The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 7 Essential Things You Must Know Before Heading To McDonald's On Thanksgiving Day

Planning your Thanksgiving Day meal and need a quick fix before or after the feast? You are not alone. Every year, millions of people search for the same critical information: "Is McDonald's open on Thanksgiving?" As of today, December 18, 2025, the answer is a resounding 'Yes' for the vast majority of locations across the country, but with a critical caveat that can save you a wasted trip: hours will almost certainly be limited, and checking ahead is non-negotiable.

The crucial detail to understand is that the vast majority of McDonald's restaurants are independently owned and operated by local Franchise Owners. Unlike corporate-owned chains with a blanket policy, these owners have the final say on their holiday operating hours, which means your local McDonald’s might be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the one in the next town over remains open until 6 p.m. or even its regular 24/7 schedule.

The Definitive McDonald's Thanksgiving 2025 Policy and Operating Hours

The short answer is clear: McDonald's does not mandate a nationwide closure for Thanksgiving Day. The long-standing tradition is to allow Franchise Owners to set their own schedules based on local demand, staffing availability, and their desire to give employees time off.

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• Most Common Scenario: The majority of locations will be open but will operate on Adjusted Hours or Limited Hours.
• Typical Opening Time: Most stores will open around their normal time, typically between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., catering to early travelers or those needing a quick breakfast.
• Typical Closing Time: This is the key difference. Many locations will close early, often between noon and 6 p.m., to allow staff to celebrate the holiday.
• High-Traffic Locations: Restaurants in major metropolitan areas, tourist hubs, or those located near major highways and airports are the most likely to maintain regular, or near-regular, hours.

The only way to guarantee the current hours for your specific location on Thanksgiving Day 2025 is to verify it through one of the official channels listed below. Do not rely on past years' schedules.

How to Instantly Check Your Local McDonald's Hours (Don't Risk a Closed Drive-Thru)

Driving to a closed restaurant on a holiday is frustrating. Fortunately, McDonald's provides several real-time, reliable methods to check the exact hours for the location nearest you.

1. Use the Official McDonald's App

The McDonald's App is arguably the most reliable and fastest way to check holiday hours. The app is primarily designed for Mobile Ordering and rewards, but it features a robust Restaurant Finder.

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• Open the McDonald's App.
• Navigate to the Restaurant Finder or Store Locator feature.
• Select your preferred location. The app will display the current, real-time operating hours, which should reflect the Adjusted Hours for Thanksgiving.

2. Check the McDonald's Website Store Locator

The official McDonald's Website has a dedicated Store Locator feature. Simply enter your zip code or city, and the resulting list will provide the specific Drive-Thru and Dine-In hours for each nearby restaurant. This is a great alternative if you don't want to download the app.

3. Call the Restaurant Directly

For the most direct and simplest confirmation, call the specific McDonald's location you plan to visit. While staff may be busy, a quick call is the ultimate way to confirm the Thanksgiving Day 2025 schedule and avoid any inconvenience.

Will McDonald's Have a Special Thanksgiving Menu? (And What About the Core Classics?)

One of the most common questions is whether McDonald's will offer a special holiday menu to compete with the traditional turkey dinner. The answer is generally no.

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McDonald's focuses on its strength: providing its core menu items quickly and reliably. You should expect to find all your classic favorites, making it the perfect spot for a quick escape from the kitchen or a traveler's essential stop.

Expected Menu Availability on Thanksgiving:

• Burgers: The iconic Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, and McDouble will be available.
• Chicken & Snacks: Chicken McNuggets, the classic McChicken, and the popular McCrispy Sandwich are expected to be served.
• Sides & Desserts: The world-famous World Famous Fries and baked apple pies should be on the menu.
• Breakfast: If the location is open early, its full breakfast menu, including the Egg McMuffin and hash browns, will likely be served.
• McCafé: A full range of McCafé Drinks will be available for that essential holiday caffeine boost.

It is important to note that while most locations keep the full menu, some may operate with a slightly Limited Menu due to reduced staffing. This is rare for McDonald's but possible, especially for specialized items or late-night offerings.

Fast Food Alternatives: Other Major Chains Open on Thanksgiving 2025

If your local McDonald's is closed or operating on a severely limited schedule, you still have options. Several other major Fast Food and restaurant chains have historically remained open on Thanksgiving Day, though they also follow the same Franchise Owners discretion policy and should be checked ahead of time. This list provides excellent alternatives for a quick holiday meal.

Other Restaurants Expected to Be Open on Thanksgiving 2025:

• Burger King: Many locations will be open, making it a reliable alternative for a flame-broiled burger.
• Arby's: The roast beef specialist is expected to have many locations open, but hours will vary significantly.
• White Castle: Known for being a consistent holiday option, White Castle is often open all day on Thanksgiving.
• Waffle House: Famous for its 24/7, 365-day-a-year operation, Waffle House is one of the most reliable places to find a meal on any holiday.
• Popeye's: While known for its chicken, Popeye's often features its famous Cajun-Style Turkey for pre-order, though in-store dining hours will be limited.
• Cracker Barrel: While not fast food, this is a major holiday dining entity that typically operates on normal hours, offering a full traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About McDonald's on Thanksgiving

Does McDonald's offer Holiday Pay for employees who work on Thanksgiving?

The policy for Holiday Pay at McDonald's is complex and highly dependent on the individual Franchise Owner and local labor laws. Unlike a corporate mandate, pay rates for working on a holiday like Thanksgiving are set at the local level. Some employees may receive standard hourly wages, while others may receive time-and-a-half or other holiday bonuses, depending on the specific franchise's policy. If you are an employee, you should consult your local manager or the franchise's HR department for the precise details regarding your Holiday Pay rate.

Is the Drive-Thru open if the Dining Room is closed?

In many cases, yes. On holidays like Thanksgiving, locations that operate with severely Limited Hours often prioritize the Drive-Thru over the Dine-In area. The Drive-Thru requires less staffing and is more efficient for high-volume quick service. If a restaurant is open, the Drive-Thru is almost certainly operating, even if the indoor seating area is closed or has reduced hours.

What are McDonald's hours on Black Friday?

The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, a major shopping day. Most McDonald's locations typically return to their regular operating hours on Black Friday to accommodate the rush of shoppers and travelers. In fact, many high-traffic locations may even extend their hours to cater to the early morning crowds heading to retail centers. You can use the same methods (App or Website Store Locator) to confirm the Black Friday Hours for your local restaurant.

Can I use my McDonald's App Rewards and Deals on Thanksgiving?

Yes. The ability to use your MyMcDonald's Rewards points, redeem deals, and place Mobile Orders is generally unaffected by the holiday schedule. As long as the specific McDonald's location is open, you can utilize the app's full functionality for ordering and loyalty points.