ABC ANNOUNCES "NICK & JESSICA'S FAMILY CHRISTMAS," A ONE TIME SPECIAL EVENT FEATURING SKETCH COMEDY AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES BY THE "NEWLYWEDS" STARS, AIRING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 ON ABC

Ashlee Simpson, Brian McKnight and the Members of 98 Degrees, Including Drew Lachey, Are Among the Special Guests to Appear

America's favorite young married couple, Nick Lachey & Jessica Simpson, multi-platinum artists known from their hit MTV series "Newlyweds," star in a fun-filled family Christmas variety hour of comedy and music celebrating the holidays, on "Nick & Jessica's Family Christmas," WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 (9:01-10:02 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

With the success of their first variety special, the beloved Nick & Jessica return to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, while showcasing their singing and comedic talents in a series of sketches and musical performances with such guests as Brian McKnight, a magical rendition of "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby, Ashlee Simpson joining sister Jessica and singing their first televised duet of "Little Drummer Boy," and Nick's group, 98 Degrees, reuniting to sing "I'll Be Home for Christmas."

All of Nick and Jessica's wishes come true in their magical cabin where snow can fall at the flip of a switch or presents can appear under the tree in an instant. The famed couple open the show with a singing and dancing number to the tune of "Baby It's Cold Outside," from Jessica's new Christmas album entitled "Rejoyce: The Christmas Album." Members of Nick and Jessica's family share special memories of them growing up and spending the holidays together. And the Simpson and Lachey families unite (35 in all) to close out the show with a performance of "Silent Night."

"Nick & Jessica's Family Christmas" was produced by Bob Bain Productions & JT Television in association with Touchstone Television. Bob Bain, Steve Lookner and Joe Simpson are executive producers. (CLOSED-CAPTIONED)

A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.