Thanksgiving 2026 in Wesley Chapel: the Wiregrass Turkey Trot starts 8 a.m. Nov. 26, libraries close Nov. 26-27 and schools are out Nov. 23-27.
Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Details come from the Wiregrass Turkey Trot, The Shops at Wiregrass, Pasco County Libraries and the Pasco County Schools calendar.
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. In Wesley Chapel the day starts with the Wiregrass Turkey Trot at The Shops at Wiregrass, with the 5K at 8 a.m. Pasco County libraries close for two days, schools are out all week, and trash pickup depends on your hauler. Wiregrass center office: 813-994-2242.
Updated Oct. 12: the race page now lists the 1-mile fun run at 8:05 a.m. and calls the children’s race the Kids Dash, for ages 12 and under.
Thanksgiving week, 2026
- Nov. 23-27: Pasco County Schools Thanksgiving break
- Nov. 23-26: Turkey Trot packet pickup at The Shops at Wiregrass
- Wednesday, Nov. 25: Pasco County libraries close at 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 26: Wiregrass Turkey Trot, 7:15 a.m. Kids Dash, 8 a.m. 5K
- Nov. 26-27: Pasco County libraries closed
- Friday, Nov. 27: Black Friday; see our holiday shopping page
Wiregrass Turkey Trot: Thursday, Nov. 26
The race is in its 14th year at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28139 Paseo Drive. The Rotary Club of New Tampa founded it and hosts it with AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. The organizers say 100% of net proceeds go to charity and that the race has given $483,450 over 13 years.
| Race | Start |
|---|---|
| Kids Dash (ages 12 and under) | 7:15 a.m. |
| 5K (timed) | 8 a.m. |
| 1-mile fun run and walk (untimed) | 8:05 a.m. |
- Register on the race page. The race page lists $35 for the 5K, $25 for the 1-mile and $20 for the Kids Dash; the 5K fee goes up after 11:59 p.m. Nov. 2. Online registration closes on race morning: 7:20 a.m. for the Kids Dash and 8:10 a.m. for the fun run.
- Shirts are not guaranteed for anyone who registers after Nov. 1.
- Extras: finisher’s medals, turkey trophies, a costume contest with prizes for the top three, selfie stations and music along the route.
- Volunteers are wanted for packet pickup and the course. High school and college service hours can be signed off.
Packet pickup
All at The Shops at Wiregrass:
- Monday, Nov. 23: noon to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 24: 4 to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 25: 4 to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 26: 6 to 7:30 a.m.
You can collect packets for other runners if you have their first and last names on paper or on your phone.
What is open and closed
- Pasco County libraries, including the New River Branch Library, 34043 Wesley Chapel Blvd., close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and are closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27, the library system says. New River reopens at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28.
- Pasco County Schools are closed for Thanksgiving break Nov. 23-27; students return Monday, Nov. 30.
- Pasco County government offices: the county had not posted its 2026 Thanksgiving closing notice when we checked. We will add it when it does.
- The Shops at Wiregrass runs holiday hours from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31; the center has not yet posted its Thanksgiving Day hours. Check with each restaurant before you go.
Trash pickup
Pasco County does not collect household trash in Wesley Chapel. Each home uses a licensed private hauler, and each hauler sets its own holiday schedule. Check your hauler’s website or call before the holiday. The list of haulers and phone numbers is on our trash and recycling page.
Community meals
We did not find a community Thanksgiving dinner in Wesley Chapel with 2026 details posted when we checked. Churches and service clubs often announce theirs in early November. If yours is serving a free meal, send us the details and we will list it here.
After Thanksgiving
- Black Friday and Small Business Saturday: store hours and markets are on our Black Friday and holiday shopping page.
- Symphony in Lights and Santa’s arrival at The Shops at Wiregrass come earlier, on Saturday, Nov. 14; see the parade and tree lighting page.
What this means for you
- Register for the Turkey Trot before Nov. 2 if you want the lower fee and a shirt.
- Pick up your packet early in the week to skip the race-morning line.
- Plan library visits before 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25.
- Ask your hauler now whether your pickup day moves.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Wiregrass Turkey Trot 2026?
Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28139 Paseo Drive. The Kids Dash for ages 12 and under starts at 7:15 a.m., the 5K at 8 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run at 8:05 a.m.
Where do I pick up my Wiregrass Turkey Trot packet?
At The Shops at Wiregrass: noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23; 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, and Wednesday, Nov. 25; and 6 to 7:30 a.m. race morning. You may pick up for others with their first and last names.
Are Pasco County libraries open on Thanksgiving?
No. All Pasco County library branches, including New River in Wesley Chapel, close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and stay closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27.
Does trash pickup change for Thanksgiving in Wesley Chapel?
It depends on your hauler. Pasco County does not collect household trash in Wesley Chapel; each licensed hauler sets its own holiday schedule, so check with yours.
When is Thanksgiving break for Pasco County Schools?
Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27, 2026. Students return Monday, Nov. 30.
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