The band is currently in the midst of playing summer festivals in the U.S. and Europe, with stops including the Cornerstone Festival in Marietta, Ill. (July 2), Flevo Festival in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands (August 14), Glow Festival in Harsens, Denmark (August 16) and Revelation Generation in Frenchtown, N.J. (August 30).

Grace, due October 14, was produced by Steve Hindalong and features nine traditional Christmas songs and two originals: “The Last Christmas” and “Christmas for Two.”

Sixpence vocalist Leigh Nash explained why the band chose to return with a holiday album.

“Sixpence fans have been asking for a Christmas album for as long as I can remember,” she said. “It was something we always wanted to do, but somehow time got away from us. Now that we’re back together, we thought a Christmas album would be a nice gift four our long time supporters. We love it and hope they will too!”

Following its festival run, the band will hit the studio to work on a full-length album for release in early 2009.