The Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and is one of the 12 federal holidays in the United States. This holiday leads to significant changes in operations across the nation as many government offices, banks, and private businesses close their doors. It is essential to know the available services and adjusted schedules in advance.
On November 28, families will come together to enjoy this day of gratitude and harmony. The celebrations continue with the special events of Black Friday the following day, an occasion known for its significant discounts on various products extending through Cyber Monday.
All government offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, which includes municipal, state, and federal services as well as public libraries. Financial institutions like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase will also close their branches.
Nonetheless, ATMs and online banking platforms will remain operational, allowing users to conduct basic transactions such as cash withdrawals and inquiries without interruptions.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will suspend mail and package delivery on November 28 due to Thanksgiving. While post offices will be closed, the Priority Mail Express service will continue to operate. Regular delivery and collection services are expected to resume on Friday, November 29.
Private courier companies like FedEx and UPS will not operate at full capacity. Only FedEx Custom Critical and UPS Express Critical will be available for urgent shipments. Some FedEx Office locations might open with modified hours, so it is recommended to check directly with each branch.
Trash and recycling collection services will also be interrupted in several U.S. cities, including Columbus, Akron, Canton, and Cincinnati, where Thursday’s scheduled pickups will be postponed to the next business day. This schedule also applies to other major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s. Municipal websites should be consulted for specific information regarding service hours in each area.
Most schools and universities will remain closed on Thursday, November 28, as well as the preceding day and the following Friday (Black Friday). These dates are usually included in the official Thanksgiving breaks. However, the holiday calendar may vary by state or school district, so it is crucial to verify with local educational authorities.
Will stores be open during Thanksgiving?
Some businesses and retail stores will have altered hours or may remain closed during the holiday. Major chains like Aldi, Costco, Target, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart have announced that they will close on Thanksgiving Day, although this may vary depending on the state, as some branches may operate with reduced hours. Operations will resume regularly during Black Friday.
Pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS will operate on limited hours at many locations. It is advisable to contact the stores directly to confirm specific opening and closing times.
Public transport is expected to run on a reduced schedule in most metropolitan areas. In New York, for instance, the Haverstraw-Ossining ferry will not operate on Thursday, while the Metro-North Railroad will follow a Sunday schedule.
In Florida, systems such as Metromover, Metrorail, and Metrobus will adjust their schedules to a Sunday schema, with regular service resuming on Friday. LYNX, the Orlando bus system, will also operate under a holiday schedule. Local hours should be checked to avoid any inconvenience on this day.
Despite these interruptions, essential services will continue to operate. Emergency teams, including police, firefighters, and medical personnel, will be on duty to ensure response readiness. Hospitals and urgent care facilities will remain open.
Thanksgiving Day is also one of the busiest travel days in the U.S., with millions of people taking advantage of the holiday to travel and reunite with family. This leads to heavy traffic congestions and crowds at airports. Traditional parades and sporting events may also disrupt local traffic.
What should you expect this Thanksgiving? Be prepared, plan ahead, and enjoy the holiday spirit!
