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National Christmas Tree Lighting Is Set

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The lighting of the National Christmas Tree in Washington is now just six weeks away.

The National Park Service and National Park Foundation announced Thursday that the tree will be lit on Dec. 6. The annual lighting ceremony draws thousands of visitors each year to the Ellipse near the White House.

Free tickets for the lighting ceremony will be given out through an online lottery. The lottery opens Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. and will close at 10 a.m. on Nov. 4. Ticket requests can be made through the website.

Those without computer access can call 1-877-444-6777 to request tickets.

Officials say 3,000 seated tickets and 14,000 standing-room tickets will be given out through the lottery. Those who win tickets through the lottery will be notified by Nov. 7.

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

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