What’s Open on Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.
Thanksgiving is a holiday about gratitude; people take time to give thanks for what they have, especially family, food, and good fortune. Still, last-minute needs make many people curious about what’s open on Thanksgiving Day.
At the same time, we are searching for fast food restaurants open on Christmas, which shows a strong intent to find reliable holiday business hours.
Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States, so many businesses close or reduce hours. However, not everything shuts down. Some essential services, food providers, and entertainment venues continue operating with limited schedules.
What’s open on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November and is treated as a family-focused holiday. It is supposed to be calm and comforting, but life has a way of surprising us. A missing ingredient, an unexpected guest, or a change in plans can quickly turn a peaceful day into a small rush of worry.
That is when people begin wondering what’s open on Thanksgiving. While many big stores close so workers can be home with their families, the day does not come to a complete stop.
Some grocery stores open for a few hours, gas stations stay ready for travelers, and a handful of restaurants keep their doors open for those who need a warm meal. Knowing that something is still available brings relief, letting people breathe easier and return their focus to what Thanksgiving truly represents—gratitude, connection, and time spent with the people who matter most.
Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving
Many grocery stores open for part of the day on Thanksgiving. These stores focus on convenience for forgotten items rather than full shopping experiences. Most locations open early in the morning and close by mid-afternoon.
Large grocery chains often reduce hours to give workers time with their families. Pharmacies inside grocery stores usually close even if the store stays open.
| Grocery Store | Typical Thanksgiving Hours | Locations / Coverage |
| Kroger & Family Stores | 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (early closing) | Nationwide across many U.S. states under the Kroger brands |
| Whole Foods Market | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Major cities and suburban areas across the U.S. |
| Sprouts Farmers Market | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM | West Coast, Southwest, Midwest, and select East Coast states |
| Food Lion | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States |
| Wegmans | 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions |
| HEB | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Texas locations only |
| ACME Markets | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Northeastern United States |
| Albertsons | 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM | Western and Southern U.S. states |
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Restaurants represent one of the most searched categories when people look for what’s open on Thanksgiving. Many families prefer dining out or ordering prepared meals instead of cooking at home.
Sit-down restaurants, diners, and family-style chains often serve Thanksgiving meals. Some fast-food locations also remain open, especially in urban and travel-heavy areas.
| Restaurant / Food Place | Typical Hours on Thanksgiving | Type / Notes |
| Waffle House | Open (24 hrs) | Classic diner open year-round |
| Cracker Barrel | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Thanksgiving menu served |
| IHOP | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (varies) | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| Denny’s | Open (many 24 hr) | Serves breakfast & turkey bundles |
| Applebee’s | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (varies) | Casual dining |
| Golden Corral | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Buffet style (some extended) |
| Bob Evans | Open all day | Holiday meals & classics |
| Buca di Beppo | Open on Thanksgiving | Family-style Italian holiday meals |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | All day (varies) | Bar & grill, popular for games |
| White Castle | Until 3:00 PM | Fast food sliders & sides |
| McDonald’s | Varies by location | Many locations open |
| Burger King | Varies by location | Classic fast food |
| Wendy’s | Varies by location | Full fast-food menu |
| Arby’s | Varies by location | Fast casual sandwiches |
| Dunkin’ | Varies by location | Coffee & breakfast |
| Krispy Kreme | Until ~2:00 PM (varies) | Donuts & treats |
| Popeyes | Varies by location | Fried chicken & sides |
| Taco Bell | Varies by location | Fast casual Mexican-inspired |
| Starbucks | Varies by location | Coffee & snacks |
Restaurant hours vary widely by region and franchise owner decisions, so verifying on Google Maps or the official app is always recommended before you go.
Retail Stores Open or Closed on Thanksgiving
Retail shopping has changed significantly over recent years. Many large retailers now close on Thanksgiving to improve employee work-life balance. This shift has made holiday planning easier for workers but confusing for shoppers.
Big-box retailers usually close completely. Smaller convenience-based stores may remain open. Black Friday sales often begin online rather than in-store.
| Store Name | Status on Thanksgiving | Typical Hours | Location / Coverage |
| Dollar General | Open | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (varies) | Nationwide U.S. |
| Dollar Tree | Open | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (varies) | Nationwide U.S. |
| Family Dollar | Open | 8:00 AM – 6:00–10:00 PM | Nationwide U.S. |
| CVS Pharmacy | Open (limited) | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (varies) | Nationwide U.S. |
| Walgreens (24-hour stores) | Open (limited) | Open or reduced hours | Select U.S. locations |
| Big Lots | Open | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies) | Nationwide U.S. |
| Bass Pro Shops | Open | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Nationwide U.S. |
| Cabela’s | Open | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Nationwide U.S. |
| 7-Eleven | Open | Regular hours | Nationwide U.S. |
| Wawa | Open | Regular hours | East Coast U.S. |
| Circle K | Open | Regular hours | Nationwide U.S. |
| Gas Station Convenience Stores | Open | Varies by location | Nationwide U.S. |
| Starbucks | Open (varies) | Reduced / location-based | Nationwide U.S. |
| Walmart | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| Target | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| Costco | Closed | — | All U.S. warehouses |
| Sam’s Club | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| Best Buy | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| Kohl’s | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| Macy’s | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| TJ Maxx | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| Marshalls | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| HomeGoods | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| Trader Joe’s | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| Aldi | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| Publix | Closed | — | Southeastern U.S. |
| Home Depot | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
| Lowe’s | Closed | — | All U.S. locations |
Stores that remain open on Thanksgiving usually operate on reduced or location-specific hours, while most large retailers stay fully closed. Always check your local store listing on Thanksgiving morning for exact times.
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores on Thanksgiving
Gas stations almost always stay open on Thanksgiving. Travel does not stop during holidays, so fuel access remains essential. Convenience stores attached to gas stations also operate, although staffing may be limited.
Food options at gas stations include packaged meals, snacks, drinks, and sometimes hot food. These locations become critical resources when grocery stores close early.
Pharmacies and Medical Services on Thanksgiving
Healthcare services continue operating even on holidays. Hospitals and emergency rooms never close. Urgent care clinics often remain open with reduced hours.
Retail pharmacies may close, especially those inside grocery or retail stores. Standalone pharmacies sometimes open for limited hours.
| Service Type | Open Status |
| Hospitals | Open |
| Emergency rooms | Open |
| Urgent care centers | Limited hours |
| Retail pharmacies | Mostly closed |
Emergency medical care remains available regardless of the holiday.
Banks, Post Offices, and Government Offices
Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, so government services close nationwide. Banks, post offices, courts, and public offices do not operate.
Online banking remains accessible, but in-person services pause until the next business day. Mail delivery does not occur on Thanksgiving.
Public Transportation and Travel Services
Public transportation usually operates on a holiday schedule. Buses and trains may run less frequently, but service rarely stops completely in large cities.
Airports remain open, and flights continue operating. Travelers should expect fewer staff members and slower service times.
Entertainment Places Open on Thanksgiving
Many people relax on Thanksgiving afternoon, which keeps entertainment venues active. Movie theaters often remain open all day. Bowling alleys and amusement centers may also operate with special hours.
Museums and cultural centers sometimes close, especially those run by cities or states. Private attractions decide independently.
How to Check Accurate Thanksgiving Hours
The best way to confirm what’s open on Thanksgiving is by checking updated business listings on search engines and official websites. Many companies update holiday hours a few days before Thanksgiving.
Calling ahead remains the safest option, especially for restaurants and pharmacies. Social media pages often share real-time updates on holiday hours.
Planning Tips for Thanksgiving Day
Planning reduces stress and saves time on holidays. Grocery shopping should happen one or two days before Thanksgiving. Restaurant reservations should be made early.
Travelers should fuel vehicles ahead of time and download transit schedules. Families hosting guests should prepare backup meal options.
Holiday hours change yearly, so checking close to Thanksgiving is always necessary.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving does not mean everything closes, but it does require preparation. Grocery stores open briefly, restaurants vary, and essential services continue operating. Retail shopping mostly pauses, while fuel and healthcare remain accessible.
Understanding these patterns helps families enjoy the holiday without unnecessary stress. Knowing what stays open allows better planning, smarter decisions, and a more relaxed Thanksgiving experience.
