Thanksgiving in Manassas 2026: turkey trots, trash, closures

Last checked Oct. 31, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: the City of Manassas trash and recycling pages and October 2026 City Connection, NOVA Parks and the National Park Service, the Prince William Turkey Trot, the Hylton Center calendar and the Manassas Museum programs page.

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. In Manassas that means no trash pickup on the holiday, city offices closed Thursday and Friday, and schools out from Wednesday. The morning starts with the Prince William Turkey Trot at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center, 5K at 8:30 a.m. The days around it bring a second turkey trot on the battlefield trails, two Nutcracker productions at the Hylton Performing Arts Center and the Bull Run Festival of Lights, which stays open on Thanksgiving night.

Updated Oct. 31: added the Prince William Turkey Trot; Nutcracker times from the Hylton; Liberia family day runs to 1 p.m.

Who to call

• Trash and recycling: the Trashline, 703-257-8252, or the city’s Waste Wise tool
• Parks, Culture and Recreation: 703-368-1873
• Manassas National Battlefield Park: 703-361-1339
• Police non-emergency: 703-257-8000; emergency, 911

Thanksgiving week at a glance

Trash, city offices and schools

From the city’s Refuse and Recycling page:

• No collection on Thursday, Nov. 26. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday stay on schedule.
• Thursday pickup moves to Friday, Nov. 27, and Friday pickup moves to Saturday, Nov. 28.
• Fall leaf collection is still running by section; check your week on our trash and recycling guide.

The October City Connection lists city offices closed Nov. 26 and 27 and Manassas City Public Schools closed Nov. 25-27 for Thanksgiving break. The City of Manassas Community Center is closed Nov. 23-28: a building reset Nov. 23-25 and Nov. 28, and the holiday on Nov. 26 and 27.

Turkey trots

Prince William Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving morning

The Prince William Turkey Trot starts and finishes at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center, 9100 Freedom Center Blvd., on Thursday, Nov. 26.

• 5K: 8:30 a.m., timed, with a 60-minute course limit.
• 1 mile run and walk: 9:35 a.m., not timed.
• Price: $47.50 for the 5K and $27.50 for the mile through Oct. 31; $50 and $30 through Nov. 25, according to the race.
• Packet pickup: 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the Freedom Center, not at a running store.
• Beneficiary: part of the proceeds go to Hero’s Bridge, which serves older veterans.

The race says the course is closed to spectators. It does not publish parking details; arrive early.

Winery at Bull Run Turkey Trot, the day before

The Winery at Bull Run Turkey Trot is a 5K and 10K that runs on the trails of Manassas National Battlefield Park. The 2026 race is listed by RunWashington for Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 2 p.m., starting at The Winery at Bull Run, 15950 Lee Highway in Centreville, just north of the battlefield. Registration is through the organizer, Bishop’s Events.

Things to do Thanksgiving weekend

• Bull Run Festival of Lights, Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville: 2.5 miles of light displays you drive through, open daily from Nov. 14 and open on Thanksgiving from 5:30 to 10 p.m., according to NOVA Parks. Advance tickets run $30 to $45 a vehicle depending on the date.
• The Nutcracker at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle: Virginia National Ballet at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27 (its run continues to Dec. 4), and Northern Virginia Ballet at 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. The ARTfactory’s Frozen has shows at the Hylton Nov. 27-29. More on our Nutcracker and holiday shows page.
• Holiday Family Day at Liberia, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Liberia House, 8601 Portner Ave. Free; register on RecDesk.
• Manassas National Battlefield Park: grounds open dawn to dusk; the Henry Hill Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving, according to the Park Service.

Community meals

In 2025, Light of Life Church, city Social Services and community partners held a Friendsgiving meal on Nov. 24 at Metz Middle School for city residents receiving SNAP benefits, with donated clothing, toiletries and socks, according to the city’s November 2025 City Connection. A 2026 date had not been announced when we checked. We will add community meals here as organizers announce them.

Restaurants

Battle Street Bistro, 9402 Battle St., says on its website that it is closed on Thanksgiving. Call ahead before planning a holiday meal out; most restaurants post Thanksgiving hours only in November.

After Thanksgiving

• Store hours and Small Business Saturday: our Black Friday and holiday shopping page.
• Santa Lights Manassas on Dec. 4 and the Christmas parade on Dec. 5: our Christmas parade and tree lighting page.
• Light displays and Santa visits: our holiday lights and Christmas events page.

Related: things to do this month and farmers markets.

Frequently asked questions

Is there trash pickup in Manassas on Thanksgiving 2026?

No. The city collects no trash on Thursday, Nov. 26. Monday to Wednesday routes run as usual; Thursday pickup moves to Friday and Friday pickup moves to Saturday.

Are Manassas city offices open the day after Thanksgiving?

No. City offices are closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27, 2026. Manassas City Public Schools are closed Nov. 25-27.

Is there a turkey trot in Manassas?

Yes. The Prince William Turkey Trot starts at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center, 9100 Freedom Center Blvd., on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026: the 5K at 8:30 a.m. and an untimed 1-mile run and walk at 9:35 a.m. The Winery at Bull Run Turkey Trot, a 5K and 10K on battlefield trails, is the afternoon before, Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 2 p.m. in Centreville.

Is Manassas National Battlefield Park open on Thanksgiving?

The grounds are open dawn to dusk, but the Henry Hill Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day.