By TrenBuzz — the fast, friendly guide to who’s open (and who’s closed) this Thanksgiving Day, what you can expect from grocery and pharmacy chains, and practical tips so you don’t make an extra trip for nothing.
Updated November 27, 2025 — key claims verified against company statements and major news outlets.
Quick answer (What Stores Are Open and Closed on Thanksgiving 2025)
Most big-box retailers — including Walmart, Target, Costco and Aldi — will be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025.
Some grocery chains (Kroger family, Wegmans, Whole Foods in many areas) will open limited hours; pharmacies such as CVS may run reduced schedules while most Walgreens shops will be closed except for 24-hour locations.
Read on for a quick-by-store breakdown, a short checklist of where to try if you urgently need supplies, and a small on-page poll to capture reader plans
Why so many closures this year? (short context)
After the pandemic, several large retailers moved to give staff Thanksgiving off and keep Black Friday focused on Friday.
That shift became a multi-year pattern; in 2025 companies again favored full or partial Thanksgiving closures to let employees spend time with family.
For shoppers that means more reliance on grocery chains and select pharmacies that choose to operate short or modified hours.
It also makes planning important: some neighborhoods will have open options, others none — check locally before you go.
Major retailers — closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025
Walmart — closed nationwide for Thanksgiving Day; stores reopen on Black Friday.
Target — closed on Thanksgiving; the chain confirmed its stores observe the holiday.
Costco — most warehouse locations do not operate on Thanksgiving Day, per company holiday policy.
Other large retail names that will be closed include Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Best Buy, Home Depot and many department stores.
If you were counting on a big-box run on Thursday, plan instead for Wednesday or make a short-stop at a local open grocery or pharmacy.
Grocery chains — who’s open for limited hours (and who’s closed)
Kroger family (Kroger, Ralphs, Fry’s and others) — many stores will be open on Thanksgiving with shortened hours and will generally close early (often mid-afternoon). Pharmacies at these stores are usually closed.
Wegmans — open with early-afternoon closures (commonly around 4 p.m.), but hours can vary by store.
Whole Foods — most locations operate modified hours (many open roughly morning to early afternoon), though stores in certain states may remain closed. Check local hours.
Trader Joe’s and Aldi — closed on Thanksgiving Day; both chains are observing the holiday.
Smaller regional chains and independent markets — hours vary widely; many neighborhood markets, convenience stores and bodegas will be open but call ahead to confirm.
If you need last-minute perishables, your best bet is a local independent grocer, a Kroger-family store, Wegmans or a Whole Foods with posted holiday hours.
Pharmacies and drugstores — mixed picture
CVS — many locations are open, typically with reduced hours in the holiday, but pharmacy hours can be limited so check the store page.
Walgreens — most locations will be closed, though 24-hour branches and a small number of exceptions may remain open; verify your local store.
Rite Aid and regional drugstores — hours vary; some places will be open for limited hours, others closed.
Pharmacies often close their counters even when the retail floor is operating, so don’t assume prescriptions will be filled at an open store. Call in advance.
Big-box home & electronics stores — mostly closed
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy and many department stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day and reopen for Black Friday sales.
If you were planning to pick up last-minute cookware or small appliances, buy before the holiday or wait for controlled Black Friday openings.
Dollar stores, convenience chains, and gas stations
Many dollar-store chains (Dollar General, Dollar Tree) operate in most locations on Thanksgiving with normal or shortened hours.
Convenience stores, many gas stations and some restaurant chains (especially quick-service) will be open, but hours vary by franchise and location.
If all else fails, a 24-hour convenience store or an open pharmacy (if available) can cover forgotten basics like bread, butter, or toiletries.
Tip: don’t rely on pharmacies in big stores—pharmacy service lines are often closed even if the front store is open.
Essential pickup checklist — what to do before you go
- Call your local store or check its official app for “holiday hours” — national policies vary by location.
- Prioritize perishables and prescriptions: if you need medication, confirm the pharmacy counter is open and has refills.
- Shop Wednesday if possible: most big chains are open normal hours the day before Thanksgiving; it avoids the stress of holiday closures.
These small steps usually save a stressed, last-minute dash on Thursday and prevent wasted trips.
When in doubt, use a store locator on the retailer’s site or place an online order for pickup if that service shows as available for your location.
What’s open for prepared food and dining out
Many restaurants — chains and local spots — will offer Thanksgiving menus, and some will be open for dine-in or pick-up.
National casual-dining chains tend to vary by franchise; check OpenTable or call the restaurant directly for reservations and hours.
Grocers that are open (Whole Foods, Wegmans, Kroger-family) often sell pre-made Thanksgiving meals and sides — a good backup if you don’t want to cook.
Expect limited availability late in the day; pre-ordering earlier in the week is the safer path.
State law exceptions — a few places still restrict holiday retail
Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have laws that restrict large retailers’ holiday trading; in some areas those rules mean more shops are closed.
If you live in one of those states, local store closures may be broader than the national pattern — check community notices.
Quick reference — short store status roundup
- Walmart — Closed.
- Target — Closed.
- Costco — Closed (warehouses).
- Kroger family (Ralphs, Fry’s, Fred Meyer) — Open with early closures / reduced hours.
- Whole Foods — Most stores open with modified hours (some state exceptions).
- Trader Joe’s — Closed.
- Aldi — Closed.
- Publix — Closed (observes Thanksgiving).
- CVS — Many locations open with reduced hours; pharmacy hours vary.
- Walgreens — Most locations closed; some 24-hour stores open.
(Always verify your local store’s hours — corporate policies don’t guarantee every location follows the same schedule.)
How to handle a last-minute emergency on Thanksgiving
If you truly need medicine, call 911 or your local emergency number for urgent medical needs.
For minor supplies, search for 24-hour pharmacies or gas-station convenience stores; they often carry basics and may be open.
If a pharmacy is open but the prescription counter is closed, ask staff whether an emergency refill is possible or if a hospital pharmacy can help.
Pharmacists and local emergency rooms can advise on urgent medication access — don’t wait if a medical issue is at stake.
Will you shop on Thanksgiving Day or plan ahead instead?
Final practical tips — save yourself time and stress
- Check the store locator on each retailer’s official site before leaving home — holiday hours change by store.
- Ask about pharmacy counters specifically; many stores keep the floor open but close pharmacy services.
- Plan Wednesday evening as your last full shopping window — that’s when aisles are busiest but options are maximal.
Enjoy the holiday and try to avoid extra trips. If you do need to go out, call first — it’s the single simplest way to stop a wasted journey.
Happy Thanksgiving from TrenBuzz — and safe shopping.
Disclaimer
This TrenBuzz article summarizes retailer holiday policies and news coverage current as of November 27, 2025.
Retail hours can vary by store and region; always confirm hours using a store’s official locator or by calling the location directly.