Planning your Thanksgiving Day meal just got a lot less stressful. As of today, December 13, 2025, the holiday schedule for major grocery retailers across the United States is largely set, and the trend of keeping stores closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025, continues for many of the biggest names. Whether you forgot the crucial can of cranberry sauce, ran out of butter for the pie crust, or simply need an emergency trip for a last-minute ingredient, knowing which doors will be open—and which will be firmly shut—is essential for a seamless holiday.
This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date and specific Thanksgiving 2025 holiday hours for national and regional grocery chains. While many major big-box stores and wholesale clubs are prioritizing their employees' time off, several key grocery chains and local supermarkets remain open, typically with significantly reduced hours, to save your holiday feast. Always remember to call your local store to confirm their exact operating schedule, as regional management can sometimes make last-minute adjustments.
The Definitive List of Grocery Stores CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day 2025
The movement to keep stores closed on Thanksgiving Day has solidified in recent years, with many of the nation's largest retailers and most popular grocery chains giving their employees the day off. This list includes the stores you should absolutely plan to visit on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, because their doors will not be open for any last-minute shopping on Thursday.
- Aldi: Continuing their long-standing tradition, Aldi stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025.
- Trader Joe's: The popular specialty grocery chain is consistently closed on Thanksgiving Day to allow staff to celebrate the holiday.
- Publix: A major regional chain in the Southeast, Publix stores are reliably closed on Thanksgiving Day, ensuring employees can enjoy the holiday.
- H-E-B: The Texas-based supermarket giant will be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025.
- Target: While Target sells a wide range of groceries, the entire store will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, before opening early for Black Friday sales.
- Walmart: Walmart stores, including the grocery sections, will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, a policy they have maintained since 2020.
- Costco Wholesale: All Costco warehouse locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
- Sam's Club: Like its parent company Walmart and its competitor Costco, Sam's Club will be closed.
- BJ's Wholesale Club: This wholesale club will also be closed to observe the holiday.
- Hy-Vee: The Midwestern chain is typically closed on Thanksgiving.
For shoppers in need of emergency items, this list serves as a crucial warning: do not rely on these retailers for your last-minute holiday shopping. Your best bet for a full stock-up is the day before the holiday.
Major Grocery Chains OPEN with Limited Holiday Hours
If disaster strikes—perhaps the dog ate the dinner rolls or the oven decided to quit—a number of national and regional grocery stores will be open for a limited window. These stores operate on a reduced schedule, often closing in the early to mid-afternoon, making the morning your only opportunity for a quick trip. Always verify the specific holiday hours for your local branch.
Kroger Family of Stores (Ralphs, King Soopers, Fry's, etc.)
The Kroger family of stores is one of the most reliable options for open grocery store Thanksgiving services.
- Kroger: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day, but with significantly reduced hours. Expect stores to close early, often between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- Kroger Banners: This includes regional names like Ralphs, King Soopers, Smith's, and Fry's. Their Thanksgiving 2025 hours will follow the same pattern—open but with an early closure.
- Recommendation: Call your local Kroger-owned store immediately upon waking up to confirm their closing time.
Albertsons Companies (Safeway, ACME, Jewel-Osco, etc.)
The Albertsons conglomerate, which manages numerous regional chains, is generally open but operates on a limited schedule to accommodate the holiday.
- Albertsons: Most Albertsons locations are expected to be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day 2025.
- Safeway: Safeway stores will be open with reduced hours, similar to the Albertsons schedule.
- ACME Markets: ACME is a strong option for early shoppers, with most markets open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the holiday.
- Other Banners: Jewel-Osco, Vons, and others under the Albertsons umbrella will likely follow a similar limited schedule.
Specialty and Regional Grocery Stores Open
Several other key retailers and regional chains will be available for emergency runs, often catering to specialty or health-focused ingredients.
- Whole Foods Market: Whole Foods will be open on Thanksgiving Day, but with reduced hours. They are a great source for specialty items, organic produce, and last-minute prepared foods.
- Wegmans: This popular East Coast chain will be open, but check their website for their specific holiday schedule, as they are known to close earlier than usual.
- Food Lion: Most Food Lion locations will be open with reduced hours.
- Giant Food: Giant Food stores will also operate on a reduced Thanksgiving holiday hours schedule.
- Cub Foods: Most Cub grocery stores will be open for a limited time.
Expert Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Day Shopping
Even with a list of open stores, Thanksgiving Day meal shopping can be chaotic. By following a few simple strategies, you can minimize stress and maximize your time with family.
1. The "Day-Before" Golden Rule
Treat Wednesday, November 26, 2025, as your final shopping day. This is when the stores will have their fullest stock and regular hours. Use this time to buy all non-perishables and even most perishables. If you only have one item left on your list for Thursday morning, you're winning.
2. Call Ahead for Confirmed Hours
While this article provides the most accurate general information for Thanksgiving 2025, store hours can vary dramatically by location, especially for regional chains. A quick phone call to your specific local grocery stores on Wednesday afternoon can save you a wasted trip on Thursday morning. The hours listed (e.g., Albertsons 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) are typical but not guaranteed for every single store.
3. Consider Pharmacies and Convenience Stores
If you only need a handful of small, emergency items—milk, sugar, a bottle of wine, or a specific spice—don't overlook pharmacies and convenience stores. Many CVS and Walgreens locations, which carry a limited stock of grocery items, will be open on Thanksgiving Day, sometimes even 24 hours (though pharmacy counters may be closed). This can be a much quicker trip than navigating the holiday rush at a major supermarket.
4. Expect the Rush and Limited Stock
The stores that choose to remain open will be busy, particularly between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Furthermore, due to the holiday, stock may be limited. If you are looking for a highly specific or specialty ingredient, your chances of finding it diminish rapidly as the morning progresses. Get to the open grocery store thanksgiving location as early as possible to beat the crowds and secure your item.
By planning around the confirmed closures of major retailers like Target and Walmart, and knowing the limited hours of essential stores like Kroger and Albertsons, you can ensure your 2025 Thanksgiving celebration is perfectly stocked and stress-free.
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