Travel trouble for some the week of Thanksgiving
During the busiest travel week of the year, severe storms could have major impacts.
Thanksgiving Day is nearly upon us. It is a day that we try to set aside for quality time with family and friends, sharing food and gratitude with one another.
But maybe more people showed up for the holiday than you were expecting, and you need to pick up some extra food items.
Maybe you’re wondering if some retailers are open where you can grab some great deals. Or maybe you’ll be working during the holiday and need some transportation from one part of Oklahoma City to the other.
What’s open and closed on Thanksgiving? Who’s supposed to get a day off? What services will be running? Here’s what to know.
When is Thanksgiving 2025?
This year, Thanksgiving will be on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.
Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday in November, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Because this year there are only four Thursdays in November, the holiday will occur almost at the end of the month.
Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday? Do we get the day off?
Federal offices will be closed, and federal workers will have a paid day off, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
In addition, most state offices in Oklahoma will be closed or may have limited services, as the state also recognizes most federal holidays.
Will mail be delivered on Thanksgiving Day?
No. Post offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, according to the U.S. Postal Service, so you will not receive your regular mail or packages that day.
All regular delivery and pickup services will be suspended, and no packages are to be delivered until the next day.
Will FedEx and UPS deliver on Thanksgiving?
Delivery services, such as FedEx and UPS, won’t be operating at normal capacity on Thanksgiving Day, either. Both carriers say that urgent critical services will be available, but routine delivery and pickup will not be.
UPS and FedEx resume normal service on Friday, Nov. 28, but FedEx Freight shipping services will remain unavailable until Monday, as the service is closed on weekends.
Will banks be open on Thanksgiving Day?
No, banks in Oklahoma will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Since Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, banks and their branches will shut down for the day, as well.
But ATMs and online and mobile banking features should still be accessible. However, some transactions may not process until the next business day.
Banks will reopen on Friday, Nov. 28, with normal hours of operation.
OKC trash schedule: Is there garbage pickup on Thanksgiving Day?
According to the City of Oklahoma City’s public information and marketing office, there will be no trash and recycling pick-up on Thanksgiving Day within the proper Oklahoma City limits.
Trash and recycling collection will not resume until Friday, Nov. 28.
A “make-up day” is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29. Bulky waste collection is expected to run as usual.
What other services will be running in Oklahoma City on Thanksgiving? Black Friday?
The city’s offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the Friday afterward.
Oklahoma City’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, Animal Welfare Shelter, and Municipal Court will also remained closed that Thursday and Friday.
All of OKC park recreation centers, community centers, senior centers, family aquatic centers, and gymnasiums will close for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday, as well. That includes Martin Park Nature Center, the Will Rogers Gardens Exhibition Center and the Ed Lycan Conservatory.
However, the outdoor grounds for all of the parks should still be open both days from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Martin Nature Park’s outdoor grounds will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and the outdoor grounds for the Will Rogers Gardens and its conservatory will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What public transit will be available in OKC on Thanksgiving? Black Friday?
On Thursday, Nov. 27, free fare will be offered for OKC buses, the OKC Streetcar, the RAPID NW buses, and the OKC PLUS Zone 1 Paratransit for people with disabilities.
According to the city’s public information office, most OKC buses will operate on EMBARK’s weekend schedule, while the RAPID buses will operate on a 30-minute frequency from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday.
On Thanksgiving, the streetcar will operate on a regular schedule until 12 a.m., while the OKC PLUS Paratransit schedule will operate on a weekend schedule. The 235-PLUS call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while Transit Center Customer Service and the 235-RIDE Call Center will be closed all day.
Regular weekday schedule hours will return for the OKC buses, RAPID, ADA-compliant paratransit, and the streetcar on Friday, Nov. 28. The Transit Center Customer Service and 235-RIDE Call Center will have reduced hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Will schools be open on Thanksgiving Day?
Most schools and colleges are expected to be closed the day before Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the Friday afterward.
Oklahoma City Public Schools will be closed the entirety of the week of Thanksgiving, from Nov. 24 through Nov. 28. OKCPS students will not be returning to class until Monday, Dec. 1.
But school closings can vary by school district and state. Officials recommend you check your local school district’s website for listings of school closures.
Will restaurants and stores be open on Thanksgiving Day? Target, Aldi, Walmart won’t open
Many businesses and retailers may remain open, have modified hours, or be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Contact your specific local store to check its hours.
While some stores will be open at least partially on Thanksgiving, several retailers will remain closed for the holiday.
Major stores such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Aldi, and Trader Joe’s will be closed for Thanksgiving, with plans to reopen on Black Friday.
