Trace Adkins Announces Christmas Album and Tour

It's going to a holly jolly Christmas for Trace Adkins fans. The singer has announced he's releasing a Christmas album later this year, followed by a tour.

Adkins will release his first-ever Christmas album, 'The King's Gift,' on Oct. 29. The album is a musical departure for the singer, featuring Celtic carols that marry American folk music with such unusual instrumentation as weissenborn, mandolin, uilleann pipe, penny whistle, violin, viola, cello, harp and organ.

“This is the first Christmas record I’ve ever made, and I am so proud of this Christmas record, probably more proud of this than anything that I’ve possibly ever done with the exception of some of those really deep, profound military songs that pay tribute to heroes," Adkins stated in June. "But other than that, I think, for my money, this record has more depth than anything -- and it’s a Christmas record. I love this record.”

Adkins will support the album with his newly-announced 2013 Christmas Show Tour, which kicks off Nov. 15 in Illinois and runs for 18 shows before wrapping up in Florida on Dec. 18.

The tour is another big departure for the singer. The theatrical production will feature Adkins sharing fireside anecdotes of both personal and historical significance, alternating with musical performances in which he will be supported by a 12-piece ensemble that consists of a quartet string section, female vocalists and traditional instruments.

Pre-sale and VIP tickets are currently available at Adkins’ website. All tickets will go on sale Sept. 13.

Trace Adkins 2013 the Christmas Show Tour Dates: 

11/15 - Effingham, Ill. - Effingham Performance Center
11/16 - Van Wert, Ohio - Niswonger Performing Arts Center
11/17 - Greensburg, Penn. - Palace Theatre
11/19 - Red Bank, N.J. - Count Basie Theatre
11/21 - Shippensburg, Penn. - H. Ric Luhrs PAC – Shippensburg Univ.
11/22 - Utica, N.Y. - Stanley Center for the Performing Arts
11/23 - Sewell, N.J. - TD Banks Arts Center
11/29 - Bethlehem, Penn. - Sands Bethlehem Event Center
11/30 - Wallingford, Conn. - Toyota Presents the Oakdale Theatre
12/1 - Westbury, N.Y. - Theatre at Westbury
12/3 - Troy, Ohio - Hobart
12/4 - Youngstown, Ohio - Coveli Center
12/5 - Waukegan, Ill. - Genesee Theatre
12/13 - Rochester, Minn. - Mayo Civic
12/14 - Onamia, Minn. - Grand Casino Mille Lacs
12/15 - Carmel, Ind. - Palladium @ Carmel Center
12/17 - Hollywood, Fla. - Hard Rock Live at Seminole
12/18 - Clearwater, Fla. - Ruth Eckhert Hall