In the spirit of giving, a new star-studded spectacular is bringing the joy of the season to TV screens nationwide direct from Music City.
Created by the Emmy-Award winning producers of the beloved Nashville Christmas Parade, the Nashville Holiday Music Special will take the place of the in-person parade this year and benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Premiering December 4, this festive broadcast is a must-see way to celebrate the season.
The one-hour show features a remarkable lineup of performances and celebrity appearances from some of Nashville’s most iconic locations. Performances by artists such as Kristin Chenoweth, Gary LeVox, Morgan Evans, Point of Grace, and more will take place at esteemed local venues including the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, and Skyway Studios. Kix Brooks, one half of the country duo Brooks & Dunn, will also appear on the special to honor Nashville’s deserving healthcare heroes and thank them for their tireless efforts, hard work, and sacrifices that keep us safe.
One of Nashville’s future residents, Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, is especially excited to share the joy she experienced while filming this performance with viewers near and far.
“I love Christmas, it’s my favorite holiday, but especially when it feels like Christmas has been kind of cancelled the past two years. I feel like people are going to get to finally be a little bit more free and be with their loved ones as long as they’re safe and that makes me really happy,” says Chenoweth. “Music lightens up everything, so whether you believe in Christmas proper, the meaning of it, it doesn’t matter. It’s just beautiful music and it’s a time of year that makes everybody happy.”
The Nashville Holiday Music Special will ring in the holidays on WKRN News 2 with its Dec. 4 premiere at 9 a.m., in addition to showings on Dec. 5 at noon, Christmas Day at 11 a.m., and nationwide airings throughout the season. And for a holly jolly way to kick off the most wonderful time of the year, the special will include a message from the star of the show himself, Santa Claus.
Beyond the can’t-miss performances, celebrity appearances, and holiday cheer, it’s the mission at the heart of this production that speaks to the true meaning of the season. As a nonprofit organization, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt provides pediatric specialty care to all children, regardless of the family’s financial abilities. And the driving force behind the Nashville Holiday Music Special is the mission to make a difference for children and families across the community, region, and beyond.
Since opening in 2004, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has become one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. Treating and helping to prevent a full range of pediatric health issues from colds and broken bones to complex heart diseases and cancer, Children’s Hospital is an invaluable institution to countless children and families. And with the national exposure and fundraising opportunities accompanying the Nashville Holiday Music Special, Children’s Hospital can continue making a difference in the lives of even more patients and families.
“We are committed to spreading the joy of the holidays and the mission of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt with families nationwide,” said Julie Carell Stadler, parade co-producer and daughter of the late Monroe Carell Jr. and Ann Scott Carell. “The exciting new format of the Nashville Holiday Music Special allows us to bring holiday cheer and hope to those across the country while also keeping the health and safety of our patients and community as our highest priority. We are thrilled to share this celebration of the season to raise funds and awareness for our incredible Children’s Hospital.”