The "CMA Country Christmas" – featuring some of the biggest names in music performing holiday classics – airs Dec.1 at 8 p.m. on ABC. Fan-favorite Jennifer Nettles will host the two-hour special for the fifth straight year.
In additional to Nettles, other artists invitees include Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, LeAnn Rimes, Steven Tyler, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Lucy Hale, Hunter Hayes, Idina Menzel and Michael W. Smith.
The special was taped in front of a live audience on Nov. 7 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. For the third year, audience members were encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the taping to help make the holidays brighter for Nashville area children.
In 2014, CMA is partnering with Disney|ABC Television Group and Toys for Tots to distribute the gifts to children in need.
"Our artist community is extremely generous and so are our fans," said Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer. "It is our goal to make sure no child goes without a present this Christmas and we are grateful to our network partner ABC and Toys for Tots for helping to make this dream come true for children everywhere."
A new toy during the holiday season goes a long way in a child's eyes and for that reason, The Walt Disney Company has supported the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation for more than 60 years, as a way to connect with children and families in need during the holidays. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
