The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 45+ Stores, Restaurants, And Pharmacies That Are OPEN On Thanksgiving Day

Planning your Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 27, 2025, requires a strategic understanding of which businesses will be open. While the trend of major retailers closing on the holiday continues—a welcome shift to prioritize employee time off—many essential services, grocery stores, and restaurant chains will still be operating, often with significantly reduced hours. Whether you’re missing a crucial ingredient for your feast, need emergency supplies, or simply want to escape the house for a movie, knowing where to go is vital for a stress-free holiday.

This comprehensive guide provides the most current information on the stores, eateries, and entertainment venues available on Thanksgiving Day 2025. Always remember to call your local branch to confirm hours before heading out, as schedules can vary widely by location and franchisee.

The Major Retail Shift: Stores That Are Closed on Thanksgiving 2025

The movement away from "Black Friday Creep"—the practice of opening stores on Thanksgiving evening to kick off holiday shopping—has solidified, with nearly all major big-box stores prioritizing employee time off. This means you will not find any early doorbuster deals at these locations on Thursday, November 27, 2025. If you need anything from electronics to home improvement supplies, plan ahead.

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The following is a list of major national retailers and big-box stores that are confirmed or highly expected to be CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day 2025.

• Walmart: The retail giant remains closed on Thanksgiving Day, a policy maintained since 2020.
• Target: Target is a firm advocate of the closure, keeping its doors shut to allow employees the holiday.
• Best Buy: No electronics shopping or early deals will be available on the holiday.
• Costco Wholesale: The warehouse club is always closed on major holidays, including Thanksgiving.
• Home Depot & Lowe's: Both major home improvement stores will be closed.
• Kohl's: Expected to be closed, focusing on Black Friday sales starting early the next morning.
• Macy's: Expected to be closed, following the trend of most department stores.
• IKEA: The furniture retailer is expected to remain closed.
• Nordstrom & Belk: Most department store chains will be closed.
• REI: The outdoor retailer is famously closed, encouraging customers to #OptOutside.
• BJ's Wholesale Club & Sam's Club: Both major warehouse clubs are expected to be closed.

Essential Services: Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, and Convenience Stores Open

The most common reason people need to venture out on Thanksgiving Day is for last-minute ingredients, emergency supplies, or critical pharmacy services. Thankfully, many essential retailers will be open, though their hours will be significantly reduced, often closing by mid-afternoon.

Grocery and Specialty Food Chains (Reduced Hours)

If you've forgotten the cranberry sauce, need an extra bag of ice, or realize you're short on butter, these grocery stores are your best bet. Be prepared for early closing times, with many shutting their doors between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

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• Kroger (and Kroger-family stores like Ralphs and Fry's): Most locations will be open, but often closing around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.
• Whole Foods Market: Typically open with reduced hours for last-minute shopping.
• Safeway & Albertsons (and affiliated stores like Acme Markets, Giant Food): Many of these regional grocery chains will be open, usually with morning-to-mid-afternoon hours.
• Food Lion: Many stores will close early, often around 3 p.m.
• Sprouts Farmers Market: Expected to be open for early shoppers.
• Harris Teeter: Typically open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Amazon Fresh: Some locations may be open, such as 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Drugstores and Convenience Stores (Your Emergency Lifelines)

These locations are the most reliable for non-food essentials, over-the-counter medication, and quick snacks. They are crucial for travelers and those needing immediate relief.

• CVS Pharmacy: Most CVS locations will be open, though some pharmacies and stores may operate on reduced holiday hours.
• Walgreens: 24-hour locations will generally remain open, while non-24-hour stores will have limited hours. Always check ahead for pharmacy services, as the pharmacy counter may be closed even if the store is open.
• 7-Eleven: Most convenience stores, including 7-Eleven, are open 24/7 or maintain regular hours to serve travelers and locals.
• Dollar General & Dollar Tree: Most dollar stores will be open, though hours will vary by location.

Dining Out: Restaurant Chains Open for Thanksgiving Dinner Reservations

For those who prefer to skip the hours of cooking and cleanup, many restaurant chains offer special Thanksgiving menus, traditional turkey dinners, or simply their regular fare. Making a reservation is highly recommended, as seating is limited and demand is high for holiday dining.

Casual Dining and Family Restaurants

These establishments are the most likely to offer a full, traditional Thanksgiving plate for dine-in or carry-out.

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• Cracker Barrel: Known for its "Homestyle Turkey n' Dressing Meal," Cracker Barrel typically operates during regular hours.
• Bob Evans: Many locations will be open for dine-in and carry-out, often from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Denny's: As a classic 24/7 diner, Denny's is almost always open on holidays, offering both regular and holiday menus.
• IHOP: Like Denny's, IHOP is a reliable option for all-day dining on Thanksgiving.
• Golden Corral: Often offers a massive Thanksgiving Day buffet with all the trimmings.
• Maggiano's Little Italy & Romano's Macaroni Grill: These Italian chains often offer special holiday family-style meals.
• Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Expect special holiday plates, often open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fast Food and Coffee Shops (Varies by Franchisee)

If you need a quick coffee or a late-night bite, your options are more limited and highly dependent on the store owner.

• Starbucks: Many corporate-owned stores will be open with limited hours, but many licensed stores (inside grocery stores, etc.) will be closed.
• Dunkin': Most locations will be open, but hours are set by the franchisee, so check your local store before you go.
• McDonald's: Openings vary significantly by location. Many in high-traffic areas (travel plazas, major cities) will be open, while suburban locations may close.

Fine Dining and Local Restaurants

For a more upscale experience, many fine dining establishments offer pre-fixe Thanksgiving dinner reservations. Look for local listings for chains like The Capital Grille, Ruth's Chris Steak House, or local favorites that specialize in holiday meals. Additionally, many independent Chinese restaurants and buffets remain open, providing an excellent alternative to the traditional turkey.

Entertainment and Activities Open on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a day for family, and for many, that means finding ways to spend time together outside of the kitchen. Fortunately, several entertainment options remain available for those looking for a post-meal activity or a distraction from the holiday rush.

Movie Theaters

The holiday weekend is one of the biggest for new movie releases, and most major cinema chains operate on regular or near-regular hours. Chains like AMC, Cinemark, and Marcus Theatres will be showing the latest blockbusters, making a matinee or evening screening a popular family tradition.

National Parks and Outdoor Activities

Many people participate in the "Opt Outside" movement on Thanksgiving. While the National Park Service (NPS) often closes visitor centers, administrative offices, and some facilities, the parks themselves—including vast natural areas like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park—remain open for access, hiking, and scenic drives. Check the specific park's website for road closures and facility hours before planning your trip.

Gas Stations and Travel Services

If you are traveling for the holiday, nearly all major gas stations, truck stops, and travel plazas will be open, often 24 hours a day. This includes brands like Shell, Exxon, and BP, ensuring you can find fuel and basic road trip necessities.

Key Takeaways for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving 2025

To navigate Thanksgiving Day 2025 successfully, remember these three crucial tips:

1. Always Call Ahead: Hours are subject to change and vary by franchisee or store manager, especially for fast food and drugstores. A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip.
2. Expect Reduced Hours: Even open businesses will likely close much earlier than usual. If you need last-minute ingredients, plan to shop before 3:00 p.m.
3. Prioritize Essential Retailers: Your most reliable options for emergency needs and quick fixes are CVS, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, and local grocery chains, not the major big-box retailers like Walmart or Target, which are closed.