WASHINGTON (CBSDC) - The Metropolitan police have issued an alert to inform the public of road closures as a result of the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

The annual ceremony – scheduled to take place on the Ellipse near the White House from 4:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – will shut down some major thoroughfares for the duration of the event.

No traffic will be allowed northbound or southbound on the following streets:

• 15^th Street, NW, between E Street/ Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue, NW
• 17th Street, NW, between Constitution Avenue and New York Avenue, NW

The roads will immediately be re-opened following the conclusion of the ceremony.