The Holiday Special brought back many of the ghosts of Top Chefs past as CJ, Marcel, Tre, Betty, Josie, Sandee, Stephen, and Tiffani came back to compete once more -- this time in Chicago. After opening some gifts and reminiscing, it was back to business. In the Quickfire the chefs were greeted by Padma and a mystery Santa, who turned out to be none other than the delicious Eric Ripert. The chefs had to create a dish from one gifted ingredient, which were chosen through a game of "Dirty Santa." For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs had to create a a three-course meal, and would be judged through every course head-to-head, meaning that two chefs would be eliminated each round.

Fabio Viviani from season five has invited contestants from his season and those in the past for what is supposed to be a convivial gathering of chefs cooking, eating and talking. But this is Top Chef, after all, and if you include Marcel in any invitation pleasant can turn on a dime.

Eight chefs return from the previous seasons to compete against each other for $20,000 for their team's selected charity, and Season Three's contestants are introduced.QuickFire Challenge: Cook Perfect Eggs with One Hand behind Your Back Elimination Challenge: Create a Four Course Meal Using Scallops, Lobster, Duck & Kobe Beef

The Holiday Special brought back many of the ghosts of Top Chefs past as CJ, Marcel, Tre, Betty, Josie, Sandee, Stephen, and Tiffani came back to compete once more -- this time in Chicago. After opening some gifts and reminiscing, it was back to business. In the Quickfire the chefs were greeted by Padma and a mystery Santa, who turned out to be none other than the delicious Eric Ripert. The chefs had to create a dish from one gifted ingredient, which were chosen through a game of "Dirty Santa." For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs had to create a a three-course meal, and would be judged through every course head-to-head, meaning that two chefs would be eliminated each round.

Fabio Viviani from season five has invited contestants from his season and those in the past for what is supposed to be a convivial gathering of chefs cooking, eating and talking. But this is Top Chef, after all, and if you include Marcel in any invitation pleasant can turn on a dime.