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What Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving 2025? Complete Guide

Cast Iron Keto
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Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, feasting, and gratitude, but sometimes the holiday calls for a quick shopping trip. This year thanksgiving 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27. Whether you need last-minute ingredients, essentials, or a prepared meal, this guide provides an in-depth look at thanksgiving 2025 store hours and availability. 

So, if you are wondering what stores are open on Thanksgiving, this blog is catered to answer all your questions. Plan your day better by knowing which stores are open and which are closed.

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Quick Overview: Stores Open and Closed on Thanksgiving 2025

Which Stores Are Open?

Some stores cater to holiday shoppers with reduced hours:

  • Grocery stores: Kroger, Whole Foods, Safeway/Albertsons, H-E-B, Wegmans, Sprouts
  • Pharmacies: CVS (limited hours), 24-hour Walgreens (select locations)
  • Discount stores: Dollar General, Family Dollar, Big Lots
  • Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, QT, Sheetz
  • Restaurants: Denny’s, Cracker Barrel, Waffle House, McDonald’s (varies), Applebee’s (select), IHOP, Ruby Tuesday

Amidst the busy schedule of Thanksgiving, you might want to recharge by taking a quick Starbucks break. Here is a detailed guide: Is Starbucks open on Thanksgiving? 

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Which Stores Are Closed?

  • Big-box retail: Walmart, Target, Costco, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s
  • Department stores & malls: Macy’s, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Nordstrom
  • Pharmacies: Rite Aid, non-24hr Walgreens/CVS locations
  • Wholesale clubs: Sam’s Club, BJ’s, ALDI, Trader Joe’s, Publix
  • Most liquor stores in restricted states

Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving 2025

Kroger

  • Status: Open
  • Hours: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Kroger will cater to Thanksgiving shoppers early in the day. Check local stores for specific hours.

Whole Foods

  • Status: Open
  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Known for organic and specialty items, most Whole Foods locations will close by early afternoon.

Safeway

  • Status: Open
  • Hours: 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • A great option for fresh produce, bakery goods, and holiday staples.

H-E-B

  • Status: Open
  • Hours: 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. curbside until 11 a.m.
  • H-E-B locations will open briefly for essential Thanksgiving needs.

Wegmans

  • Status: Open, Open in most states, closed in MA/RI (due to blue laws)

Sprouts

  • Status: Open, (morning hours only, many close ~2 p.m.)

Food Lion

  • Status: Open, (typical hours: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Regional Variations

  • Urban Locations: Often have extended hours.
  • Rural Locations: May open later or close earlier.

Tip: All in-store pharmacies are closed. Always confirm hours with your local store.

Discount and Dollar Stores Open on Thanksgiving 2025

  • Dollar General – Open (usually 7 or 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
  • Family Dollar – Open (same hours as DG in most areas)
  • Big Lots – Open (around 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.), with one-day Thanksgiving deals

Retail and Department Stores

Target

  • Status: Closed.
  • Target focuses on offering deals online, including Thanksgiving and early Black Friday discounts.

Walmart

  • Status: Closed.
  • While stores remain shut, Walmart’s online store features deep discounts on home goods, electronics, and more.
  • Here is a full guide covering status of Walmart and alternatives: Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving?

Macy’s

  • Status: Closed.
  • Expect Macy’s to showcase Black Friday previews online, so plan your purchases early.

Kohl’s

  • Status: Closed.
  • Kohl’s will keep doors shut on Thanksgiving, continuing its recent trend. Online-only holiday deals will roll out all day, with Kohl’s Cash and discounts available via app and website.

JCPenney

  • Status: Closed.
  • No in-store shopping at JCPenney on Thanksgiving. Black Friday deals will be available online starting early Thursday morning. Look for special online-only price drops.

Nordstrom

  • Status: Closed.
  • Nordstrom stores won’t open on Thanksgiving. Holiday sales will shift fully online, especially in fashion, beauty, and designer accessories.

Dillard’s

  • Status: Closed.
  • Dillard’s remains closed on Thanksgiving Day. There may be online promotions, but the bulk of their deals will likely hit Friday. Check their site if you’re gift shopping for clothing or home goods.

Costco

  • Status: Closed.
  • No shopping at Costco warehouses on Thanksgiving. Stock up the day before. Online promotions may run during the holiday, especially for electronics and appliances.

Best Buy

  • Status: Closed.
  • Best Buy stores will not open, but online shoppers can still access big tech discounts. Expect Thanksgiving Day flash sales and early Black Friday pricing on laptops, TVs, and smart home gear.

Sam’s Club

  • Status: Closed.
  • Sam’s Club locations will stay closed for Thanksgiving. Warehouse deals resume Friday, but online-only Thanksgiving sales may go live Thursday morning.

ALDI

  • Status: Closed.
  • All ALDI stores will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Shop early in the week if you need groceries. ALDI does not offer same-day online shopping, so plan ahead.

Trader Joe’s

  • Status: Closed.
  • Trader Joe’s shuts down completely for Thanksgiving. They don’t offer online ordering either, so grab what you need in advance.

Pharmacies and Drugstores

CVS

  • Hours: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • CVS is open for last-minute prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies.

Walgreens

  • Hours: 24-hour locations open; others may close early.
  • Walgreens is a dependable choice for holiday medical and personal care needs.

Convenience Stores and Gas Stations

7-Eleven

  • Hours: Open 24/7.
  • With its round-the-clock availability, 7-Eleven is ideal for grabbing snacks, beverages, or travel essentials.

Circle K

  • Hours: Regular hours.
  • Whether it’s a quick refuel or an emergency purchase, Circle K stores operate normally on Thanksgiving.

Wawa / Sheetz / Casey’s / QT / Speedway

  • Open

Truck Stops (Pilot, Love’s, Flying J)

  • Open (full services)

Gas Pumps

  • Pay-at-pump always available, even if store is closed

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025

Denny’s

  • Hours: Open 24/7.
  • Enjoy Denny’s regular menu along with the holiday specials on this Thanksgiving.

Cracker Barrel

  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Known for hearty, home-cooked meals, Cracker Barrel offers dine-in and takeaway Thanksgiving feasts. Reservations are recommended.

Waffle House

  • Hours: Varies by location. Open 24/7
  • Waffle House never closes, including Thanksgiving. It’s a reliable option for breakfast, coffee, or a casual meal at any hour, especially for travelers.

IHOP

  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Many IHOP locations will remain open on Thanksgiving, especially 24-hour restaurants. Expect normal breakfast fare plus possible holiday specials. Hours may vary in smaller markets.

Applebee’s

  • Hours: Select locations open.
  • A number of Applebee’s restaurants will open for Thanksgiving, often with reduced hours. Menus vary by location, and some offer holiday specials. Call ahead to check availability.

Ruby Tuesday

  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Many Ruby Tuesday locations will open for dine-in service on Thanksgiving. Hours typically run from late morning through evening. Holiday menus may be offered.

Fogo de Chão (and other Brazilian steakhouses)

  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Select Brazilian steakhouses will open for Thanksgiving, offering their full churrasco experience plus seasonal sides. Reservations are strongly advised.

Asian and Indian Restaurants

  • Hours: Varies by location.
  • Many Chinese, Thai, and Indian restaurants open on Thanksgiving, especially in larger cities. Most operate regular dinner hours and offer dine-in and takeout options.

McDonald’s

Regional Dining Options

Many local diners and eateries open on Thanksgiving; check their websites for hours and specials.

Online Shopping on Thanksgiving 2025

If retail stores are closed, their websites are open! Here are the top options:

Amazon

Thanksgiving deals cover electronics, fashion, and more.

Walmart

Expect early Black Friday promotions online.

Best Buy

Discounts on tech and appliances.

Department stores (Macy’s, Kohl’s)

Online-only sales

Note:

  • Use cart pre-loading and apps for alerts
  • Online grocery & delivery (Instacart, Shipt) may operate with limited availability depending on area

Regional Variations: Store Hours by Location

Urban vs. Rural Hours

Urban stores often have extended hours, while rural locations may close earlier.

State Regulations

Some states, like Massachusetts, impose stricter holiday operation rules, limiting store openings.

Liquor Store Hours on Thanksgiving 2025

Note: While we focus on keto living and do not recommend alcohol as part of a healthy ketogenic lifestyle, we understand some readers may want to know store hours for planning purposes. If you do choose to drink, stick to low-carb options and stay mindful of how alcohol can affect ketosis.

  • Closed by law in: Texas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Alabama
  • May be open: California, Florida, Arizona, Nevada (owner discretion)
  • Plan ahead: safest to buy alcohol by Wednesday
  • Convenience stores may still sell beer/wine (if legal in your area)

Holiday Travel: Stores at Airports, Hotels & Rest Stops

  • Airport shops and food outlets – Open (reduced hours)
  • Hotel restaurants – Many offer Thanksgiving meals or buffets
  • Tourist hubs (Vegas, Orlando, NYC) – More restaurants and shops remain open
  • Truck stops – Full-service with food, gas, snacks, showers

Tips for Efficient Thanksgiving Shopping

  • Check Local Hours: Use store apps or websites to confirm hours.
  • Plan Ahead: Make a list of items to save time.
  • Pre-load online carts for quicker checkout
  • Have a backup store in case your first choice is closed
  • Fill up gas Wednesday
  • Shop Early: Avoid crowds by visiting in the morning.
  • Use Pickup Services: Opt for curbside pickup or delivery to avoid crowds.
  • Be patient – short staff is common; say thanks to workers

What’s Different in 2025?

  • More retailers are staying closed all day
  • Discount stores and online shopping continue to fill the gap
  • More grocery chains push curbside or delivery
  • Restaurants still cater to dine-in and takeout but require early planning

Conclusion

This guide gives you everything you need to stay prepared for Thanksgiving 2025, from grocery runs to pharmacy hours to dining out or shopping online. Whether you're grabbing a last-minute ingredient, picking up dinner, or just trying to avoid surprises, knowing what’s open (and what’s not) can save time and stress.

Bookmark this page to quickly check store hours, restaurant availability, and planning tips as the holiday approaches.

Frequently asked questions

Liquor store availability depends on state laws. For example, stores in Texas are typically closed, while others may have limited hours.

Yes, major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy offer discounted online sales.

Most grocery stores open by 6 a.m. (Kroger, H-E-B, Safeway). 24-hour stores like 7-Eleven are always open.

Major brand stations and travel plazas are open; smaller rural ones may close inside stores but pumps work.

CVS: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Walgreens: only 24-hour stores open, Rite Aid: closed

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