Thanksgiving 2025: Thanksgiving always arrives faster than we expect. One moment you think you have everything under control, and the next you’re realizing you forgot the cranberry sauce, ran out of butter, or burned the dinner rolls. Don’t worry — it happens to everyone. This simple guide walks you through what’s open and closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025 so you can handle any last-minute shopping without stress.
More stores now close on Thanksgiving to give workers time with family. That’s great, but it also means fewer places to grab emergency items. Knowing which grocery stores and retail chains are open can save you time and frustration, especially when the holiday rush hits. Think of this as your Thanksgiving 2025 last-minute shopping survival kit.
Quick Table: What’s Open and What’s Closed on Thanksgiving 2025
| Store Type | Open | Closed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kroger | Yes | Limited Locations | Reduced hours, usually morning to early afternoon |
| Meijer | Yes | — | Good for groceries + home goods |
| Whole Foods | Some stores | Many | Hours vary heavily; don’t count on late shopping |
| CVS | Some stores | Some | Pharmacy hours may differ |
| Walgreens | Most stores | Few | Usually reduced hours |
| Dollar General | Yes | — | Useful for canned goods, foil, plates |
| Walmart | — | Yes | Nationwide closure |
| Target | — | Yes | Closed all day |
| Costco | — | Yes | Completely closed |
| Trader Joe’s | — | Yes | Closed nationwide |
| Gas Stations (7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K) | Yes | — | Great for basic cooking items |
| Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s | Yes | — | Limited hours, outdoor gear only |
| Best Buy | — | Yes | Closes for Thanksgiving |
Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving 2025
Some chains stay open because they know people always need last-minute items. Kroger is one of the safest choices, often opening early and closing mid-afternoon. It’s perfect if you need essentials like herbs, butter, or vegetables. Meijer is another reliable pick and a great backup for both groceries and home items. Many Walgreens and CVS locations also stay open with shorter hours, and they’re surprisingly useful for drinks, foil, spices, first-aid supplies, and quick snacks. Dollar General is a holiday lifesaver for canned goods, baking items, and disposable tableware.
Small and regional grocery stores sometimes open for limited hours too. These local stores can be less crowded, so it’s worth checking their hours if you want a faster in-and-out experience.
If you’re planning to shop the next morning, don’t miss our breakdown of the best PlayStation Black Friday deals.
Grocery Stores Closed on Thanksgiving 2025
Many major chains close completely, so plan ahead. Walmart has been closing on Thanksgiving for several years and is expected to do the same in 2025. Target, Costco, and Trader Joe’s also shut down for the entire day. Whole Foods has shifted toward more closures too, and even stores that open usually operate with very short hours, making them unreliable for late-day emergencies. These closures are part of the broader retail trend of giving workers time off for the holiday.
Retail Stores Open on Thanksgiving 2025
Most big-name retailers close on Thanksgiving now, but a few exceptions still operate. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s tend to open with limited hours, mostly for early outdoor shoppers or gift hunters. Some outlet centers might open, but hours vary widely by region. Your most reliable options remain gas station convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, and Speedway. They’re perfect when you need drinks, spices, milk, ice, or backup snacks.
Retail Stores Closed on Thanksgiving 2025
Many well-known retailers shut their doors completely. Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and the Apple Store stay closed all day. Even though many of these stores run big Black Friday deals, they choose to remain closed on Thanksgiving so employees can enjoy the holiday. If you need a charger or baking tool, head to a pharmacy or gas station instead.
Smart Last-Minute Shopping Tips
If you do need to run out on Thanksgiving, a few simple habits can save you time. First, go early. Stores that are open tend to close much earlier than normal. Crowds also grow fast as the day goes on. Calling ahead helps too, because holiday hours are different for almost every location, even within the same chain. Keep your list short and clear so you can get in and out quickly. And don’t ignore gas stations — they carry more food items than most people realize, including butter, milk, snacks, seasonings, and drinks.
Grab disposable pans, foil, and plates when you see them. These items sell out first on holidays. It’s also smart to pick up extra drinks and bread ahead of time since those tend to disappear fast.
Get a head start on tech shopping with the full review of the iPhone Air 2025.
Why Last-Minute Shopping Happens to Everyone
Whether the turkey cooks slower than expected, the dog steals the pie, or you simply forgot the sage, last-minute shopping is part of the Thanksgiving experience. Stores that stay open on the holiday keep the day running smoothly for families everywhere. They save dinners, save moods, and sometimes save the entire holiday.
Black Friday Starts Right After
Even though Thanksgiving Day is quiet for retail, Black Friday 2025 is expected to be huge. Many stores stay closed on Thursday so they can prepare for the early-morning crowds on Friday. While you’re out picking up groceries or snacks, check online deals too — many retailers drop digital sales early, sometimes as soon as Wednesday night.
For more holiday savings, check our updated tech-buying guides covering the biggest Black Friday discounts on trending gadgets.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving should feel calm and joyful, not stressful. Knowing which stores are open and closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025 helps you avoid last-minute panic and focus on enjoying good food and good company. With a little planning, the right store list, and maybe a quick trip to a convenience store, you can handle almost any holiday surprise. And remember, even on Thanksgiving, there’s almost always a store somewhere that’s open just long enough to save the day.
