It hit a balmy 77 degrees Wednesday, but the National Park Service announced that it's already scheduled this year's National Christmas Tree lighting, still about eight weeks away.
The tree outside the White House will be lit this year on Dec. 4. The annual lighting ceremony and its musical performances draw thousands of visitors each year to the White House Ellipse in President's Park.
Free tickets for the lighting ceremony will be available via an online lottery, which opens Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. and will close Oct. 20.
Ticket requests can be made through the website, www.thenationaltree.org. Those without computer access can call 1-877-444-6777 to request tickets.
Those who win tickets through the lottery will be notified beginning Nov. 3.
