Find Good Cheer in Abundance in HGTV's 2020 Holiday Lineup

"A year like no other." That's the phrase being used again and again to characterize the slice of history in which we currently find ourselves. And when there's uncertainty, it can be a challenge to find what feels like a safe haven — even during the holiday season. But through what are undeniably unusual times, HGTV remains something of a constant — steadfast in its focus on home, family, community and friends. That's something you can count on.

As such, HGTV continues to offer viewers a virtual respite as well as reminders of things that are both genuine and important. It's those kinds of elements that increasingly are drawing fans — both new and established — to HGTV's offerings of feel-good programming. Think of it as a kind of comfort-food for the psyche and soul. And what would the holidays be without comfort food?

"We know how much our fans need escapist programming this year," says Jane Latman, president, HGTV. "We pulled out all the stops to deliver something very special this holiday season."

Here's a quick summary of what you can expect, with additional details below. The seasonal offerings kick-off on Friday, November 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT with a two-hour special, Holiday Crafters Gone Wild. Hosted by author and TV personality Jay Manuel, where competitive holiday craft aficionados will battle to create the most over-the-top Christmas décor for a cash prize.

On Friday, November 27, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, HGTV will spotlight its newest holiday series, Biggest Little Christmas Showdown. During the four-episode competition, hosted by Tony Award®-winning actor James Monroe Iglehart — best known for his larger-than-life characters in Broadway's Aladdin and Hamilton — the country's most talented miniaturists will vie to build the ultimate mini-holiday-house complete with all the tiny trimmings.

Next up are three new one-hour specials, including David Bromstad who will deck the halls like a lottery winner in My Lottery Dream Home: Holiday Extravaganza. The new special You'll be Home for Christmas will follow real estate agent, world-renown strongman and Santa impersonator Albie Mushaney as he helps his clients find their forever home in time for the holidays. And on Christmas Day, HGTV will be coming to town in Surprising Santa Claus (wt). Good Morning America contributor Lara Spencer, along with a team of designers, contractors and volunteers will renovate and decorate America's holiday hometown: Santa Claus, Indiana.

Your 2020 HGTV Holiday Guide

Biggest Little Christmas Showdown
Premieres Friday, November 27, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Tony Award®-winning actor James Monroe Iglehart will host HGTV's Biggest Little Christmas Showdown – a four-part "mini-sized" holiday house competition series. James, best known for his larger-than-life characters in Broadway's Aladdin and Hamilton, will lead the nation's best miniaturists as they face-off to create the merriest mini holiday houses, complete with all the festive, tiny trimmings. Each week, only one team will wow the spirited panel of judges, including designer Genevieve Gorder and miniatures experts June Clinkscales and Dave Asling, to advance to the next round of this cheerful competition. The top contenders will craft their most extravagant mini-holiday houses in hopes to win the ultimate victory: the $50,000 grand prize and a vacation stay in a full-size holiday dream home.

Holiday Crafters Gone Wild
Premieres Friday, November 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Jay Manuel, author and TV personality, will host a competition of epic decorative proportions. During the two-hour special, four teams of talented holiday craft aficionados will battle it out to win a $10,000 cash prize and the title of ultimate holiday craft champion. With challenges ranging from over-the-top tablescapes to one-of-a-kind tree toppers, Emmy® award-winning designer Kim Myles and celebrity party planner and lifestyle expert Michael Russo will grade on creativity, complexity and craftsmanship.

My Lottery Dream Home: Holiday Extravaganza
Premieres Friday, December 11, at 8 p.m. ET/PT
David Bromstad will show fans how to deck the halls like a lottery winner — but on a realistic budget — in My Lottery Dream Home: Holiday Extravaganza. The popular HGTV designer will transform a living room into a lush Christmas tree forest, set a spectacular tablescape for a festive dinner party and adorn a home's exterior with so much holiday razzle dazzle that the whole neighborhood will cheer.

You'll Be Home for Christmas
Premieres Friday, December 18, at 10 p.m. ET/PT
As the countdown to Christmas ticks down, Albie Mushaney, world-famous strongman and Salem, Oregon-based real estate agent who moonlights as a Santa impersonator, will help his clients find their forever home in time for the holidays. Alongside his festive family, Albie also will make the houses extra "ho-ho-home-y" by adding special seasonal touches like a fully decorated tree and holiday décor.

Surprising Santa Claus (wt)
Premieres Friday, December 25, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Good Morning America contributor Lara Spencer, along with a team of designers, contractors and volunteers, will race against the clock to give the town of Santa Claus, Indiana, the biggest Christmas present its ever received: two surprise home renovations and a town square makeover that will spread holiday cheer to the whole community.

"We had a blast creating these new holiday shows," says Latman. "They're filled with entertaining, unexpected personalities, humorous situations and showstopping Christmas miracles that will put everyone in a happy holiday spirit. At this time of the year, we want to enjoy the magic, be entertained and have some fun."

Fans are invited to stay connected with HGTV's holiday programming and access special show extras, behind-the-scenes photos and exclusive videos on HGTV.com and by following @HGTV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

This season, let HGTV be a virtual home for the holidays. And while your at it — be good to yourself, take care of one another, stay safe, and Hey! ... Be careful out there.