Thanksgiving can turn a calm day into a quick store run. You may need butter, foil, ice, or one more pie. The hard part is knowing which store may still be open.
In 2026, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26. Store hours can change by city and by shop. Some chains do not post final hours until late in the fall. Check the store app or local page before you leave home.
What is usually open on Thanksgiving
The main trend is easy to see. Many big stores now close for the full day. Food stores, drugstores, gas stations, and small markets are more likely to open for part of the day.
That makes Thanksgiving a day for food, medicine, fuel, and small needs. It is not a good day to plan a big shopping trip.
Walmart and Target
Walmart has closed its U.S. stores on Thanksgiving in recent years. Target says its stores will stay closed on Thanksgiving as a set rule moving forward.
If Walmart is on your list, our guide to whether Walmart is open on Thanksgiving has more detail. For Target, shop by Wednesday or wait until Friday.
You may still be able to shop online. Pickup and delivery may be limited while stores are closed.
Food stores
Food stores are often the best choice for a last-minute run. Many open in the morning and close early. The exact time can change by store.
Kroger, Albertsons, Food Lion, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and many local chains have used short holiday hours in past years. Do not assume last year’s time will be the same this year.
If you are cooking, our guide to how many ounces are in a pound can help with meat, cheese, and baking. For stock, drinks, and large recipes, see how many ounces are in a gallon.
Drugstores
Some CVS and Walgreens stores may open on Thanksgiving. The drug counter may have shorter hours than the main store.
If you need medicine, check the drug counter hours. Do not check only the store hours.
Gas stations and small shops
Gas stations and small shops are often a good late-day choice. Many stay open on holidays. They may have ice, drinks, snacks, batteries, paper goods, and basic medicine.
Some dollar stores and local markets may also open for a short day. These can be good for foil pans, bags, plates, canned food, and small home items.
Hours can vary. A fast check before you drive can save a wasted trip.
Places to eat and coffee shops
Some places to eat and coffee shops open on Thanksgiving. Places in airports, hotels, hospitals, and travel stops are more likely to stay open.
Hours can still vary. A sit-down meal may also need a booking.
What is often closed
Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday. Federal offices are closed. Banks and many public sites also close.
Mail and basic shipping may be paused or cut back. If you need a bank, post office, or public site, go before Thursday.
Make a simple plan
Buy the main meal food by Wednesday. Save Thanksgiving trips for true last-minute needs.
A simple food budget can also help. Tuars has a practical guide to weekly food costs that can help you set a rough limit before you add extra food.
Keep a short backup plan. Try a food store early. Use a drugstore for medicine and small needs. Try a gas station or corner shop later in the day.
It also helps to have a few basic tools on hand. An instant-read meat thermometer helps with turkey and other meat. A roasting pan can keep you from hunting for cookware at the last minute.
The bottom line
Do not count on a big store being open on Thanksgiving. Target has a set rule to close for the day, and many other big chains have done the same in recent years.
For food, medicine, fuel, and small home needs, check food stores, drugstores, gas stations, and local markets. Most of all, check your exact store before you go. Hours for the day can change.
