CMA Country Christmas, New Awards Merch

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles will return to host CMA Country Christmas for the second year. The two hour special featuring country’s hottest artists performing holiday favorites will tape Nov. 10 at the Bridgestone Arena and air at 8 pm CT Thursday, Dec. 1 on ABC.

“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 the taping are $25 for upper level seating and $50 for club level.

CMA has also launched a new merch store at www.cmaawardsstore.com, featuring a selection of official items including a hat, tote bag, coffee mug, and six apparel selections. One of those items, the black event T-shirt (pictured), was inspired by the 2011 CMA Awards Program Book cover created by Eva Oglander.

Additionally, CMA Awards co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood had to beat some tough competition for their hosting gig, if a video on Paisley’s website is to be believed.