Thanksgiving is a day when many businesses, especially retailers, close their doors to observe the holiday and allow employees to rest before the holiday shopping rush. However, some stores, restaurants, and essential services remain open to accommodate customers in need of last-minute items or dining options.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s open and closed on Thanksgiving Day:
Grocery Store Chains Open on Thanksgiving
- Central Market: Open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Curbside pickup available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Food Lion: Open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- H-E-B: Open from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pharmacies are closed. Curbside pickup is available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and home delivery runs from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Hy-Vee: Closed for regular grocery shopping, but catered orders can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Kroger: Hours vary by location. Some stores may be closed, but all open stores will close at 4 p.m. Pharmacies are closed.
- Publix: All 1,386 locations are closed for Thanksgiving.
- Wegmans: Most stores open until 4 p.m., but locations in Massachusetts (Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Medford, Northborough, and Westwood) are closed.
- Whole Foods: Many locations are open with limited hours. Check your local store for details.
Also read: Top 5 Thanksgiving Recipes for an Unforgettable Feast
Convenience Store Chains Open on Thanksgiving
- CVS: Most locations open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., though some may be closed. Check hours online.
- Walgreens: Most stores are closed, but 24-hour pharmacy locations remain open.
- Dollar General: Most locations are open. Verify hours using the store locator.
- Rite Aid: All stores are closed.
Fast-Food and Restaurant Chains Open on Thanksgiving
- Burger King: Many locations are open, but hours vary. Check online for specifics.
- Chick-fil-A: All locations are closed.
- Cracker Barrel: Open during regular hours, with a Thanksgiving meal served starting at 11 a.m.
- Dunkin’: Hours vary by location. Check your nearest store.
- McDonald’s: Hours differ by outlet; check with your local restaurant.
- Olive Garden: All locations are closed.
Clothing Stores Closed on Thanksgiving
Most major clothing retailers, including JCPenney, Macy’s, Marshalls, REI, and TJ Maxx, are closed. These stores will reopen on Friday.
Retailers Closed on Thanksgiving
If you’re planning to visit big-box stores like Walmart, Costco, Kohl’s, or Target, note that they are all closed for Thanksgiving.
Plan Ahead
With many businesses observing the holiday, it’s a good idea to check the hours of operation for your local stores or restaurants before heading out.