Brace Yourselves for the 2017 CMA Country Christmas

It’s only October but we can hear Christmas bells and smell the homey holiday breeze just lurking around the corner. Even our favorite country artists are joining in on the anticipation—as the Country Music Association is prepping to tape then air its annual special show for TV, the CMA Country Christmas. It is scheduled to air on the 27^th of November at 8PM ET on ABC.

The said TV special has been running for 8 years now, and this year’s edition has a major surprise for the fans. First off is the venue: It will be taped at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville for the third consecutive time on November 14. It will be a week after this year’s CMA awards.

Reba McEntire will be the host, and she will be taking over for Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, who had been the CMA Country Christmas’ host for seven years. McEntire announced the good news on her Facebook account, “Watching CMA Country Christmas has become one of my favorite holiday traditions. And I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to host.”

Sarah Trahern, the Chief Executive Officer of CMA disclosed, “Reba epitomizes country and the cheer of the holiday season. She’s also the most nominated female in CMA Awards history, so the fit couldn’t be more perfect.”

The singer adds that she feels pressure over being handed the role of host for the annual TV special, especially since Jennifer Nettles has left such big shoes to fill in for Reba. On a lighter note, however, McEntire believes that she is capable of fulfilling her newly assigned role. Earlier this year, she’s had experience co-hosting a prestigious show for country music, the 2017 ACM Awards.

As for the performers for the 2017 CMA Country Christmas show, the final lineup is yet to be announced. On the other hand, the show will benefit children through the Toys for Tots charity. The show and the said charity has been working together to encourage attendees to bring unwrapped toys to donate to the children in need.

For ticket purchases, visit the Grand Ole Opry.