15 Essential Places Open On Thanksgiving Day 2025: Your Last-Minute Survival Guide

Thanksgiving Day 2025, falling on Thursday, November 27, is a time for family, food, and gratitude, but it can also be a source of stress if you realize you’ve forgotten a crucial ingredient or need a quick escape from the kitchen. While many major retailers and businesses choose to close their doors to give employees the holiday off, a significant number of essential and convenience stores, along with select restaurant chains, remain open with modified hours to serve the public. This updated guide provides the most current information for where you can shop, dine, and pick up necessities on the holiday.

Knowing which businesses are operating on this national holiday is vital for last-minute meal preparations, unexpected emergencies, or simply grabbing a cup of coffee. From pharmacy chains to specialized grocery markets, we've compiled a list of places confirmed to be open on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, along with their typical operating hours to help you plan your day seamlessly and avoid any holiday panic.

Essential Grocery Stores and Pharmacies Open for Last-Minute Needs

For those inevitable moments when you realize you've run out of butter, forgot the cranberry sauce, or need an emergency prescription refill, these essential retailers are your holiday lifelines. Many operate with reduced hours, so checking your local store’s specific schedule is always recommended.

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• Sprouts Farmers Market: A reliable option for fresh produce and specialty items, most Sprouts locations are expected to be open on Thanksgiving Day, typically from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Albertsons: Most Albertsons stores will be open, offering a window for last-minute grocery shopping, generally operating from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Wegman's: Known for their extensive selection, most Wegman's locations are usually open but close earlier than normal, often by 4 p.m.
• CVS Pharmacy: CVS locations are a crucial resource for health, beauty, and convenience items. Most CVS Pharmacy stores will be open, though some may have reduced hours, and pharmacy counters might operate on a different schedule.
• Walgreens: Similar to CVS, Walgreens stores are typically open on Thanksgiving Day for general merchandise and pharmacy needs, though hours will vary by location.
• Whole Foods Market: If you need organic or high-end ingredients, Whole Foods is a good bet, as they are one of the 'fancier' grocery stores that typically remain open with limited hours.
• Regional Chains: Keep an eye on local favorites like Hen House and Price Chopper, which often close early (around 1 p.m.), and Save A Lot, which might stay open until 5 p.m.

It is important to note that many major grocery competitors, such as Aldi, Costco, and BJ's Wholesale Club, are traditionally closed on Thanksgiving Day to allow their employees to celebrate the holiday.

Retail and Discount Stores Open for Quick Shopping

While the biggest department stores and large-format retailers like Walmart and Target have largely shifted away from opening on Thanksgiving Day, several discount and specialty stores still welcome customers. This is particularly useful for small kitchenware needs, quick gifts, or simply a change of scenery.

• Big Lots: A reliable choice for home goods, seasonal decor, and discounted items, Big Lots often opens early, with most stores operating from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Dollar General: Most Dollar General locations will be open, but their hours can vary significantly. They are a great spot for household essentials and last-minute stocking stuffers.
• Dollar Tree: Another discount favorite, Dollar Tree typically opens for a portion of the day, often from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Bass Pro Shops: For outdoor enthusiasts or those looking for a unique gift, Bass Pro Shops is often open, with hours typically running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The trend of major retailers closing on Thanksgiving Day has become more solidified in recent years, making it easier for shoppers to focus on family time. Companies like Home Depot are confirmed to be closed, reserving their holiday sales for the next day, Black Friday.

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Dining Out: Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

For those who prefer to skip the cooking and cleanup, numerous restaurant chains and local eateries offer special Thanksgiving menus, traditional turkey dinners, or simply their regular menu items. Reservations are highly recommended for any sit-down dining experience.

Casual Dining Chains with Holiday Hours

These chains are excellent options for a reliable, family-friendly Thanksgiving meal without the fuss.

• Cracker Barrel: Famous for its homestyle cooking, Cracker Barrel typically operates during its regular hours on Thanksgiving Day and offers a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
• Bob Evans: Many Bob Evans locations will be open, offering dine-in and carryout options for the holiday, generally operating from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: This restaurant is offering an individual Thanksgiving Dinner for dine-in customers, with hours from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
• Applebee's: A number of Applebee's locations will be open, though hours and participation can vary, so calling ahead is essential.
• Boston Market: Known for its rotisserie chicken, Boston Market often offers heat-and-serve meals for the holiday and may have limited dine-in availability.
• Jimmy John's: For a quick, non-traditional meal, most Jimmy John's sandwich shops will be open, though their hours may be reduced.

Fine Dining and Specialty Restaurants

If you're looking for a more upscale or unique dining experience, these establishments often feature special, multi-course holiday menus:

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• The Capital Grille: This fine-dining steakhouse typically offers a special Thanksgiving menu alongside its regular dinner offerings.
• McCormick & Schmick's: A popular seafood restaurant that traditionally serves a full Thanksgiving turkey dinner.
• Kona Grill: This restaurant chain is known to be open and offering a special Thanksgiving menu.
• Local Hotspots: Many local, independent restaurants, especially those in major metropolitan areas, will feature holiday-specific menus. Examples from past years include Lidia's, Stock Hill, and Affäre.

Important Thanksgiving Day Operating Reminders

When planning your day on November 27, 2025, remember that the holiday status affects more than just retail stores. Planning ahead for these entities can prevent frustration:

• Call Ahead: Always call your local branch of any listed store or restaurant to confirm their specific Thanksgiving Day operating hours. Franchise locations, regional variations, and unexpected staffing issues can lead to last-minute changes.
• Reduced Hours: Almost every business that is open will be operating on reduced hours. Early closures (e.g., 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.) are the norm, especially for grocery stores.
• Government and Financial Closures: All federal, state, and local government offices will be closed. This includes the post office (no regular mail delivery), banks, and the stock market.
• Black Friday Prep: Many stores that are closed on Thanksgiving will open very early on Friday, November 28, for Black Friday sales. Check for online deals that may start on Thanksgiving evening.

Whether you’re in need of a forgotten ingredient, a prescription refill, or a delicious meal you didn’t have to cook, this comprehensive list of places open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 ensures you can navigate the holiday with confidence and minimal stress.