McDonald’s Thanksgiving Hours 2024: What To Expect This Holiday
Familiar fast-food favorites are ready to fuel your festivities when home cooking pauses.
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McDonald’s Thanksgiving Hours 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Thanksgiving in the United States is a time filled with family, gratitude, and a hearty feast. But not everyone wants to—or can—commit to cooking an all-day turkey dinner. Whether you’re traveling, craving a Big Mac instead of stuffing, or simply need a breakfast stop before joining relatives, you might be wondering: Is McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving Day 2024? Here’s a comprehensive guide covering McDonald’s Thanksgiving hours, what you can expect at your local restaurant, tips for dining during the holiday, and answers to the most pressing questions about your holiday fast food fix.
Is McDonald’s Open on Thanksgiving Day 2024?
Yes, most McDonald’s locations are open on Thanksgiving Day. However, there is no single nationwide schedule since McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. are independently owned and operated. This means that actual opening and closing times may vary depending on the decisions of individual franchise owners.
- Some franchises will operate with standard hours, while others may have reduced hours or may even close for the holiday.
- To be certain, always check with your local McDonald’s location before heading out.
- Online tools like the McDonald’s website, app, or store locator are reliable resources for up-to-date holiday hours.
Even though McDonald’s is not a traditional Thanksgiving meal stop, it’s increasingly popular among people seeking a comforting, affordable alternative or a quick bite before the big family gathering.
Why Are Some Restaurants Open and Others Closed?
McDonald’s operates under a franchise model. While some U.S. fast-food brands issue uniform holiday hours, McDonald’s leaves holiday schedules up to individual franchisees. This flexibility allows each restaurant to respond to community needs, staff availability, and owner preference.
A few factors that impact Thanksgiving Day hours at McDonald’s:
- Regional demand: Locations in travel hubs or urban centers may be busier and remain open longer.
- Labor availability: Staffing constraints may cause some locations to reduce hours or close entirely.
- Local culture: Some communities observe Thanksgiving more strictly, so closures are more likely.
This variability means it’s never safe to assume your usual McDonald’s routine will be possible—checking ahead is essential.
How to Find Your Local McDonald’s Thanksgiving Hours
Here’s how to check your closest McDonald’s for holiday hours:
- Visit the McDonald’s website or mobile app and enter your location to see hours for the holiday.
- Use Google Maps or another map service—many businesses update holiday hours in their listings.
- Call the restaurant directly. This is the most reliable way to confirm up-to-date information.
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day: Pros and Cons
| Advantages | Considerations |
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Thanksgiving at McDonald’s: Who Eats There (and Why)?
McDonald’s is traditionally viewed as a fast-food fix for any day of the week, but there are many reasons why it sees a Thanksgiving Day crowd:
- Travelers: Airports, highway rest stops, and city-center locations see increased traffic from people on the move.
- Workers: Those who keep society running during the holiday—public safety, healthcare, retail—often rely on McDonald’s for meals during off-hours.
- Budget-conscious diners: With rising costs for traditional holiday groceries, it’s often cheaper and simpler to pick up fast food.
- Last-minute eaters: Not everyone plans Thanksgiving dinner well ahead; some make McDonald’s their backup plan when time or resources run short.
- Families with children: Kids may prefer Happy Meals to turkey and stuffing, so McDonald’s can calm hungry little ones on a busy day.
Whatever the reason, the golden arches remain a lifeline for diverse diners—whether it’s for a pre-feast breakfast, a snack between visits, or even a full meal on the holiday itself.
Popular McDonald’s Menu Picks for Thanksgiving Day
While you won’t find turkey and gravy on the McDonald’s menu, there are still plenty of satisfying options to enjoy. Here are some classic favorites and tips for ordering on Thanksgiving:
- Big Mac: The all-time favorite for those craving a hearty sandwich.
- McChicken and McNuggets: Easy crowd-pleasers, especially for children.
- Egg McMuffin or Breakfast Platter: Fuel up for a busy day or grab breakfast while traveling to a family gathering.
- Fries: Can you really skip them?
- Apple Pie: Not quite pumpkin, but a sweet way to finish.
- McCafe coffee drinks: Essential for traveling or early mornings.
- Order ahead—use the McDonald’s app for mobile ordering and potentially quicker pickup.
Other Fast Food and Retailers Open On Thanksgiving
If your local McDonald’s is closed or you’re looking for other options, several major chains are typically open for at least part of Thanksgiving Day. Here’s a quick look:
| Restaurant | Thanksgiving 2024 Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Mostly open | Varied hours by location; call ahead. |
| Starbucks | Many open | Check ahead; some locations operate reduced hours. |
| Olive Garden | Some open | Check local listings. |
| CVS, Walgreens (pharmacy locations) | Selective | Some 24-hour stores remain open; many close. |
| Walmart, Target, Costco, Best Buy | Closed | Major retailers typically close on Thanksgiving. |
| Dollar General, Family Dollar | Open (reduced hours) | Check the store locator for specifics. |
Because both restaurant and retailer hours are highly location-dependent on Thanksgiving, double-checking online or by phone is your best bet to avoid disappointment.
Tips for Visiting McDonald’s on Thanksgiving Day
- Order ahead: Use the McDonald’s app or website for mobile orders to minimize time spent waiting in line or at the drive-thru.
- Confirm hours: Double-check local store hours via the official McDonald’s locator or by calling directly.
- Expect possible delays: Staff may be reduced and food volume higher than average during the holiday, so patience helps.
- Consider drive-thru/pickup: Many restaurants may close dining rooms and only offer drive-thru or curbside service.
Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Hours
Is every McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving?
No. While many are open, not every location operates on Thanksgiving, and hours may differ even between restaurants in the same city. Always check before heading out.
How can I find out if my McDonald’s is open?
Use the McDonald’s mobile app, the official website store locator, Google Maps, or call the restaurant directly for the most reliable, up-to-date information.
Will the menu be the same as usual on Thanksgiving?
Most locations offer their standard menu, but some items might be unavailable due to limited staff or supply issues. Breakfast service times and menu offerings may also be adjusted.
Are McDonald’s drive-thru and delivery available on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, at most open locations, drive-thru and delivery via third-party services (like DoorDash and Uber Eats) are available. However, confirm with your local store as options may differ based on the holiday schedule.
Why do some people choose McDonald’s for Thanksgiving?
- It’s an affordable, accessible meal option—especially for those without time or resources to prepare a full Thanksgiving feast.
- Convenient for travelers, workers, and families with kids who want food fast.
- McDonald’s remains open when many other dining options are closed.
Are any McDonald’s locations closed on Thanksgiving?
Yes, some franchises opt to close on Thanksgiving Day for employee family time or due to insufficient demand in their area. This is not common at major travel hubs but does happen in smaller or more family-oriented communities.
Does McDonald’s have any Thanksgiving menu specials?
Generally, McDonald’s does not offer Thanksgiving-specific menu specials. Standard menu items are available, though regional promotions or app discounts may be offered during the holiday season.
Final Thoughts: Making McDonald’s Part of Your Thanksgiving
Whether you’re grabbing a McMuffin on the way to grandma’s house, saving money with a quick lunch, or just want a break from holiday cooking, McDonald’s is a reliable option for many Americans on Thanksgiving Day 2024. With most locations open but hours varying by franchise, advanced planning is key for a stress-free fast food holiday stop. The best advice? Check local store hours in advance—and don’t be surprised if you’re not the only one making McNuggets a new Thanksgiving tradition!
References
- https://www.thetakeout.com/1694064/mcdonalds-thanksgiving-hours/
- https://parade.com/food/mcdonalds-thanksgiving-hours-2024
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/open-closed-thanksgiving-2024/
- https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/is-mcdonalds-open-on-thanksgiving
- https://www.thedailymeal.com/1693552/is-mcdonalds-open-closed-thanksgiving/
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