The online lottery opens Thursday at 10 a.m. and will close at 10 a.m. on Monday. The Park Service will distribute 3,000 tickets for seats and 14,000 standing-room tickets through the lottery.
This year's lighting is scheduled for Dec. 1 in front of the White House. The president traditionally lights the tree, along with his family. Performers for the event will be announced later.
The Park Service is offering more free tickets to this year's event. Since 2009, the Park Service has doubled the number of standing-room tickets for the National Christmas Tree lighting.
