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National Christmas Tree Lighting Set For Dec. 4

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Park Service is planning ahead for this year's holiday celebrations, and the National Christmas Tree lighting is now about eight weeks away.

The park service and National Park Foundation announced Wednesday that the tree will be lit this year on Dec. 4. The annual lighting ceremony draws thousands of visitors each year to the White House Ellipse in President's Park.

Free tickets for the lighting ceremony will be given out through an online lottery. The lottery opens Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. and will close on 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.
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Online:
National Christmas Tree: http://thenationaltree.org/

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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