Backstreet Boys to release Christmas song

THE BACKSTREET BOYS are set to spread a little festive cheer this holiday season (12) by releasing an original Christmas song.

Nick Carter and Howie Dorough co-wrote the track It's Christmas Time Again and they are overjoyed with the final result, which also features fellow founding member Kevin Richardson, who recently rejoined the line-up after quitting in 2005.

Carter tells AOL Music, "We're so proud of this new song. There aren't that many original holiday songs out there - which is so crazy to say - and we really feel we made a timeless contribution to the season... Plus, we have our boy Kevin back in the studio with us. This is a really exciting time."

Bandmate AJ McLean linked to a clip of the tune on his Twitter.com page, and added, "Listen to the newly released track It's Christmas Time Again by me and my boys!"