Festive treats on DStv this celebration season

Still fantasising about visiting Honeydukes? Prepare for confectionery conjuring and curious creations as twins James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter films) host this magical baking series, which was shot on the original Harry Potter sets. The season kicks off as James and Oliver sort the bakers into their four Hogwarts houses, and there are loads more familiar faces, as guest stars including Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick) drop in for a bite.

Stream Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking Season 2 from Saturday, 6 December at 2PM on Food Network Channel 175. All the original Harry Potter films are available to stream on Showmax. 

The Great Christmas Bake Off

The Bake Off tent is filled with soap bubbles as EastEnders' Dean Gaffney and Natalie Cassidy, Sheree Murphy (of Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Neighbours), Coronation Street's Shobna Gulati, and Chris Bisson (Corrie and Emmerdale) take on Prue and Paul’s three festive challenges: baking a yule log, making four mini meringue Christmas trees, and constructing a scene that represents one of their favourite soapie scenes. Expect biscuity death and destruction, with ghostly angels and a corner shop fire.

Stream The Great Christmas Bake Off on Sunday, 21 December at 8PM on BBC Lifestyle Channel 174. Available on DStv Stream.

The Great British Bake Off Special: New Year

It’s Hogmanay in the tartan Bake Off tent as Scottish bakers Lea Harris (S1), James Morton (S3 runner-up), Norman Calder (S5), Peter Sawkins (S11), Kevin Flynn (S13), and Nicky Laceby (S14) gather to ring in the new year. They’ll be making a signature black bun, a technical shortbread snowflake, and a showstopper cranachan-based dessert. It’s a chance at a do-over for Lea, who didn’t make it past week 1, and Peter, who won his season during Covid. 

Stream The Great British Bake Off Special: New Year from Monday, 29 December at 8PM on BBC Lifestyle DStv Channel 174. Available on DStv Stream.

Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown

Bobby Flay is on Santa’s naughty list, so he’s been sent back to the kitchen to face his BFF chefs in a cutthroat holiday competition. Coming up, Ina Garten will get the chefs to serve Bobby a slice of humble pie, dishes are made with items found at holiday markets across the globe, Carson Kressley will remind us why holidays are iconic, and the chefs will plot a magnificent menu to beat them all, for an epic New Year's bash.

Stream Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown Season 3 on Mondays at 4:05PM until 19 December on Food Network Channel 175. Available on DStv Stream.

Christmas Cookie Challenge

It’s not all about a snowy Christmas (although we’ll get a massive Chritsmas market display filled with festive fun like an edible ice skating rink). Watch out because Santa is hitting the waves in one episode. Expect edible sandcastles, with tropical flavours as hosts Ree Drummond and Eddie Jackson ask the bakers to show how sea creatures celebrate the season. And caped crusaders are here to save the season with superfood ingredients like açaí puree, pomegranate juice, turmeric or matcha.

Stream the Christmas Cookie Challenge Season 8 on Fridays at 5PM until 26 December on Food NetworkChannel 175. Available on DStv Stream.

Holiday Baking Championship

Grab your notes apps because there’s plenty of festive inspiration as host Jesse Palmer, and judges Carla Hall, Duff Goldman and Nancy Fuller, present the bakers with fun themes like a Victorian era Christmas party with fruitcakes and Lambeth cakes, “Friendsgiving” feasts with apple and pumpkin desserts, cookie exchange parties, an ugly sweater office year-end bash complete with games and lashings of alcohol, holiday pyjamas get togethers, and in the grand finale, a gingerbread house party. 

Holiday Baking Championship Season 11 on Saturdays at 5PM until 27 December on Food Network Channel 175. Available on DStv Stream.

Holiday Wars

Host Jeff Mauro and judges Shinmin Li and Kardea Brown are challenging cake, sugar and cookie artists to create over-the-top seasonal displays. None of these creations will fit in the family biscuit tin – think more like a whole holiday parade float, complete with moving elements and characters. There’s hilarity and wonder as the artists imagine everything from Santa’s workout routine, to Mrs Claus’s night out on the town, and a Moana-themed island holiday party on the island of Motunui.

Stream Holiday Wars Season 6 on Saturdays at 4:05PM until 27 December on Food Network Channel 175. Available on DStv Stream.

Kokkedoor: Son en See

Looking for last-minute inspiration? On 18 December, the Kokkedoor contestants debate Christmas table traditions, and whether the classics like fruitcake and trifle still have a place. And we get a children’s choir singing carols. On Christmas Day itself, we’ll see how to turn leftover meat and salad from the big lunch into light and easy gourmet sandwiches for dinner, while the teams prepare quiches and spectacular layered salads for their picnic guest, Hannes van Wyk. 

Stream Kokkedoor: Son en See on Thursdays at 8PM on kykNET Channel 144. Available on DStv Stream.

Hoarding for the Holidays

Just in time for Boxing Day and the lawless time between Christmas and New Year, HGTV invites us inside the world of extreme holiday collecting. One decorator is mid-marriage meltdown after spending $5 000 (do not do the currency conversion, we beg you) on a single tree, while a Hanukkah-loving mum tries to get her daughters to carry on her Menorah Madness. But mostly it’s just about people who’re giddy with delight over the joy of creating and decorating.

Stream Hoarding for the Holidays Season 1 from Friday, 26 December at 9PM on HGTV Channel 177.

Château DIY At Christmas

As part of the ongoing effort to save France’s old palaces, renovators are going all out to raise funds and give guests special experiences. Château de Brives’ Sarah and George organise carolers, Château La Grande Maison’s Ben and Billie turn a stable into a party venue, Chateau de la Fare’s Janet and Philip build a flying sleigh, Alison and Zion revive Château de la Boutiniére’s hunting lodge, and Paul and Julia have plans for a billiard table at Chateau Larribau.

Stream Chateau DIY At Christmas Season 7 on Mondays at 8PM and Wednesdays at 7PM until 22 December on The Home Channel 176. Available on DStv Stream.

Jamie Oliver: Seasons

Looking for something a little different? Jamie prepares seasonal produce in this series. He’s serving up a fruit-and veg-centred menu including “Christmas cracker” cheesy filo parcels with a tangy cranberry dip, a festive salad, spiced and roasted hasselback root vegetables, and, as a showstopper, a Christmas cauliflower cheese lasagne that can be prepared before the holiday rush. There’s also a truly classic sticky toffee pudding, and for the carnivores, a thumping, great festive porchetta.

Stream Jamie Oliver: Seasons Season 1 from Tuesday, 9 December at 8PM on BBC Lifestyle Channel 174. Available on DStv Stream.

Herman se Tafel

Celebration season is here! In this four-episode festive-season special, chef Herman Lensing shares recipes and hosting tips and tricks from his brand new cookbook, Herman se Tafel. Prepare to take notes as he prepares mouth-wateringly extravagant menus for lunches and dinners. Each menu has a creative theme, and Herman will show how the right decor can enhance your festive table, whether you’re serving South African classics, French flair, or something more laidback and snacky.

Stream Herman se Tafel Season 1 on Fridays at 8PM until 19 December on VIA Channel 147.