Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26. Town offices close Nov. 26-27, trash runs a day late, and the Lake Norman Turkey Trot starts at 7:30 a.m. in Cornelius.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. This page is updated every year at the same address. Dates come from the Town of Huntersville’s 2026 holiday schedule, its trash page and each organizer’s own site. Town Hall: 704-875-6541.

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. Huntersville town offices are closed Thursday and Friday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are out both days, and trash pickup runs a day late for the rest of the week. The morning starts, for thousands of runners, with the Lake Norman Turkey Trot in Cornelius, about five miles north.

What this means for you

  • Town offices: closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27.
  • Trash: Thursday’s route runs Friday and Friday’s runs Saturday, Nov. 28.
  • Schools: CMS Thanksgiving break is Nov. 26-27.
  • Run it off: the turkey trot starts at 7:30 a.m. in Cornelius.

The Lake Norman Turkey Trot

The 20th annual IDNutrition Lake Norman Half Marathon Turkey Trot 10K and 5K starts and finishes at Life Fellowship Church, 20010 Chartown Drive, Cornelius, on Thanksgiving morning. From the organizer, Epic Sports Marketing:

Race Distance Start
Half marathon 13.1 miles 7:30 a.m.
10K 6.2 miles 7:35 a.m.
5K 3.1 miles 7:40 a.m.
  • Race-day packet pickup opens at 6:30 a.m. at the church.
  • Half marathoners need to finish by 11:15 a.m.
  • Every course is on asphalt road. Strollers start at the back of the 5K.
  • It is race No. 3 of the 2026 Lake Norman Half Marathon Series.
  • Registration is through the organizer’s online sign-up.

We found no Thanksgiving Day race inside Huntersville’s town limits with a 2026 date on its own website when we checked. Organizing one? Tell us through our contact page.

Community dinners

No free community Thanksgiving dinner in Huntersville had posted 2026 details when we checked. Churches and nonprofits that hold one can send the date, time and address through our contact page, and we will list it here.

What is open and closed

Thursday, Nov. 26 Friday, Nov. 27
Town offices Closed Closed
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Closed Closed
Trash, recycling and yard waste No pickup; runs Friday Runs Saturday
Birkdale on Ice Open 4 to 10 p.m. Regular hours
  • Town offices: the town’s 2026 holiday schedule closes offices on Thanksgiving Day and the day after.
  • Schools: the CMS 2026-27 traditional calendar marks Nov. 26-27 as Thanksgiving break.
  • Skating: Birkdale on Ice in The Plaza at Birkdale Village posts Thanksgiving Day hours of 4 to 10 p.m. Skating is by 75-minute session; the center recommends booking ahead. Concierge: 704-817-2400.
  • Stores and restaurants set their own hours. Birkdale Village says store hours may vary from its posted center hours, so check each business.

Trash and recycling

Waste Connections observes three holidays: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If your collection day falls on the holiday or any weekday after it, collection is one day late; a Friday route moves to Saturday, the town says. Carts go to the curb by 7 a.m. Problems: Public Works, 704-875-7007. More on our trash and recycling page.

Thanksgiving weekend

Frequently asked questions

Is there a turkey trot near Huntersville on Thanksgiving?

Yes. The 20th annual Lake Norman Half Marathon Turkey Trot 10K and 5K is Thursday, Nov. 26, at Life Fellowship Church, 20010 Chartown Drive, Cornelius. The half marathon starts at 7:30 a.m., the 10K at 7:35 a.m. and the 5K at 7:40 a.m.

Is Huntersville Town Hall open the day after Thanksgiving?

No. The town’s 2026 holiday schedule closes town offices Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27.

Does trash pickup change for Thanksgiving in Huntersville?

Yes. Waste Connections observes Thanksgiving Day, so Thursday and Friday pickups each run one day late; Friday’s moves to Saturday, Nov. 28.

Are Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools closed for Thanksgiving?

Yes. The district’s 2026-27 calendar has Thanksgiving break on Nov. 26-27.