Bangkok--2 Nov--eTurboNiews For 25 years, the Friday after Thanksgiving Day marks the beginning of a holiday tradition more commonly associated with the quaint seaside villages of New England, rather than the bustling streets of lower Manhattan. Yet for countless merrymaking New Yorkers, the historic pier and cobblestone streets of South Street Seaport serve as home to a relaxing, family-friendly holiday festivity not to be missed. The 25th Annual South Street Seaport Tree Lighting celebration will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, November 23. The event features a countdown to the illumination of thousands of twinkling white lights affixed to the 50-plus-foot Chorus Tree, caroling by The Big Apple Chorus, performances by the American Girl Singers and a small-town parade heralding the arrival of New York City’s most acclaimed Santa Claus. In fact, Santa returns to the Seaport for his 19th consecutive season (he resides on the upper Westside of Manhattan during the rest of the year). The quintessential St. Nick engages and delights children of all ages and nationalities -- and once, even a President (Clinton). A jovial storyteller, Santa’s fan club includes adults who first visited him when they were children, and who now travel long distances to bring their young children to see him each year. Santa maintains a daily schedule of appearances throughout the holiday season (see below). Likewise, The Big Apple Chorus, New York City's premier a cappella group, performs 45-minute shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 23 through December 24 (see below). The professionalism of the group and the enjoyment they provide to visitors and shoppers during the holiday season are immeasurable. The Big Apple Chorus returns to the Seaport for its sixth season. For those who take note, this year’s holiday tree is a 50-foot Douglas Fir hailing from a forest in Connecticut. Securing the tree as well as the lights can be a challenge as high winds frequently whip off of New York harbor and up the cobblestone of Fulton Street. But Santa and The Big Apple Chorus are well adept at weathering any storm.Then of course, there is the Seaport Marketplace. With more than 100 retail shops, cafes and restaurants throughout the property, the Seaport makes holiday shopping easy and fun. The idyllic atmosphere amidst the historic waterfront offers a perfect location to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the holiday. South Street Seaport is recognized as one of America's Premier Shopping Places, the nation's largest collection of tourism-oriented shopping and dining destinations located throughout the U.S.A. For a complete listing of America's Premier Shopping Places and special offers for travelers, please visit www.AmericasShoppingPlaces.com.DETAILS Dates: Annual Tree Lighting -- 6 p.m. Friday, November 23rd- Arrival of Santa Claus with Mrs. Claus- Lighting of Tree- Musical Performances byo Big Apple Choruso American Girl Singerso Special GuestsHoliday Activities — November 23rd to December 24th Big Apple Chorus -- 45-minute performances are held at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Fridays and at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with special performances scheduled for 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, December 24. Santa — Scheduled appearances at the Pier 17 Atrium, 3rd floor: from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and from Noon to 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and Sundays from Noon to 2 p.m. Guests can bring their own cameras for free photos with Santa. "Storytime with Santa" will be held each Saturday from November 24th through December 22nd at 1 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Atrium of Pier 17 at South Street Seaport. All guests will be invited to gather around Santa's chair for storytime, as he reads holiday classics. Up-to-date information on additional times and locations is available at www.southstreetseaport.com or by calling 212.732.8257. Price: Big Apple Chorus Concerts and Pier 17 Visits with Santa Are FreeLocation: South Street Seaport, Pier 17Fulton Street & South Street