What Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025?

Whether you forgot a vital holiday ingredient, need emergency medicine, or just realized you’re short on batteries, knowing which stores are open on Thanksgiving Day can save your celebration. While some major chains close to give employees time off, others recognize that shoppers have last-minute needs and keep their doors open, often with modified hours. Here’s a detailed, category-based guide to stores open on Thanksgiving Day 2025, including grocery stores, pharmacies, big box retailers, convenience stores, and fast food chains.

Table of Contents

• Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving
• Pharmacies Open on Thanksgiving
• Convenience Stores Open on Thanksgiving
• Retail Stores Open on Thanksgiving
• Restaurants & Fast Food Chains
• Major Stores Closed on Thanksgiving
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving

Most supermarkets and national grocery chains have at least some locations open on Thanksgiving, though most operate with reduced hours. Always call ahead or check online for your store’s specific schedule, as individual franchise hours can vary by location.

• Acme Markets: Open, hours vary by location.
• Albertsons: Open, typically 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. Confirm with your local store.
• The Fresh Market: Open from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Giant Food: Most stores open, generally with reduced hours.
• Kroger: Most locations open; hours will vary.
• Meijer: Open from 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Ralphs: All stores open, closing at 10 p.m.
• Safeway: Select locations with modified hours; call ahead.
• ShopRite: Open, hours vary by location.
• Sprouts Farmers Market: Open 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Stop & Shop: Most open until 3 p.m.
• Vons: Open from 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Wegmans: Open until 4 p.m. (Check local hours.)
• Whole Foods Market: Open, often with shorter hours, such as 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.; check your local store.

Note: Some regional chains and local independent groceries may also be open. Always confirm with your location before heading out on Thanksgiving.

Pharmacies Open on Thanksgiving

Many large pharmacy chains keep select locations open on Thanksgiving for prescription fills and essential over-the-counter needs, but with abbreviated hours. Pharmacies inside grocery stores generally follow the store’s holiday hours.

• CVS: Many locations open, some 24-hour stores will operate as usual; pharmacy counters may have reduced hours.
• Walgreens: Most 24-hour stores open; some locations closed. Non-24-hour locations may operate with limited hours.
• Rite Aid: Most locations open, but hours may be limited; check your nearest store.

Convenience & Dollar Stores Open on Thanksgiving

If you need snacks, drinks, or essential household items, these stores typically stay open—including on holidays. Hours may still vary, especially in less urban areas.

• 7-Eleven: Most locations open 24 hours, offering groceries, snacks, and hot food.
• Circle K: Typically open 24/7, including holidays.
• Dollar General: Most locations open with reduced hours, such as 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Family Dollar: Some open, hours can vary greatly; check locally.
• Wawa: Locations open 24/7, great for both food and fuel.
• Sheetz: Most locations open on Thanksgiving.

Retail & Big Box Stores Open on Thanksgiving

While many big box and department stores have shifted to staying closed on Thanksgiving to give workers time with family, some chains continue to welcome shoppers eager to get a jump on Black Friday deals or holiday gifts. Check for local variations and potential curbside pickup options for extra convenience.

• Bass Pro Shops: Open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Offers outdoor gear, apparel, and holiday sales.
• Cabela’s: Open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Big Lots: Open from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.; hours may vary by location.
• Sears: Select locations open at 6 p.m., often with Black Friday doorbusters starting on Thanksgiving evening.
• GameStop: Some stores may open with special hours; check with local outlets for participation.

Restaurants & Fast Food Chains Open on Thanksgiving

If you’d rather dine out or grab a quick bite without adding to the pile of dishes at home, several national chains offer holiday hours, sometimes with special Thanksgiving menus.

• Dunkin’: Many shops open, hours vary by location—perfect for coffee or a snack.
• Starbucks: Many cafés open, hours depend on location; check the Starbucks locator online.
• McDonald’s: Most locations open; use the store locator to check local hours.
• Waffle House: Open 24/7, including all holidays.
• IHOP: Many locations open, often with regular menu.

Many sit-down restaurants—including chains like Cracker Barrel and Boston Market—offer Thanksgiving meals for dine-in or take-out. Check websites for specific holiday hours and reservation policies.

Major Stores Closed on Thanksgiving Day

Many large retailers and supermarkets observe Thanksgiving by remaining closed all day. Here are some notable brands staying dark for the holiday in 2025:

• Costco
• Target
• Trader Joe’s
• Walmart
• Sam’s Club
• Macy’s
• Best Buy
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Kohl’s
• Aldi
• Publix
• JCPenney
• Marshalls
• TJ Maxx
• Burlington
• Petco
• PetSmart
• Bath & Body Works
• Barnes & Noble
• Bloomingdale’s
• Crate and Barrel
• Forever 21
• HomeGoods
• White House Black Market

You can expect most major malls and shopping centers to be closed as well, with Black Friday kicking off early on Friday morning.

Tips for Thanksgiving Day Shoppers

• Always call ahead or check online hours for your local store—they can vary widely by region, especially on holidays.
• Pharmacy counters may have different hours than the main store; confirm if you need medication refilled.
• Curbside pickup or online ordering may be limited or unavailable on Thanksgiving.
• If dining out, consider reserving a table ahead of time, as seating at open restaurants can be limited.

Quick Reference: Open & Closed Major Chains on Thanksgiving 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are any grocery stores open all day on Thanksgiving?

Some convenience-oriented grocers, like 7-Eleven and Wawa, operate 24/7—even on holidays. Larger chains like Albertsons, Whole Foods, and Kroger maintain shorter hours. Always confirm your specific location before heading out.

Do pharmacies have regular hours on Thanksgiving?

Most major chains (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) keep select stores open, but pharmacy counter hours may be more limited than the retail floor. 24-hour pharmacy locations offer the best chance for late-night needs.

Why are some major stores closed on Thanksgiving?

Over the past few years, many national retailers, supermarkets, and department stores have started closing on Thanksgiving Day to give employees a break and emphasize Black Friday as the primary shopping day for holiday deals.

Are restaurant supply stores or specialty food shops open?

Most specialty markets and restaurant supply stores follow similar holiday hours as regional groceries—some open with reduced hours, but many closed. Always check ahead if your Thanksgiving needs are especially niche.

Where can I get last-minute household items or gifts on Thanksgiving?

Discount retailers like Dollar General, Family Dollar, and convenience stores (7-Eleven, Wawa) fill in the gaps for emergency purchases when larger stores are closed.

Should I expect crowds at open stores?

Lines and wait times are usually shorter on Thanksgiving Day than Black Friday, but expect quick-moving crowds at the few stores that are open—especially before major football games or in the late morning and early afternoon.

Final Tips

• Confirm store hours as they often change year to year, especially around holidays.
• Whenever possible, buy essentials in advance to ensure you aren’t left without a vital ingredient or item!
• If you need a prescription filled, call ahead to verify pharmacy status.

By planning ahead and checking the lists above, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free Thanksgiving—whatever you might need at the last minute!

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Author

Medha DebCommerce Editor

 

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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