The Definitive List Of 25+ Stores, Restaurants, And Services OPEN On Thanksgiving Day 2025

Thanksgiving Day 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27, and while it remains a cherished holiday focused on family and feasting, the question of "What's actually open?" is more complicated than ever. The major trend over the last few years has been for massive retailers to remain closed, giving their employees the day off, but a wide range of essential services, grocery stores, and restaurants are still ready to serve your last-minute needs or provide a holiday meal. This comprehensive guide will ensure you know exactly where to go for emergency ingredients, forgotten prescriptions, or a much-needed movie break.

Before leaving your home on November 27, 2025, it is absolutely essential to call ahead and confirm the specific operating hours for your local branch. While many chains are open, nearly all locations will operate on a significantly reduced or adjusted holiday schedule.

Last-Minute Shopping: Grocery Stores and Essential Retailers Open on Thanksgiving

A sudden realization that you forgot the cranberry sauce or need one more bag of ice can be a holiday disaster, but thankfully, many major grocery chains and essential retailers remain open on Thanksgiving Day 2025. These stores typically operate with reduced hours, often closing in the early evening to allow staff to celebrate.

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Grocery Stores with Confirmed Open Status (Reduced Hours Expected):

• Albertsons: Most locations are expected to be open, often from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but hours can vary significantly.
• Kroger (and Family Stores): Many Kroger-family stores, including Ralphs and Fred Meyer, will be open, though hours are location-dependent.
• Whole Foods Market: A reliable option for gourmet or last-minute organic needs, Whole Foods will be open with limited hours.
• Safeway: Expect Safeway and its affiliate ACME Markets to be open for a portion of the day.
• Meijer: Meijer locations are often open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
• Trader Joe's: Many locations will be open, but typically close early, so plan your trip well before dinner time.
• Sprouts Farmers Market: Known for their unique goods, Sprouts will be open with limited holiday hours.
• Food Lion: Generally open, but with reduced hours for the holiday.
• Harris Teeter: Most stores will be open, sometimes from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., but checking your local branch is crucial.
• H.E.B.: Stores will be operating on a holiday schedule.

Retailers Open for Quick Needs:

• Big Lots: Often one of the few major retailers open, with hours generally from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Bass Pro Shops: These stores typically open with reduced hours, often from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., catering to the outdoor enthusiast.

Major Retailers Closed on Thanksgiving 2025:

The vast majority of major big-box stores and department stores will remain closed on November 27, 2025, continuing the trend of prioritizing employee time off over holiday sales. This includes:

• Target
• Walmart (main retail stores, though Neighborhood Markets may be open)
• Best Buy
• Costco
• Home Depot
• Lowe's
• BJ's Wholesale Club (including their gas stations)

Dining Out and Emergency Services: Restaurants and Pharmacies

Whether you've decided to skip the cooking entirely or you have an unexpected medical need, knowing which restaurants and pharmacies are available is essential for a stress-free holiday. The availability of these services provides a crucial safety net for travelers and those with emergency needs.

Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner:

Many national chains and local establishments offer special Thanksgiving menus, buffets, or their standard fare. This is an excellent option for those looking for a stress-free meal or for travelers on the road.

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• Denny's: Confirmed to be open nationwide, often serving holiday-themed meals alongside their regular menu.
• Bob Evans: A popular choice for a traditional holiday meal, typically open with special hours.
• Applebee's: Many locations will be open, though this is highly dependent on the franchisee.
• Boston Market: Known for offering pre-made holiday meals, their locations are often open for dine-in or pickup.
• Fast Food Options: Numerous fast-food chains are open, including Burger King, Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and White Castle. Hours will vary, so check the app or website.
• Upscale Dining: Many hotel restaurants and fine-dining establishments will offer special, reservation-only Thanksgiving dinners. Look for local options like Lidia's, McCormick & Schmick's, and Stock Hill in major cities.

Pharmacies and Health Services:

The ability to pick up a forgotten prescription or over-the-counter medicine is a critical service on a holiday. The policies for the major pharmacy chains differ significantly on Thanksgiving Day 2025.

• CVS: Most CVS stores will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. However, the pharmacy counter often operates on reduced hours, typically ranging from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Always call ahead to confirm the specific pharmacy hours.
• Walgreens: Most Walgreens stores that are *not* 24-hour locations will be closed. However, 24-hour Walgreens locations and their pharmacies will continue to operate. If your local Walgreens is not open 24/7, do not assume it will be open on Thanksgiving.
• Grocery Store Pharmacies: Pharmacies located inside grocery stores (like Kroger or Walmart) are generally closed on Thanksgiving Day, even if the main store is open.

Entertainment, Travel, and Black Friday Outlook

For those looking to escape the kitchen or who are on the road, there are still plenty of options for entertainment and essential travel services. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of the biggest shopping weekend of the year, though the action has largely moved online for Thanksgiving Day itself.

Entertainment and Attractions Open:

Thanksgiving Day is a popular day for new movie releases, and many attractions seize the opportunity to welcome visitors.

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• Movie Theaters: All major movie theater chains, including AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, and Alamo Drafthouse, will be open, often with a full schedule of new releases.
• Local Attractions: Depending on your location, many local attractions remain open, such as ice rinks (like Winterfest), museums, and specific wildlife attractions. Check the hours for major city centers and tourist destinations.

Travel Essentials and Services:

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year, and services supporting road travel are reliably available.

• Gas Stations: Major chain gas stations, including Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, will be open to serve travelers.
• Convenience Stores: Stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K are typically open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making them reliable stops for snacks and drinks.
• Public Transit: While operational, most public transit systems (subways, buses, commuter rails) will run on a reduced holiday or modified Saturday schedule.

The Black Friday Shift: Online Shopping Dominates Thanksgiving

While Black Friday 2025 officially falls on Friday, November 28, the shopping season now begins much earlier. The major shift in recent years is that the "doorbuster" sales have moved almost entirely online for Thanksgiving Day, allowing physical stores to remain closed. Instead of rushing out after dinner, shoppers can access deals from the comfort of their home.

• Online Deals: Expect online sales events from major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon to be live on Thanksgiving Day, starting as early as midnight on November 27.
• Cyber Monday Preview: Many retailers use Thanksgiving to preview or launch their Cyber Monday deals early, blending the two shopping holidays.

In summary, while you won't be able to buy a TV at Target on Thanksgiving Day 2025, you can absolutely find a last-minute turkey, a life-saving prescription, or a hot meal. Plan your day with the assumption of reduced hours, and always verify information with your local store to avoid a holiday disappointment.