Nettles Returns To Host 'CMA Country Christmas'

Jennifer Nettles returns to host this year’s CMA Country Christmas, which will tape before a live audience on Friday, Nov. 7, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The program will air on ABC.
Artists slated to perform include Dan+Shay, Brett Eldredge, Sara Evans, Lucy Hale, Hunter Hayes, Little Big Town, Idina Menzel, Nettles, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, and Carrie Underwood.
“After being the host of ‘CMA Country Christmas’ for five years now, it is hard to pick one thing I love about it. There are so many fun moments,” Nettles said. “Whether it is the performances or duets, getting to perform Christmas songs with great artists is really fun for me. It’s really a fun show all around.”
CMA Country Christmas is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton serves as Exec. Producer, while Paul Miller is Director and David Wild is the writer.
“The taping for ‘CMA Country Christmas’ is a jump-start for the holiday season and has become a family tradition for many Nashville residents,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Adding to the celebration is our annual toy drive, which provides new toys for children in need, shining a spotlight on a worthy endeavor in a way that reflects the values and giving nature of our artists, the industry, and this city.”
For the third year, audience members are being encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy to the taping. Nashville-based non-profit group Generosity will have volunteers onsite with specially marked bins to collect toys beginning at 5 p.m. CT on Nov. 7. Last year, the group collected more than 5,000 toys.