Before 1941, Thanksgiving in the United States had a variable history. A day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed by various U.S. presidents in months that included March, April, May, September and December.

The fourth Thursday of November, however, was finally fixed as a “legal public holiday” by a bill passed on Oct. 6, 1941, by the U.S. House of Representatives. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the bill in December 1941, and it took effect as a federal holiday in November 1942.

Government offices — Los Angeles city and county, national and state — superior courts, libraries and schools are closed on Nov. 27, 2025, for the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

In addition, city, county and state offices, superior courts and libraries are also closed on Nov. 28.

Los Angeles Unified School District campuses are closed on both days: achieve.lausd.net/calendar. Instructional school calendar 2025-2026: tinyurl.com/2s4k5r7v. For other Los Angeles County school districts, check your local district’s instructional 2025-2026 calendar for holidays.

Here is a sampling of other services that are closed or have an altered schedule on Thursday and Friday:

Banks: Closed on Nov. 27. Also, New York Stock Exchange markets are closed on Thursday and close early on Nov. 28 (nyse.com/markets/hours-calendars).

Courts: Closed both days. Superior Court 2025 holidays, https://www.lacourt.ca.gov/holiday/ui/index.aspx

Libraries: Los Angeles Public Library locations are closed both days, www.lapl.org/holiday-closures

Los Angeles County Library locations are closed both days, lacountylibrary.org/

Mail: The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver regular mail and post offices are closed on Nov. 27. www.usps.com. Holidays 2025-2026: about.usps.com/newsroom/events/

Transit: Buses and subway services in Los Angeles run on a Saturday/Sunday/Holiday schedule on Nov. 27. Check this page for rail and bus schedules: www.metro.net/riding/schedules-2/. Metro’s home page: www.metro.net

Metrolink trains run on a weekend schedule on Nov. 27-28 with service on the Antelope Valley, Orange County, 91/Perris Valley, San Bernardino, Inland Empire-Orange County, and Ventura County lines. Also, Metrolink’s $10 Holiday Pass is available for Nov. 27-28. Details: https://metrolinktrains.com/ticketsOverview/discounts/current-promotions/holidaytickets/

Trash: Pickup schedule for Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment is postponed by one day for customers whose trash is normally picked up on Thursday (Nov. 27 trash is picked up on Nov. 28), and customers whose trash is normally picked up on Friday (Nov. 28 trash is picked up on Nov. 29). Also, on the website under the section “What We Do,” click on Collection, and then click on Holiday Trash Collection: tinyurl.com/mrm67jhp. 800-773-2489. In addition, see the LA Sanitation and Environment 2025 Service Calendar: tinyurl.com/3ktz6rtb. For other cities in Los Angeles County, consult your local company.