There will also be OneVerse Pre-Jams with performances by Dara Maclean, For King And Country, and We As Human. The tour promises special appearances by VeggieTales’ Bob and Larry.

Marking its 17th year, The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular begins its 2012 journey with Skillet headlining in West Virginia at the Charleston Civic Center January 6 and reaches the end of the road when it pulls into Grand Rapids, Mich., for a show at the Van Andel Arena April 1. The 47-city tour includes stops in Orlando, Fla., at the UCF Arena Jan. 12; Des Moines at the Wells Fargo Arena Jan. 20; Cleveland’s Wolstein Center Jan. 29; Louisville, Ky., at Freedom Hall Feb. 3; Kansas City at The Sprint Center Feb. 17; Tulsa at BOK Center Feb. 25; Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena March 11; and Dallas at the American Airlines Center March 25.

Winter Jam vets will be glad to know the tour is continuing its Jam Nation fan program offering individual and group memberships that guarantee early admission. Other membership perks include a limited edition Jam Nation T-shirt, a collectable Jam Nation Platinum Pass, plus opportunities to join in on Q&As with artists on the tour.

But perhaps one of the most unique things about Winter Jam is that there are no tickets. Admission is $10 at the door. Visit JamTour.com for more information.