Is Panda Express Open on Thanksgiving 2025?
Many people search for Panda Express Thanksgiving hours when planning a quick holiday meal. Since Panda Express operates thousands of locations in malls, shopping centers, airports and standalone buildings, their Thanksgiving schedule changes from place to place. Some stores stay open with shorter hours, while many others remain fully closed for the holiday. Because there is no single national policy, it is important to know how each type of location operates on Thanksgiving Day.
This guide explains everything you need, including predicted hours, city-by-city patterns, why schedules differ, the most reliable locations, expert tips, alternatives and the fastest ways to check your local Panda Express hours.
Is Panda Express Open on Thanksgiving 2025?
Panda Express does not follow one fixed nationwide rule for Thanksgiving.
Most mall locations and many shopping-center stores close for the entire day, while some standalone, airport and travel-area locations open with reduced hours.
What you find open depends on:
• Whether the store is in a mall
• Whether it is independently operated
• Local traffic and staffing
• Airport or travel-center location
The best way to avoid confusion is to check your exact location through the store locator or by making a quick phone call.
Panda Express Thanksgiving Hours 2025 (Predicted)
Here are the predicted Thanksgiving hours for Panda Express locations that remain open:
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Around 11 AM | Around 5 PM to 6 PM | Many locations closed; open stores operate shorter hours |
| Day Before Thanksgiving | Regular hours | Regular hours | Busy day for takeout and dine-in |
| Black Friday | Regular hours | Regular hours | Stores return to standard hours |
Only a small number of Panda Express restaurants operate on Thanksgiving Day, and these usually serve during a limited afternoon window.
What Thanksgiving Day Usually Looks Like
Panda Express Thanksgiving hours depend mostly on the store location. Many restaurants stay closed, while open locations follow a shorter, simplified service schedule.
Here is the typical Thanksgiving pattern for open restaurants:
| Time Slot | Expected Schedule |
|---|---|
| Late Morning | Select locations open around 11 AM |
| Midday | Regular menu items served from 12 PM to 3 PM |
| Afternoon | Limited service continues until about 5 PM |
| Evening | Most locations close between 5 PM and 6 PM |
Airport Panda Express locations may stay open longer because passenger traffic is higher on Thanksgiving.
Panda Express Thanksgiving Hours in Major U.S. Cities
This is what you can expect in some of the largest U.S. cities:
| City | Thanksgiving Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Mixed | Airport and travel hubs most likely open |
| Los Angeles | Many closed | Select standalone stores may open |
| Chicago | Mixed | Mall locations typically closed |
| Houston | Some open | Hours vary widely by neighborhood |
| Phoenix | Mostly closed | Check local store for updates |
| Philadelphia | Mixed | Tourist areas may open briefly |
| Dallas | Some open | Standalone stores may serve lunch |
| Miami | Mixed | Airport locations most reliable |
| Atlanta | Some open | Travel centers often in operation |
| Seattle | Mostly closed | Reduced hours where open |
Why Panda Express Has Different Thanksgiving Hours
Panda Express hours vary for several reasons:
• Mall and shopping-center stores usually close because malls do not operate on Thanksgiving
• Airport, travel-center and standalone stores may stay open
• Franchise-owned and corporate-owned restaurants follow different holiday plans
• Staffing levels and local policies impact operating hours
• Some stores close completely so employees can spend the day with family
Because store environments differ, no two Panda Express locations follow the same exact Thanksgiving schedule.
Why You Shouldn’t Worry
Even if your nearest Panda Express is closed, you still have plenty of choices:
• Several fast food chains stay open on Thanksgiving
• Delivery apps help you find open restaurants instantly
• Airports and travel hubs remain active throughout the holiday
• Panda Express returns to normal hours the very next day
Best Alternatives If Panda Express Is Closed
These restaurants commonly stay open on Thanksgiving and are good alternatives:
• McDonald’s
• Burger King
• Denny’s
• Waffle House
• IHOP
• Golden Corral
You can also explore our Burger King Thanksgiving Hours and Sonic Thanksgiving Hours guides for more holiday dining options.
Expert Tips for Visiting Panda Express on Thanksgiving
• Always check the Panda Express store locator for accurate hours
• Call the exact store since mall, airport and standalone locations follow different plans
• Use Google Maps for live updates and holiday hour changes
• Confirm hours early in the day because most stores close by evening
• Airport locations are the most reliable if you need a guaranteed holiday meal
How to Check Panda Express Hours Near You
Here are the fastest ways to confirm today’s Thanksgiving hours:
- Use the official Panda Express store locator
- Call the local restaurant directly
- Check Google Maps for live holiday updates
- Look for the store on delivery apps
- Visit the official Panda Express website
Since hours vary widely, calling the store is always the most accurate method.
FAQs
Does Panda Express open on Thanksgiving 2025?
Some locations open with limited hours, while many remain fully closed.
What time does Panda Express open on Thanksgiving?
Open stores typically begin service around 11 AM.
What time does Panda Express close on Thanksgiving?
Most open locations shut down early between 5 PM and 6 PM.
Are mall Panda Express restaurants open on Thanksgiving?
Most mall locations are closed because malls do not operate on Thanksgiving Day.
Does Panda Express offer delivery on Thanksgiving?
Delivery may be available only if your local Panda Express is open.
Are airport Panda Express stores open on Thanksgiving?
Airport locations are the most likely to open due to holiday travel.
Conclusion
Many people simply want to know whether Panda Express is open on Thanksgiving, and the truth is that most locations close while a few selected stores open with reduced hours. Open restaurants usually serve between late morning and early evening. The best way to avoid confusion is to check your exact location through the store locator or a quick phone call. Once you confirm the timing, planning a holiday meal becomes much easier.
