Thanksgiving in High Point 2026

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. This page is updated every year at the same address. Holiday changes come from the city’s collection schedule, the city calendar and Guilford County Schools’ calendars page. City customer service: 336-883-3111.

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. In High Point the holiday shifts Thursday trash pickup to Friday, closes the library for two days and gives Guilford County Schools students a three-day break. The week starts with the High Point Holiday Festival Parade downtown on Sunday, Nov. 22.

What this means for you

• Trash: Thursday routes move to Friday, Nov. 27. Drivers cannot come back for missed carts that week.
• Library: closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25; closed Nov. 26-27.
• Schools: Guilford County Schools students are off Nov. 25-27.
• Parade: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, on Main Street.

Trash and recycling

From the city’s collection schedule:

The city says that because of the extra volume in holiday weeks, drivers will not be able to return for missed carts. Have carts at the curb by 6 a.m. Fall loose leaf pickup is running in November too; the rounds are on our trash and recycling guide.

What is open and closed

• High Point Public Library, 901 N. Main St.: closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and is closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27, according to the library’s listing on the city calendar.
• High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave.: closed Nov. 26-27 for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the museum’s listing. It reopens for its Saturday programs on Nov. 28.
• Guilford County Schools: Thanksgiving break for students is Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 25-27, on the district’s 2026-27 traditional calendar.
• Police, fire and 911 run as normal.

Stores and shopping centers set their own Thanksgiving and Black Friday hours; see our Black Friday and holiday shopping page.

Turkey trot

No Thanksgiving Day race inside High Point had been announced as of Oct. 11. The closest is in Greensboro, about 12 miles northeast:

• Greensboro Gobbler 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, Thursday, Nov. 26, at Center City Park, 200 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Registration and race-day times are on the race page, which lists an 8 a.m. start for race day.

We will add a High Point race here if one is announced.

The weekend before: the holiday parade

The High Point Holiday Festival Parade is 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, rain or shine, on Main Street from Green Drive north to Qubein Street, according to the parade’s website. It has been held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving since 2010. Route, road closures and parking are on our Christmas parade page.

Traveling by train

The Amtrak station at 100 W. High Ave. is served by the Piedmont trains between Raleigh and Charlotte and by the Carolinian and Crescent to the Northeast, according to NC By Train. A station attendant is on duty from one hour before arrivals until 30 minutes after departures; the station’s number is 336-884-0878.

Community dinners

No community Thanksgiving dinner or meal giveaway in High Point had published 2026 details as of Oct. 11. Organizers can send details through our contact page and we will list them here.

Related: Christmas parade and tree lighting, holiday lights and Christmas events, trash and recycling and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving in High Point?

Not on Thursday. In Thanksgiving week, Nov. 23-27, 2026, Thursday collection moves to Friday; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday routes run as normal.

Is the High Point Public Library open on Thanksgiving?

No. It closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and is closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27.

When is Thanksgiving break for Guilford County Schools in 2026?

Students are off Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 25-27, under the district’s 2026-27 traditional calendar.

Is there a turkey trot near High Point?

The nearest Thanksgiving Day race we found is the Greensboro Gobbler 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at Center City Park in downtown Greensboro, starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26.