Bob D’Amico/ABCThe Country Music Association is getting the jump on the 2018 holiday season, staging their annual CMA Country Christmas special a little earlier this year, and moving the ABC extravaganza to a new venue.

One thing that won’t change, however, is the host: Reba McEntire will return to preside over the festivities for the second year in a row.  

“I’ve always cherished celebrating Christmas alongside family and friends, taking time to reflect on the season,” Reba says. “I’m so excited CMA invited me back to host their show and am looking forward to fun singing carols with my friends.”

As usual, the ninth annual holiday gathering will boast an impressive array of talent: Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, and Brett Young from the country world; Tony Bennett, Amy Grant, and Diana Krall from the pop side; and Michael W. Smith and The Isaacs from the world of Christian music.

Though the show typically follows the CMA Awards, this year, it’ll take place on September 27, at the Curb Events Center on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville. Tickets go on sale Monday at CMAChristmas.com.

The two-hour CMA Country Christmas special will air during the holiday season on ABC.

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