25th Annual Faneuil Hall Marketplace Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Never mind that Thanksgiving is still six days away. Jim Carrey's "A Christmas Carol" has been out for two weeks, and that's enough to get us into the holiday spirit. Besides, Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting is celebrating its silver anniversary with a mammoth 85-foot high Douglas fir - there's none bigger in the state, organizers say. At about 5:30 p.m., Mayor Menino and a surprise guest will flip the switch to illuminate 15,000 white lights on the tree and 300,000 o'erspreading the market. The daylong celebration also features street performers and carolers from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., all-girl band Jada at 4:45 p.m., and Ernie and the Automatics at 5:30 p.m.Look for roaming Boston Ballet Nutcracker characters all day, and Santa's arrival on his sleigh at 1 p.m. - Milva DiDomizio, globe staff