Ticket Lottery Dates Announced for National Christmas Tree Lighting

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Scheduled for Dec. 9

'Tis the season to get your typing fingers and computers ready! Tickets will soon be available for a Washington holiday tradition.

The 87th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Thursday, Dec. 9. It all starts at 5 p.m. on the Ellipse. Tickets for the general public will be available online through a lottery system beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5. The lottery will close at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7.  About 3,000 seats and 10,000 standing room tickets are available.

Winners will be notified by e-mail. Tickets will be mailed by Monday, Nov. 15. They are free and may not be sold.

Traditionally, the president flips the switch to light the National Christmas Tree. There’s singing, dancing and entertainment. Last year, singer Sheryl Crow and American Idol’s Randy Jackson participated in the program. This year’s talent lineup has not been announced yet.


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