Is Sonic Open on Thanksgiving 2025?
Many people search for Sonic Thanksgiving hours when planning a quick holiday snack or drink stop. Sonic Drive In is known for fast service, carhop stalls and a big menu, but Thanksgiving works differently. Most Sonic restaurants across the country close completely for the holiday, while only a small number of independently operated franchise stores open for a short time depending on demand and staffing.
This updated guide gives you a clear look at Sonic Thanksgiving hours for 2025, including predicted timings, city patterns, why the holiday schedule changes, expert planning tips and how to check accurate hours near you in seconds.
Is Sonic Open on Thanksgiving 2025?
Most Sonic locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
A limited number of franchise stores, especially those located in busy travel zones, highway exits or airport areas, may open for a short window between late morning and early afternoon. However, this is not common.
Sonic does not follow a single nationwide rule. Each store owner decides their Thanksgiving schedule based on:
• Staffing availability
• Local traffic
• Franchise policies
• City rules
• Travel demand
The only reliable way to know your local hours is to check your nearest store directly.
Sonic Thanksgiving Hours 2025 (Predicted)
These hours apply only to the small number of Sonic locations that choose to open:
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Around 10 AM | Around 3 PM to 4 PM | Most locations stay closed |
| Day Before Thanksgiving | Regular hours | Regular hours | Heavy day for takeout and drinks |
| Black Friday | Regular hours | Regular hours | Stores return to normal operations |
If a Sonic is open on Thanksgiving, it usually provides only core menu service with a reduced staff.
What Thanksgiving Day Normally Looks Like at Sonic
Most Sonic restaurants stay closed for the entire day. The few locations that open follow a shortened version of their regular hours.
Here is the usual flow for stores that operate on Thanksgiving:
| Time Slot | Expected Schedule |
|---|---|
| Late Morning | Select stores open around 10 AM |
| Midday | Service begins for drinks and meals from 11 AM to 2 PM |
| Afternoon | Limited service continues until about 3 PM or 4 PM |
| Evening | All stores close for the rest of the day |
Airport and travel-heavy areas may operate slightly longer, depending on staff availability.
Sonic Thanksgiving Hours in Major U.S. Cities
Here is what you can expect in top U.S. cities:
| City | Thanksgiving Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Mostly closed | Travel hubs may open briefly |
| Los Angeles | Many closed | A few franchise exceptions |
| Chicago | Closed | Mall-based areas fully closed |
| Houston | Mostly closed | Suburbs may run short hours |
| Phoenix | Closed | Call ahead for confirmation |
| Philadelphia | Mostly closed | Tourist areas may open |
| Dallas | Some open | North Texas has a few open stores |
| Miami | Mostly closed | Airports more reliable |
| Atlanta | Some open | Travel centers may operate |
| Seattle | Closed | Very few stores open |
Why Sonic Has Different Thanksgiving Hours
Sonic operates through thousands of franchise stores, and each location makes its own holiday decision.
Thanksgiving hours change because of:
• Franchise vs corporate differences
• Local staffing limitations
• Shopping center and mall closures
• City regulations
• Tourist and highway traffic
• Drive-in layout and crew size
These factors directly affect whether a store stays open, partially opens or closes the entire day.
Why You Don’t Need to Worry
Even if Sonic is closed, getting a holiday meal is still easy because:
• Many fast food chains stay open
• Delivery apps show instantly which restaurants are operating
• Airport food courts remain active all day
• Sonic returns to normal hours on Black Friday
Best Alternatives If Sonic Is Closed
These restaurants commonly operate on Thanksgiving:
• McDonald’s
• Burger King
• Waffle House
• Denny’s
• IHOP
• Golden Corral
To compare holiday timings, you can also explore our Golden Corral Thanksgiving Hours and Panera Thanksgiving Hours guides.
Expert Tips for Visiting Sonic on Thanksgiving
• Always check your Sonic location through the store locator
• Call the exact store because hours vary widely
• Use Google Maps for live holiday updates
• Plan early since open stores close by mid-afternoon
• Travel centers and airport stores are most reliable
How to Check Sonic Hours Near You
Use these quick methods to confirm Thanksgiving hours in seconds:
- Search your location on the Sonic store locator
- Call the number listed on the store page
- Check Google Maps for real-time holiday updates
- Look for the store on delivery apps
- Check recent user reviews or posts for same-day accuracy
Calling the store is always the most accurate option.
FAQs
Does Sonic open on Thanksgiving 2025?
Most Sonic locations stay closed, with only a few exceptions.
What time does Sonic open on Thanksgiving Day?
Open stores usually begin service around 10 AM.
What time does Sonic close on Thanksgiving Day?
Most open locations close by 3 PM to 4 PM.
Are drive-in stalls open on Thanksgiving?
Drive-in service is available only if the specific location is open.
Are mall Sonic restaurants open on Thanksgiving?
Most mall-based Sonic stores remain closed.
Do airport Sonic stores open on Thanksgiving?
Airport locations are the most likely to be open due to holiday travel.
Conclusion
Most Sonic restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, with only a small number of franchise stores operating for limited hours from late morning to early afternoon. If you plan to stop by, always confirm your local hours using the store locator or by calling the restaurant. Once you verify the timing, planning your holiday meal becomes simple and stress free.
