Thanksgiving 2026 in Norfolk: Thursday trash moves to Saturday, Nov. 28, turkey trots nearby, Virginia Zoo resident days Nov. 27-29 and the Garden of Lights.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Facts come from the city’s 2026 holiday collection schedule, Norfolk Parks and Recreation’s course guide, the Virginia Zoo, the race organizers’ RunSignup pages and the Downtown Norfolk Council, each linked below.

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. In Norfolk the week that matters most for errands is trash: Thursday routes move to Saturday, Nov. 28. The holiday season starts the Saturday before with the Grand Illumination Parade downtown at 7 p.m. Nov. 21, and the Virginia Zoo offers discounted resident days on Thanksgiving weekend.

Who to call

  • Trash, bulk pickup, city services: Norfolk Cares, 757-664-6510
  • City recreation events: Norfolk Parks and Recreation, 757-823-4291
  • Virginia Zoo: 757-441-2374
  • Fire or a kitchen emergency: 911

Trash and recycling

From the city’s 2026 holiday schedule:

Day Collection Bulk requests due
Thursday, Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving) Moves to Saturday, Nov. 28 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25
Friday, Nov. 27 No change 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25

Request bulk pickup on the MyNorfolk app, at mynorfolk.org or by calling 757-664-6510. Your regular day is in our trash and recycling guide.

Turkey trots

We found no Thanksgiving race inside Norfolk with 2026 dates. The nearest are in Virginia Beach:

  • Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot 10K and Mile, Thursday, Nov. 26, at the Mt Trashmore YMCA, 4441 South Blvd. A 50-yard toddler trot starts at 8 a.m., the mile at 8:15 a.m. and the 10K at 9 a.m. Strollers are welcome at the back; dogs are not allowed on the course (race page).
  • Little Neck Turkey Trot and Gobble Wobble, 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, a 5K and 1-mile run or walk on the Little Neck Road path from 864 Little Neck Road. It is not timed, and roads do not close (race page).

In Norfolk itself, the Wounded Warrior 5K is Friday, Nov. 13 (race page), and the Tacky Sweater 5K is Saturday, Dec. 5 (see our holiday lights and Christmas events guide).

Community celebrations

Norfolk Parks and Recreation’s Summer to Winter 2026 course guide lists free Thanksgiving events at community centers, including the East Ocean View Thanksgiving Celebration, a 3 on 3 Turkey Shoot youth basketball challenge with a turkey for each age group’s winners, and A Community of Thanks. The guide does not print dates; check NorfolkFun or call 757-823-4291.

Free Thanksgiving meals are usually announced by churches and charities in November. We will add them here when the organizers post them.

Thanksgiving weekend

  • Virginia Zoo Community Days, Friday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Nov. 29 (and other November dates): Hampton Roads residents pay $12.50 for general admission, bought online in advance, with an ID or utility bill showing your address (zoo). The zoo is open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Dominion Energy Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden runs from Nov. 6, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027 (garden).
  • Holiday shopping starts Friday; see our Black Friday and holiday shopping guide.
  • Miracle on Waterside Drive, Waterside District’s holiday pop-up cocktail bar, runs Nov. 21 to Dec. 27 from 5 p.m. (Waterside).

What is open and closed

The city had not posted its 2026 Thanksgiving hours for offices, libraries and recreation centers when we checked. Look for them on the city’s news page the week before the holiday; we will add them here.

What this means for you

  • Put Thursday trash out Saturday morning, Nov. 28, by 7 a.m.
  • Book bulk pickup by 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25.
  • Plan for downtown street closures from about 5 p.m. on parade night, Nov. 21; see Christmas parade and tree lighting.

Related guides: Halloween events, holiday lights and Christmas events and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving in Norfolk?

No. Thursday, Nov. 26, routes are collected Saturday, Nov. 28. Friday routes run as normal on Nov. 27. Call in bulk items by 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Is there a turkey trot in Norfolk?

We found no turkey trot inside Norfolk with 2026 dates. The nearest are in Virginia Beach: the Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot 10K and Mile at the Mt Trashmore YMCA and the Little Neck Turkey Trot, both on Thanksgiving morning.

Is the Virginia Zoo open Thanksgiving weekend?

The zoo lists Community Days on Friday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Nov. 29, with $12.50 general admission for Hampton Roads residents who buy online and show proof of address.

When is the Grand Illumination Parade 2026?

7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, in downtown Norfolk. It is free.