What Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025?
Plan your holiday errands with confidence using up-to-date open hours for every essential.

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Thanksgiving is a special time for gathering with family and friends, enjoying festive feasts, and giving thanks. However, whether you forgot a key ingredient or simply want to take advantage of early holiday deals, knowing which stores remain open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 can be a lifesaver. This extensive guide lists major grocery, retail, convenience, and specialty stores with their expected Thanksgiving hours, services, and top shopping tips, helping you plan your holiday with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving
- Pharmacies and Convenience Stores
- Major Retailers & Specialty Shops
- Holiday Shopping Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025
While many stores close their doors so employees can celebrate with loved ones, several major grocery chains maintain at least partial hours for those last-minute shopping runs. Note that locations, especially in certain regions, may alter hours or close entirely, so always check with your local branch before heading out.
- Acme Markets: Typically maintain holiday hours, offering customers a chance to pick up last-minute groceries.
- Albertsons: Many Albertsons locations open on Thanksgiving Day, usually with limited hours in the morning and early afternoon. Banner stores such as Safeway and Tom Thumb follow the same schedule, often open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m..
- Food Lion: Traditionally operates with reduced hours on Thanksgiving for convenient grocery stops.
- Giant Food Stores: Offer customers a window for late-morning or midday shopping.
- H-E-B: Stores may open early, operating from 6 a.m. to noon; pharmacy counters generally remain closed.
- Kroger: Most locations are open for limited hours, often until mid-afternoon for essentials.
- Ralphs: As part of the Kroger family, expect partial opening hours similar to Kroger.
- Wegmans: Open for Thanksgiving with shortened holiday hours—ideal for fresh produce and prepared foods.
- Whole Foods Market: Locations usually remain open, often closing earlier than usual so teams can enjoy the holiday.
- Fiesta Mart: Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; exceptional for last-minute ingredient runs.
Closed on Thanksgiving: Many grocery retailers such as Aldi, Costco, Market Street, Sam’s Club, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens (some locations), and Walmart generally close for the holiday, so plan accordingly.
Table: Major Grocery Store Hours on Thanksgiving 2025
Store | Expected Thanksgiving Hours |
---|---|
Albertsons/Safeway/Tom Thumb | 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Central Market | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Fiesta Mart | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
H-E-B | 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Kroger | Varies (Check local store) |
Whole Foods | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Pharmacies and Convenience Stores Open on Thanksgiving
If you need over-the-counter medicine, first aid supplies, or just a quick snack, several pharmacy and convenience store chains operate on Thanksgiving Day—with some even keeping 24/7 hours. Always confirm hours at your nearest location.
- 7-Eleven: Most stores are open 24/7, making them reliable for essentials, snacks, beverages, and general convenience items.
- CVS: Most locations remain open for Thanksgiving, though some stores may operate on modified hours; pharmacy counters may have different hours.
- Walgreens: Many stores are open, but hours can vary; select locations may close, so check in advance.
- Rite Aid: Generally open with adjusted hours for the holiday.
- Wawa: This popular Northeast convenience store/gas station chain is usually open for both food and fuel needs.
- Circle K: Many stores open, especially those attached to gas stations; offerings may be limited.
Major Retailers & Specialty Shops Open on Thanksgiving
While many national retail giants now choose to close for Thanksgiving as a nod to employee well-being, several specialty stores, discount chains, and big box retailers still offer holiday hours and early deals on gifts or essentials.
- Bass Pro Shops: Known for sporting, fishing, and camping equipment, many stores open for Thanksgiving and offer early holiday discounts.
- Big Lots: This value-focused retailer may open specific locations, allowing for last-minute gift shopping or home essentials.
- Cabela’s: Much like Bass Pro Shops, opens on Thanksgiving with discounts on outdoor gear, apparel, and seasonal items.
- Dollar General: Widely accessible, most locations open for Thanksgiving Day—stocking pantry essentials, snacks, and household items.
- Family Dollar: Select locations remain open for Thanksgiving, but hours may be reduced.
- GameStop: Some stores open on Thanksgiving, offering special deals on gaming consoles, titles, and accessories—an early opportunity for Black Friday shoppers.
- Rite Aid: As previously mentioned in pharmacies, also offers basic household items and some holiday supplies.
- Starbucks: Many locations serving coffee, bakery goods, and festive treats for early holiday risers.
- Dunkin’ Donuts: East Coast staple, generally open for coffee and breakfast on Thanksgiving morning.
- Old Navy: Some locations open, offering deep holiday discounts on clothing.
- Sears: Select locations may remain open, featuring discounts on appliances, tools, and home essentials.
- Dollar Tree: Stores may open with special hours for holiday needs.
- Bass Pro Shops: Outdoor enthusiasts will find stores open, offering sales on gear and apparel.
As always, retail hours and open locations may differ by region and are subject to change. It is highly recommended to use the company’s online store locator or to call ahead to your local store to confirm specific hours for Thanksgiving Day.
Table: Retailers and Specialty Shops Open on Thanksgiving (Select Locations)
Retailer | Likely Services | Estimated Hours |
---|---|---|
Bass Pro Shops | Outdoor gear, apparel, gifts | Early AM – PM (Varies) |
Big Lots | Discount goods, gifts, home | Morning – Evening |
Cabela’s | Sporting, outdoor gear | Early AM – PM |
CVS | Pharmacy, snacks, essentials | Varies by location |
Dollar General | Groceries, seasonal, gifts | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (typical) |
GameStop | Games, consoles, accessories | Limited hours (selected stores) |
Starbucks/Dunkin’ | Coffee, breakfast, bakery | Varies by location |
Thanksgiving Day Shopping Tips
- Verify Local Store Hours: Schedules can vary widely by town and region. Always check online or call ahead to ensure your store is open and to confirm exact hours.
- Shop Early: Many stores open early but close well before evening; avoid disappointment by going earlier in the day.
- Check for Holiday Deals: Some retailers begin Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving or offer one-day discounts on select merchandise.
- Prioritize Essentials: Grocery stores in particular tend to limit staff and may sell out of staple items quickly. Make a list of must-haves and shop with focus.
- Plan for Small Crowds: While stores may be less crowded than Black Friday, expect a steady stream of last-minute shoppers.
- Pharmacy Counters: In grocery or big box locations, pharmacy services may have more restricted hours or close for the day—even if the general store is open.
- Remember Curbside & Delivery: Some grocery stores offer limited curbside pickup or delivery services on Thanksgiving morning. Check your provider’s app or website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are most grocery stores open on Thanksgiving?
No, many grocery stores close to give staff the holiday off. However, select chains such as Albertsons, Safeway, Kroger, and Whole Foods often open for limited hours during the morning and afternoon. Always check your local store’s hours before you go.
Q: Can I get medication or pharmacy services on Thanksgiving?
Yes, many major pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens keep locations open, though pharmacy counters themselves may have restricted hours or close earlier than retail operations. For urgent needs, many 24/7 convenience stores such as 7-Eleven are available.
Q: Are discount retailers and dollar stores open?
Yes, many discount retailers like Dollar General, Family Dollar, and some Big Lots locations are open on Thanksgiving, though hours may vary and not all locations may participate.
Q: Will Black Friday deals be available on Thanksgiving?
Some stores launch Black Friday previews or special Thanksgiving Day sales, especially on electronics, home goods, and holiday gifts. Retailers such as GameStop and select department stores may offer special deals in-store on Thanksgiving.
Q: Which national chains are closed on Thanksgiving in 2025?
Major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, ALDI, Trader Joe’s, and Best Buy typically close for the holiday. Most specialty retailers, home improvement stores, and shopping malls are also shuttered for the day. Always check previous years’ policies for consistency, but verify details each year.
Summary Table: At-a-Glance — Stores Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025
Store Category | Examples of Chains | Open/Closed | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Grocery | Albertsons, Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods | Open (limited hours) | Check local hours |
Pharmacy | CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid | Open (some locations) | Pharmacy counter hours may vary |
Convenience | 7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K | Open | Most 24/7 |
Discount/Dollar | Dollar General, Big Lots, Family Dollar | Open (limited hours) | Varies by location |
Specialty Retail | Bass Pro Shops, GameStop, Cabela’s | Open (select stores) | Early holiday deals |
Department Stores | Walmart, Target, Best Buy | Closed | Closed for the holiday |
Final Reminder
Thanksgiving Day store hours can change year by year, and even hour by hour in the lead-up to the holiday. Your best resource is the store’s official website or customer service line. By planning ahead, you can ensure your Thanksgiving runs smoothly—whether you need an emergency grocery run, a quick snack, or a head start on holiday shopping deals. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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