Oliver Hudson Hosts Holiday Gingerbread Competition; Reflects on Family Traditions

NEW YORK – Actor Oliver Hudson is filled with emotion during the filming of his new role as host of the upcoming holiday series, “Gingerbread Land,” which premieres on November 17 at 9 ET/PT on the Magnolia Network and Food Network. The show will also stream the next day on HBO Max and Discovery.

“There were moments where I’m like, ‘Oh, my God,’ ” Hudson, 49, recalled in an interview with USA TODAY. “I don’t want to go full sob on a Christmas gingerbread bake-off, where the host is completely losing it.” He expressed how the contestants inspired him with their stories as they competed to create intricate gingerbread structures from scratch for a grand prize of $100,000.

“Hearing their backstories and learning about the gingerbread community, which sounds completely nuts, but there is a national champion who was one of our contestants,” Hudson said. “There are competitions all over the country. I mean, this is a real thing.” However, he joked about the lack of space for a gingerbread house in his own home. The actor, married to actress Erinn Bartlett since 2006 and a father of three, noted that his wife might not welcome the sweet creations.

“I have a problem that I get into things hardcore and I’ll buy everything,” he admitted, mentioning his past purchases of sneakers and golf gear. “And then in a month, I’ve lost interest.”

This isn’t Hudson’s only holiday-themed project this year. He also stars in a Netflix film where he plays a soon-to-be-divorced husband hoping for a peaceful Christmas with his ex, Alicia Silverstone, only for the arrival of his new girlfriend, Jameela Jamil, to complicate matters.

In 2018, he starred alongside his stepfather, Kurt Russell, in “The Christmas Chronicles.” Hudson attributes his love for the holiday season to the traditions started by Russell, who plays Santa Claus in the film. The entire family, including Hudson’s mom and siblings, still celebrates Christmas at Russell’s cabin in Colorado.

“Russell created this scenario with Santa and reindeer and bells and everything on the roof,” Hudson recalled of his first Christmas morning in Colorado at age 7. “That was so magical. And it set our belief in stone, right in that moment.” He noted that Russell also introduced a playful fear into their traditions, reminding the kids that if they did not go to bed, Santa might skip their house.

“That’s always been in play for all my kids, and the cousins too,” he said, describing the excitement as the children rush to bed to avoid missing out on their gifts. “I’m 49 and I still get all jacked up for it,” Hudson said of Christmas, adding, “It’s so fun.”