Thanksgiving Day falls on Monday, October 13 this year, leading to closures or reduced hours for some businesses. Here’s a guide to what will be open and closed, along with activities to keep your family entertained.
**Retail:** Masonville and White Oaks malls will remain closed on Monday. The majority of major grocery stores will also be closed. It’s advisable to withdraw cash before Monday as all major banks will be closed.
**Alcohol:** LCBO outlets will be closed on the holiday, and most Beer Store locations will follow suit. However, some Wine Rack outlets will be open.
**Transportation:** The London Transit Commission will operate on a holiday schedule. For specific route schedules, visit the Routes & Schedules page on their website. While the downtown ticket office will be closed, the Highbury Avenue location will be open. Real-time tracking of routes is available [here](https://realtime.londontransit.ca/#/app/nextdepartures).
**City and government services:** Garbage collection is suspended on Monday, with regular collection shifting by one day. Refer to the schedule for details. All government offices, including Service Ontario and City Hall services, will be closed on Monday.
**Activities:** Enjoy the autumn foliage from London City Hall’s observation deck. The top floor, overlooking Victoria Park, will be open this Saturday. To secure your spot, [reserve here](https://london.ca/government/calendar/fall-love-forest-city-september-18-2024). Subsequently, it will be open Thursday to Sunday until October 26.
Embark on guided hikes through the city’s trails at Meadowlilly, Kains Woods, or Kilally Meadows, organized by Columbia Sportswear. Various hikes cater to families with young children or adventurous youth. Book your hike [here](https://london.ca/living-london/recreation/columbia-sportswear-free-trail-walking-programs).
Celebrate Halloween at Storybook Gardens with the return of “Pumpkins After Dark,” featuring a ticketed evening spectacle for families, adults, and dog-friendly nights. The event includes a maze and more entertainment options.
