Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland Hosts "CMA Country Christmas" Thursday, Dec. 1 on the ABC Television Network

Two-Hour Special Tapes Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville; Tickets Available for $25

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 24, 2011 -- For the second consecutive year, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland will host "CMA Country Christmas," which is scheduled to air Thursday, Dec. 1 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

The two-hour television special, which is produced by CMA, will feature many of today's top Country artists performing traditional holiday favorites and sharing their personal holiday traditions. "CMA Country Christmas" will tape in front of a live audience on Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

"The recurring themes you find in Country Music are the foundation of what makes the holidays so meaningful - the comfort of home, family, and friends," said CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. "'CMA Country Christmas' will be wrapped in those traditions."

Tickets for "CMA Country Christmas" are $25 for general admission Upper Level seating and $50 for general admission Club Level (plus taxes and fees). Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or Ticketmaster outlets; by calling (800) 745-3000; or in person at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office, located at 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, Nashville).

The "CMA Country Christmas" taping will follow "The 45th Annual CMA Awards," hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, which airs live from the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

In 2010, the first "CMA Country Christmas" drew an average audience of 7.3 million viewers in its first airing on Nov. 30, topping original competition on NBC and FOX by wide margins. It improved its time period for ABC over the same night in 2009 by a million viewers (7.3 million vs. 6.3 million). The special re-aired a second time on Dec. 22, 2010, reaching 4.25 million viewers. With its combined airings, "CMA Country Christmas" was seen by more than 11.5 million viewers in 2010.

"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 special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.