WASHINGTON (CBSDC) - The lottery application process to attend the 90^th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony begins Thursday.

Registration officially opens at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, and we still open until 10:00 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, giving you four full days to register for the lottery for the chance to attend the 2012 ceremony.

This time-honored tradition entails lighting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse, which is just south of the White House, performances by nationally recognized entertainers and one of the U.S. military bands, as well as a message from the president aimed to bring peace to the nation and the world.

Along with the National Tree, 56 smaller trees – representing the 50 states, five U.S. territories, and D.C. – will also be lit to make up the “Christmas Pathway of Peace.”

Starting with the lighting ceremony on Dec. 6, all lights are turned on each evening at dusk and remain lit until 10:00 p.m., through New Years Day.

Apply for the lottery here.