Tickets to the Christmas Tree Lighting

One of D.C.'s favorite holiday traditions -- the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree -- doesn't happen until Dec. 6, but if you want to be there for it you'll have to plan for a very early morning this Saturday, Nov. 3.. The National Park Service will hand out 2,800 free tickets beginning Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Distribution takes place at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion at the southwest corner of 15th and E Streets NW. Don't plan on rolling up right at 8 and being able to snag tickets. If you want a chance at claiming tickets, this is a pre-dawn activity. Luckily the weather looks to be clear, if a bit crisp. Also, you can catch up on sleep with that extra hour on Sunday thanks to the end of Daylight Savings Time. There is a maximum of four tickets per person and everybody -- yes, that includes newborns, infants, toddlers, etc. -- needs a ticket for entry.

On a sad note, the entertainment lineup for the Dec. 6 ceremony lost its biggest name with the recent passing of country-gospel star Porter Wagoner. The Country Music Hall of Famer -- who experienced a mini-revival lately thanks to an opening gig for the White Stripes, an album on hip indie label Anti and a memorable interview with Borat -- was scheduled to be the featured performer, along with current country star Sara Evans. Evans will still be there on Dec. 6 and the National Park Service is in the process of finding a replacement for Wagoner.

--David