Kroger Thanksgiving Hours Open or Closed on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays in the United States. Families gather around the table, homes fill with laughter, and kitchens buzz with the smell of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, a common concern for many shoppers is knowing when grocery stores will be open, especially at a time when news about restaurant chains closing has made people more cautious about where they can shop and dine. One of the biggest questions this year is about Kroger Thanksgiving hours and when you can count on Kroger to be open or closed to pick up those last-minute ingredients or holiday snacks.
Kroger is one of the largest grocery store chains in the United States. It serves millions of shoppers every week, and it operates many stores under different banner names, such as Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Fry’s, and King Soopers. Because of its size and popularity, knowing Kroger Thanksgiving hours can make or break your holiday meal planning.
Kroger Thanksgiving hours
On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27, 2025), most Kroger stores will be open earlier in the morning and close earlier than usual in the afternoon. The exact time can vary by location, but most stores are expected to close between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time. If you’re planning a last-minute grocery run, it can help to quickly check an hours from now calculator to see exactly how much time is left before the store closes so you don’t arrive too late. This reduced schedule gives shoppers the time they need early in the day for last-minute meal prep, and it allows store employees to be home with their families later in the afternoon and evening.
| Holiday | Expected Kroger Thanksgiving Hours | Notes |
| Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27, 2025) | Open early morning, closing between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. | Hours vary by store; pharmacies are often closed |
| Day Before Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) | Normal business hours | Regular schedule; great time to shop |
| Black Friday (Nov. 28) | Regular hours for most stores | Normal hours resume for holiday sales |
This means that Kroger Thanksgiving hours won’t mirror a typical Wednesday schedule. Instead of staying open until late evening or overnight (as some stores do on regular days), most Kroger locations will close in the late afternoon on Thanksgiving Day itself.
Pharmacy hours during Thanksgiving
It’s also worth noting that while Kroger store hours on Thanksgiving are generally reduced, pharmacies inside the stores are often closed for the entire holiday. Even if the Kroger grocery section is open, many Kroger pharmacy counters will not be operating. This is especially true for pharmacies, as they require licensed pharmacists who typically observe holidays.
So if you need medication or prescriptions filled on Thanksgiving Day, it’s best to plan ahead and take care of those items before the holiday. Shopping early on Wednesday or even Tuesday can spare you the stress of dealing with a closed pharmacy on holiday morning.
Why do the store hours matter on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday in the United States, and most businesses adjust their hours so that employees can spend the day with family. This means many stores shorten their operating hours or close entirely. While some superstores and retail giants like Walmart, Costco, and many fashion retailers remain closed on Thanksgiving, grocery stores often stay open for part of the day. This is because many families find themselves needing to grab forgotten ingredients, dessert items, or holiday beverages at the last minute.
That’s where Kroger Thanksgiving hours become especially important. Kroger typically adjusts store hours for holidays like Thanksgiving so that customers still have access to essentials, but also allows employees to enjoy part of the holiday.
Menu at Kroger
When most people think of Kroger, they imagine a big grocery store filled with fresh produce, pantry staples, and household items. But many shoppers may not realize that Kroger also offers a menu of ready-to-eat foods, deli items, and seasonal meals that make holiday planning easier.
Whether you’re rushing to pick up ingredients, feeding a hungry family, or just hoping to make meal prep easier, the Kroger menu has something for you.
Fresh Deli and Grab-and-Go Foods
Kroger’s menu isn’t a restaurant menu in the traditional sense, but it does include a variety of prepared foods you can buy right in the store. Many Kroger locations have a deli where you can find:
- Freshly sliced meats and cheeses
- Made-to-order sandwiches
- Rotisserie chicken
- Salads and side dishes
- Hot entrees like meatloaf or fried chicken
These foods are perfect if you want ready-to-eat options without cooking. For busy holidays like Thanksgiving, this part of the Kroger menu becomes especially helpful for families who want to save time while still serving delicious food.
Bakery Items
One of the most loved parts of the Kroger menu is the Kroger Bakery. Walk into most Kroger stores, and you’ll see cases filled with:
- Fresh pies (like apple, pecan, or pumpkin)
- Cookies and brownies
- Custom celebration cakes
- Bread and rolls
These bakery items are especially popular during the holidays. Instead of baking from scratch, many families choose a ready-made pie or cake from Kroger to save time and still impress guests.
Seasonal and Holiday Meals
During Thanksgiving and other big holidays, Kroger often expands its menu to include special seasonal items. These may include:
- Fully cooked turkeys
- Pre-made side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole
- Holiday desserts and specialty treats
Some Kroger stores allow customers to order full holiday meals ahead of time, so you can pick them up ready to serve. This service is useful for those who want a cooked Thanksgiving dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Healthy and Organic Options
Kroger also offers many healthy choices on its menu. Through its Simple Truth brand and fresh produce department, shoppers can find:
- Organic fruits and vegetables
- Plant-based meals
- Heart-healthy deli options
If you’re looking to make your Thanksgiving menu a bit lighter or tailored to special diets, Kroger gives you those choices.
Why the Kroger Menu Matters
Many people don’t think of grocery stores as places to find ready-to-eat food, but Kroger has worked hard to make its menu helpful, flexible, and delicious. Not only does the menu support busy families, but it also gives you alternatives when time is tight or when you want a break from cooking.
For holiday planning, the Kroger menu becomes more than just a list of items — it becomes a partner in making your feast special.
Groceries to Buy at Kroger on Thanksgiving
When Thanksgiving arrives, many families feel a mix of excitement and stress as they plan a big holiday meal. At Kroger, that nervous excitement turns into relief when you walk through the grocery aisles and see all the classic holiday foods ready for you to buy. Kroger makes it easier by offering everything from whole turkeys and fresh vegetables to sides, desserts, and Thanksgiving staples you need for a complete feast.
For many shoppers, seeing those turkeys, cranberry sauces, yams, and pies on the shelves brings comfort and joy, because it means the heart of the holiday — sharing a meal with loved ones — is within reach without breaking the budget. Kroger’s seasonal food collection includes both fresh ingredients and prepared items designed to help families cook up their favorite dishes with ease. You can pick up fresh produce, bakery sweets, classic side ingredients, and even full meal bundles that take the guesswork out of shopping for Thanksgiving dinner.
| Grocery Category | Items You Can Find at Kroger | Notes |
| Turkey & Protein | Whole frozen turkey (14–16 lb) | Key holiday centerpiece for families |
| Classic Sides | Turkey stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet corn, green bean options | Helps build a full traditional meal |
| Vegetables & Produce | Baby carrots, Idaho potatoes, yams/ sweet potatoes | Fresh ingredients boost flavor |
| Canned & Pantry | Cranberry sauce, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup | Great for casseroles and recipes |
| Bread & Rolls | Brown & serve rolls, pie crusts | Step up dinner with warm breads |
| Desserts | Pumpkin puree, whipped topping | Perfect for pie and sweet sides |
| Deals & Bundles | Freshgiving Thanksgiving meal bundle | Feeds up to 10 people for under $5 per person |
During the holiday season, Kroger also promotes special seasonal deals and bundled meals, such as the Freshgiving meal bundle that includes turkey, sides, and dessert ingredients to feed a family of ten for less than $4.75 per person — a big help for budget-conscious shoppers.
Where Kroger Operates: A Nationwide Grocery Network
Kroger is one of the largest grocery store chains in the United States, and many families rely on its nearby locations to pick up groceries, especially during big holidays like Thanksgiving. Kroger operates thousands of stores across the country, giving customers easy access to fresh produce, meats, pantry staples, and seasonal holiday foods. As of early 2026, Kroger has over 2,700 grocery stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia, with major concentrations in states like California, Texas, Ohio, and Georgia.
These locations are designed to serve every shopper’s needs, from everyday grocery runs to big holiday feasts, and they often include services like pharmacies, fuel centers, and online pickup or delivery options. Because Kroger stores are scattered across so many states, most Americans live within a short drive of one, making last-minute grocery shopping convenient when you need to prepare for special occasions like Thanksgiving.
| State / Region | Approx. # of Kroger Stores | Notes on Store Presence |
| California | ~297 | The highest number of Kroger-brand stores in the nation |
| Texas | ~204 | Strong Kroger presence in both urban and suburban areas |
| Ohio | ~206 | One of Kroger’s original strongholds with deep Midwest roots |
| Georgia | ~164 | Significant number of locations serving southeastern communities |
| Other States | Hundreds more across 35 states | Kroger serves cities and towns nationwide |
This broad network of locations helps Kroger stay close to customers’ homes and communities, providing convenience and access to groceries and holiday essentials year-round.
Why Kroger shortens hours but stays open
You might wonder why Kroger Thanksgiving hours include being open at all when many other stores choose to close. The answer comes down to customer need and tradition. Thanksgiving is centered around food, and even families that prepare meals weeks ahead of time may realize on Thursday morning that they forgot something critical—like salt, whipping cream, or even ice for drinks.
Because groceries are essential, and because many communities depend on them for holiday meals, Kroger and similar grocery chains choose to stay open for limited hours. But it also understands that holidays are important to its staff. Closing early helps Kroger strike a balance between serving customers and honoring the holiday spirit.
How to check your local Kroger store hours
One important thing to keep in mind is that Kroger Thanksgiving hours can vary by location. The store’s official holiday hours page notes that hours may differ depending on your local store’s management and state regulations.
Because of this, the best way to confirm Kroger Thanksgiving hours for your nearest store is by using Kroger’s online store locator or mobile app. There, you can enter your ZIP code and view specific store hours for Thanksgiving Day. This is especially important if your town or state has different rules about holiday sales.
Tip: Always check Kroger’s official holiday hours page or call the store directly before heading out on Thanksgiving morning. This helps you avoid arriving during the time when a store might be preparing to close early.
Tips for shopping at Kroger on Thanksgiving
Now that you know what to expect with Kroger Thanksgiving hours, here are a few tips to make your holiday grocery run smoother:
- Shop early — Stores often open their doors in the early morning on Thanksgiving Day, and mornings tend to be less crowded.
- Check online for hours — Kroger’s website and app often show updated holiday hours, which can save you a wasted trip.
- Plan pharmacy needs ahead — Since Kroger pharmacy counters are usually closed on Thanksgiving, pick up prescriptions earlier in the week.
- Use curbside pickup if available — This option can save time and help you avoid crowds.
- Know that hours may shift — Local stores sometimes adjust their holiday hours based on regional rules or staffing needs.
These simple steps will make your grocery experience easier and help you enjoy the holiday without stress.
Customer Reviews and Public Feedback on Kroger
Many customers praise Kroger for its wide product selection and value pricing, making it a go-to grocery destination for weekly shopping and holiday needs. Some reviewers highlight Kroger’s helpful policies and customer care when problems arise, noting that Kroger staff often work to fix mistakes quickly, especially with online orders or price issues. According to customer review summaries found online, Kroger earns appreciation for having a range of fresh produce, household items, and weekly digital deals that help families save money and stock their kitchens. These positive comments show that many shoppers enjoy Kroger’s convenience and variety when shopping for everyday groceries or special occasions like holiday meals.
Even though experiences differ by store, several reviewers specifically mention that Kroger can be a reliable and satisfying place to shop for groceries, especially because of its user-friendly layout, strong deals, and the ability to find big-name products alongside Kroger-brand items that are often more affordable.
Final thoughts
Kroger Thanksgiving hours are a practical part of holiday planning. Kroger’s decision to stay open for limited hours on Thanksgiving Day reflects the company’s effort to balance customer needs with holiday observance.
By closing early — typically between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. — Kroger gives shoppers time for last-minute needs while also allowing its employees to celebrate with their families.
If you’re planning to shop on Thanksgiving, remember to check your local store’s hours, plan ahead for pharmacy needs, and shop early to avoid crowds. With a little preparation, you can take advantage of Kroger’s holiday schedule and make your Thanksgiving dinner prep go smoothly.
