THE STARS ALIGN FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH "CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS"

Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton, Jewel, Charles Kelley, Martina McBride, David Nail, Host Jennifer Nettles, Pentatonix, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, Brian Setzer, Michael W. Smith, and Lindsey Stirling Perform

"CMA Country Christmas" Airs Dec. 3 on the ABC Television Network

Some of the biggest stars in music have come together to celebrate the holidays on "CMA Country Christmas," a two-hour special hosted for the sixth year by Jennifer Nettles, airing Thursday, Dec. 3 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Taped at the Grand Ole Opry House, the special is a celebration of the season featuring inspired performances from Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton, Jewel, Charles Kelley, Martina McBride, David Nail, Nettles, Pentatonix, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, Brian Setzer, Michael W. Smith, and Lindsey Stirling.

Nettles, a multi-award-winning singer/songwriter, is gearing up to release her debut single on Big Machine Records this month and is currently in the studio working on her second solo album. In 2008, she took home the CMA Award for Song of the Year for penning the No. 1 Platinum-selling hit "Stay." In addition to making her Broadway debut as Roxy Hart in the Tony Award-winning musical "Chicago" earlier this year, she recently joined the cast of the Dolly Parton television biopic, "Coat of Many Colors," slated to air Dec. 10.

For the fourth year, audience members were encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the taping to help make the holidays brighter for Nashville area children. CMA is partnering with Disney | ABC Television Group (DATG) and Toys for Tots for its "Share the Joy" holiday campaign to distribute the gifts to children in need. For information, visit CMAchristmas.com.

"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.