Is Walmart Open on Thanksgiving 2025? The Surprising Holiday Change Revealed
Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving 2025? This is one of the most searched holiday questions every year, as shoppers look for last-minute groceries, ingredients, or early holiday deals. For 2025, Walmart has officially confirmed its Thanksgiving schedule, and customers should plan ahead before heading to the store.
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Is Walmart Open on Thanksgiving 2025?
No, Walmart will be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025.
This marks another year in Walmart’s recent tradition of closing all U.S. stores on Thanksgiving to allow employees to spend the holiday with their families. The retailer made this policy permanent after 2020, and it continues through 2025.
Why Walmart Is Closed on Thanksgiving
Walmart announced in previous years that closing on Thanksgiving is part of its commitment to improving the employee work-life balance. With millions of workers and thousands of stores, the company has emphasized the importance of giving staff a full day off during the holiday season.
In addition, Walmart has shifted its focus toward expanding its Black Friday and Cyber Monday events, reducing the need to open on Thanksgiving Day.
When Does Walmart Reopen?
Walmart stores will open back up on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6 a.m. local time. That’s when their Black Friday deals kick off in stores, so if you’re planning to shop those sales, you’ll want to get there early.
The good news? Walmart’s online Black Friday deals usually start even earlier, so you can shop from your couch on Thanksgiving if you really want to.
What If You Need Something on Thanksgiving?
If you’re like most people and realize you forgot something important for Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll want to shop ahead. Your best bet is to hit up Walmart on Wednesday, November 26 — the day before Thanksgiving.
Some smaller grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations might be open with limited hours on Thanksgiving, but most big retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Costco are also staying closed.
What Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving
Several grocery chains, convenience stores, and essential-needs retailers plan to stay open on Thanksgiving — usually with shortened or modified hours. Always check your local store’s schedule before heading out.
1. Kroger
Many Kroger locations open on Thanksgiving with reduced hours, usually closing in the early afternoon. It’s a reliable option for last-minute ingredients.
2. Meijer
Meijer stores traditionally remain open on Thanksgiving, often from morning until early evening. Perfect for groceries and household supplies.
3. Whole Foods Market
Most Whole Foods locations stay open but close early — typically around 1 p.m. This makes them helpful for fresh produce, bakery items, or specialty ingredients.
4. Food Lion
Food Lion is known for operating on Thanksgiving with limited hours, offering shoppers quick access to essentials.
5. Albertsons
Many Albertsons stores open on Thanksgiving, though hours vary by region. Good for produce, snacks, drinks, and bakery items.
6. Ralphs
Select Ralphs locations remain open with reduced hours. Ideal for grocery staples or forgotten dinner items.
7. Dollar General
Dollar General stores frequently open on Thanksgiving, making them convenient for household essentials, snacks, and emergency items.
8. Family Dollar
Family Dollar typically stays open for most of Thanksgiving Day with shorter hours. A practical stop for basic supplies.
9. Convenience Stores & Gas Stations
Most gas stations and convenience stores — including 7-Eleven, Circle K, and local independents — remain open 24/7 or with regular hours, offering drinks, snacks, ice, and essential goods.
10. Select Specialty & Outdoor Stores
Some outdoor sporting retailers like Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s open on Thanksgiving, though this varies by location.
And if you’re still planning your dessert menu, check out the best apple pie recipe to make sure you have everything you need before the stores close.
Final Thoughts
Plan ahead this year. Do your grocery shopping before Thanksgiving, and if you’re looking to score Black Friday deals, either shop online Thursday evening or head to the store bright and early Friday morning. Walmart’s making sure their employees get a real holiday — and honestly, that’s a pretty good reason to plan your shopping around it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Is Walmart Open on Thanksgiving
Does Walmart Have Off on Thanksgiving?
Yes, Walmart is completely closed on Thanksgiving Day. All U.S. stores will be shut down for the holiday, with no in-store shopping available.
Do Walmart Workers Work on Thanksgiving?
No, Walmart employees get Thanksgiving off. This is one of the biggest reasons Walmart decided to close on Thanksgiving permanently. The company wanted to give their millions of workers the chance to actually enjoy the holiday with their families instead of working through it.
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