True, the year-end holidays are a ways off yet, but the lights on the National Christmas Tree in Washington will be turned on December 6, and if you want to be there in person it's time to start planning.

The lighting ceremony, held annually on the Ellipse to kick off the holiday season in the U.S. capital, will be held on December 6 at 5 p.m.

Free tickets for the 90th annual tree-lighting ceremony will be awarded through an online lottery, which will open at 10 a.m. (ET) on October 25 and close at 10 a.m. (ET) on October 29.

Those seeking tickets can enter the lottery by going to www.thenationaltree.org and clicking the ‘TICKET LOTTERY’ link. Those without computer access may call 877-444-6777 (TDD 877-833-6777) to enter the lottery. There are 3,000 seated tickets and 14,000 standing-room tickets available through the lottery.

Winners will be notified by email by November 1. In addition, lottery entrants can check the status of their requests starting on November 1 by signing in to www.recreation.gov.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks.