'CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS' AIRS DECEMBER 24 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK

Two-Hour Special Hosted by Jennifer Nettles Taped November 8 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville

Some of the biggest names in music come together to celebrate the holidays on "CMA Country Christmas," a two-hour special hosted by Jennifer Nettles, airing SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 (9:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (Rebroadcast. OAD: 11/28/16)

The special is a celebration of the season featuring some of the top stars in music performing holiday songs and getting into the Christmas spirit. The special taped Tuesday, November 8 (6:00 p.m. CDT), at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

"The taping of 'CMA Country Christmas' has become a treasured holiday tradition for Nashville families," said Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer. "And watching 'CMA Country Christmas' on ABC is equally important as generations gather to celebrate the season."

Nettles, who hosted the special for the seventh time this year, released her first holiday album, "To Celebrate Christmas," October 28, on Big Machine Records. Special collaborations highlight lush harmonies with Idina Menzel on "Little Drummer Boy," the jazz-influenced melody of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman," alongside American-soul sensation Andra Day, and "Circle of Love," penned by friend and mentor Dolly Parton. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter has kept a full schedule this year, releasing her critically acclaimed sophomore album, "Playing With Fire," joining label mates Cheap Trick for a "CMT Crossroads" that earned a CMT Music Awards nomination for Performance of the Year and headlining the 30+ city "CMT Next Women of Country Tour" across the U.S. and Canada, alongside Brandy Clark, Lindsey Ell, and Tara Thompson. Visit JenniferNettles.com for upcoming tour dates and more.

A popular feature of the "CMA Country Christmas" taping is a toy drive. Audience members were invited to bring an unwrapped toy for deserving children in need throughout Middle Tennessee. In 2015, through a partnership with ABC Television Network and the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program, CMA collected more than 5,000 unwrapped gifts.

"Providing new toys for deserving children shines a spotlight on a worthy endeavor and reflects the values and spirit of giving found in our artists, industry, and city," Trahern said.

For updates and information visit CMAchristmas.com or follow us on Twitter @Countrymusic.

"CMA Country Christmas" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, Paul Miller is the director, and David Wild is the writer.

The Country Music Association has partnered with Balsam Brands Inc., the leading provider of high-quality, realistic artificial Christmas trees, to decorate the CMA Country Christmas stage in 2016. Learn more about Balsam Hill at www.balsamhill.com.