Campus updates for Thanksgiving Break 2026
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2026) — Thanksgiving Break is approaching, and although many University of Kentucky students will head home for the holiday, others will remain in Lexington.
Thanksgiving Break is Nov. 25-29, with university offices closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27.
For students, faculty and staff planning to stay on or return to campus during the break, here is an overview of available services and adjusted hours:
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Dining: UK Hospitality dining locations will close early on Tuesday, Nov. 24. A limited number of campus dining locations will remain open during the break. Students can visit hospitality.uky.edu for locations and hours of operation.
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UK Libraries: Several campus libraries will operate on adjusted schedules. William T. Young Library will close 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and remain closed Nov. 26-27. The library will reopen noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, before resuming its 24-hour schedule at noon Sunday, Nov. 29. Visit the UK Libraries website for additional library hours.
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UK Transportation Services: Parking and campus bus services may operate on adjusted schedules during the break. Students should visit the UK Transportation Services website for the latest information. Be aware that there is a home football game Saturday, Nov. 28. Students who are leaving their vehicles on campus over Thanksgiving break will need to relocate early.
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UK Campus Housing: Residence halls not designated for break housing will close 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and reopen noon Sunday, Nov. 29. Designated break housing locations will remain available to eligible residents. Students who need to remain in university housing during the break must contact their resident director by Friday, Nov. 13. For more information, visit the Break Housing page on the Housing website or email ukhousing@uky.edu.
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UK Campus Recreation: The Johnson Center and Alumni Gym will be open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and closed Thursday, Nov. 26, through Saturday, Nov. 28. They will reopen Sunday, Nov. 29, from 6 p.m.-midnight. For additional information, visit UK Campus Recreation.
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BetterMynd: UK students can continue accessing free, confidential and convenient teletherapy sessions through BetterMynd while away from campus.
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Regional airport shuttles: UK Transportation Services will offer free airport shuttles to Blue Grass Airport, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Shuttles will depart Kroger Field at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, with return trips scheduled for noon and 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29. Students can find more information and register through the UK Transportation Services website.
As students return from Thanksgiving Break, the fall semester will be nearing its end. Students are encouraged to review the university’s academic calendar and plan ahead for final exams, winter break and December Commencement.
Important dates to remember:
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Dec. 9: Last day of classes
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Dec. 10-11: Reading Days
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Dec. 14-17: Final exams
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Dec. 18: December commencement and last day of the fall semester
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Dec. 19: Nonbreak residence halls close at noon
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Dec. 21: Winter Intersession begins
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.