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Thanksgiving Shenanigans: What to Expect in Oxford 2024

Community gathers in Oxford to celebrate Thanksgiving 2024.

News Summary

As Thanksgiving approaches, Oxford residents should anticipate changes in local services and activities. Most government offices will close on Thursday and Friday, while garbage collection will move to Wednesday. The library will be closed from Thursday through Sunday, and many banking and postal services will pause on Thanksgiving Day. Free parking will be available around the Square, and several restaurants will open for the holiday. Additionally, the Arlington Turkey Trot 5K race invites community members to participate, making for a festive and active holiday weekend.

Thanksgiving Shenanigans: What to Expect in Oxford This Holiday 2024

Gather around, Oxford folks! The much-anticipated Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, and that means some important changes to our usual routine. From local government offices to garbage pickups and dining out, let’s dive into what to expect during this festive season!

Office Hours: A Day of Rest

First things first, most local government offices will be taking a little breather on Thursday and Friday, so don’t expect any county or federal offices to be open during this time. Mark your calendars and plan accordingly. If you need to get something done, try to make a trip before the holiday!

Garbage Collection Switcheroo

Now, if you usually set your garbage out on Thursdays, listen up! The Oxford Solid Waste Department has decided to mix things up a bit. This year, all Thursday garbage pickups will shift to Wednesday. That’s right, folks! So, don’t forget to put your bins out a day earlier! And it doesn’t stop there; the city’s garbage and rubbish collection scheduled for Thursday and Friday will also take place on Wednesday. Lucky for you, Friday’s garbage and recycling schedule will stay just the same, so no need to fret if you normally put your bins out then.

Library Hours: A Weekend Break

If you were planning on cozying up with a good book from the Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library over the holiday, you might want to adjust your plans. The library will be closed from Thursday through Sunday. That’s a long weekend of no book borrowing, so be sure to stock up on your reads beforehand!

Banking and Postal Services

Bank lovers, heads up! Most banks and post offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. If you need to make a transaction or drop off mail, it’s wise to take care of that before Thursday. Some banks may have altered hours on Friday, so it’s a good idea to check with your branch if you plan to stop by.

Free Parking and Transport Adjustments

What’s better than free parking? The best news is that on Thursday, parking around the Square will be totally free! But before you head out, keep in mind that OUT buses will not operate on Thursday. If you’re relying on public transportation, be sure to plan ahead!

Thanksgiving Dining Options

If cooking isn’t your style this year, don’t worry! Several restaurants in Oxford will be open on Thanksgiving. Make sure to check with individual eateries for their menus and hours before you head out, because reservations might be a good idea!

Join the Fun at the Arlington Turkey Trot

For those looking to kick off Thanksgiving with some exercise, don’t miss out on the Arlington Turkey Trot 5K race! It kicks off at 8 a.m. on Thursday, starting near the Lyon Park Community Center. With around 4,000 participants expected, this event promises to be a fun way to get involved in the community. Just a heads-up: Lyon Park and Ashton Heights streets will have some closures from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., so plan your route accordingly and drive carefully around the area.

Shopping Around Town

After all that turkey and football, who doesn’t want to shop? Big Lots is opening their doors from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving with one-day toy sales, while Kroger and its subsidiaries plan to stay open until 3 p.m. Target and Walmart have decided to close for the day, so adjust your shopping list to fit their schedules. And hey, Whole Foods Market will be open too, just check your local store for modified hours!

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

With all these adjustments for Thanksgiving in Oxford, it’s time to plan your holiday wisely. Whether you’re staying home, hitting up the Turkey Trot, or dining out with friends, don’t forget to be grateful and stay safe. Happy Thanksgiving, Oxford!