'CMA Country Christmas' with Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, Jake Owens, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Michael W. Smith airs on ABC

Nashville audience encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the taping to make the holidays brighter for a homeless child

Music and memories are the centerpiece of "CMA Country Christmas," a two-hour special hosted by Jennifer Nettles airing Monday, Dec. 2 (9 p.m.), on the ABC Television Network.

The special is a celebration of the season, featuring country's top stars and non-format favorites performing holiday songs and sharing their personal holiday traditions and memories. The special tapes in front of a live audience Friday, Nov. 8, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Joining the star-packed lineup of performers is "Duck Dynasty's" Willie Robertson. The Robertson family will also participate in a fireside chat. The popular A&E stars are releasing "Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas" album on Oct. 29.

Artists already announced include Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, Lucy Hale, Nettles, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker and Michael W. Smith.

" 'CMA Country Christmas' has become a welcome family tradition - not just for country fans, but anyone who enjoys holiday standards performed by amazing vocalists in a classic variety show setting," said CMA board President Ed Hardy.

For the second year, audience members are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the taping to help make the holidays brighter for Nashville-area children. The Nashville-based, nonprofit group Generosity will have volunteers on site with specially marked bins to collect the toys, which will be distributed to homeless families this holiday season. In 2012, the group collected more than 5,000 toys.

Volunteers from Generosity will start accepting toys Friday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. CT at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza. You do not have to have a ticket to the show to drop off a toy.

Tickets for "CMA Country Christmas" are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com; by calling 1-800-745-3000; or in person at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office, located at 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, Nashville).Tickets for "CMA Country Christmas" cost $50 for lower and club level reserved seating, and $25 for upper level reserved seating. Ticket prices include tax, but exclude applicable service fees.

For updates and information, visit CMAchristmas.com.