh, judge each room. The winning team gets bragging rights, a cash prize and a surprise from Santa. HGTV hasn't said how much the cash prize is.

Episode themes

The premiere pits two friendly design-business rivals against each other to create their own White Christmas. HGTV says later episodes are built around these themes:

  • 12 Days of Christmas
  • Naughty and Nice
  • Santa's Workshop
  • Retro Christmas
  • Tartan Christmas

How to stream Big Bargain Holiday Showdown

New episodes land on HBO Max the day after they air, starting November 11. HBO Max is in the middle of big changes, and our guide to the combined HBO Max and Paramount+ service explains what subscribers should expect.

With DIRECTV, you can also stream HGTV live in the DIRECTV app or on a DIRECTV Gemini device using your DIRECTV login. Compare DIRECTV packages if you want HGTV along with the rest of the holiday lineup.

Frequently asked questions

When does Big Bargain Holiday Showdown premiere?

It premieres Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (8 Central) on HGTV.

What channel is HGTV on DIRECTV?

HGTV is DIRECTV channel 229.

Which DIRECTV package includes HGTV?

Every Signature package includes HGTV, starting with ENTERTAINMENT, plus CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER.

Who hosts Big Bargain Holiday Showdown?

Olympic gold medalist figure skater Tara Lipinski hosts. Ashley Dixon and Clinton Tharp are the DIY experts, and Stephen Brown and Pelar Fullilove judge.

How much do teams get to spend?

Each team gets $500 and 48 hours to transform one room in their home.

Where can I stream Big Bargain Holiday Showdown?

New episodes stream on HBO Max the day after they air, starting Wednesday, November 11.

Want HGTV on channel 229 by November 10? Check DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.

Details reviewed October 21, 2026. Premiere dates, times and episode themes are set by HGTV and may change. Channel availability, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. Big Bargain Holiday Showdown, HGTV, HBO Max, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.