Thomas Rhett, Lauren Akins To Host CMA Country Christmas

NASHVILLE—There’s just one week to go until today’s hottest Country stars take the stage for “CMA Country Christmas,” and more details have just been revealed about this year’s show. With an intimate, at home setting that throws back to classic holiday specials of the past, “CMA Country Christmas” will feature performances of new and original songs as well as traditional Christmas favorites. Hosted by husband and wife team, Country superstar Thomas Rhett and New York Times best-selling author Lauren Akins, the 11th annual musical special airs Monday, Nov. 30 (9:00-10:00 PM/ET) on ABC.

Photo Credit: CMA/ABC

“CMA Country Christmas” taps into the nostalgia and magic of the holiday season with performances from
Kelsea Ballerini (“Santa Baby”), Gabby Barrett (“The First Noel”),  Lady A (“Wonderful Christmastime” and “Little Saint Nick”),  Little Big Town (“Christmas Time Is Here”),  Tim McGraw (“It Wasn’t His Child”), and Darius Rucker with Lindsey Stirling (“What Child Is This?”). With a nod to the present, the special also includes three world television premieres from Dan + Shay (“Christmas Isn’t Christmas”), Florida Georgia Line (“Lit This Year”), and Thomas Rhett (“Christmas In The Country”).

Filmed without a live audience for the first time this past September, “CMA Country Christmas” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer and Writer. Paul Miller is the Director.

CMA partnered with Balsam Hill, stunningly realistic Christmas trees and beautifully-designed holiday décor, to decorate the “CMA Country Christmas” stage again this year.