WASHINGTON — It’s that time of year again. The food, the gifts, the National Christmas Tree Lighting and the gridlock.

This is your friendly reminder that our lovely annual event on Thursday, Dec. 1 can cause major traffic headaches.

Here are the closures to keep in mind.

Starting at 4:15 p.m.:

• 15th Street NW will be closed north of Constitution Avenue and south of E street/Pennsylvania Avenue.

DDOT and The Metropolitan Police Department say that these closures and related parking restrictions are subject to change without notice based on prevailing conditions.

This may sound relatively simple, but remember that two major D.C. roads closed even for a short stretch will cause you to be watching glimmering brake lights instead of the wonderful Christmas ones, so use your best judgment and Happy Holidays.

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