Thanksgiving is a wonderful time filled with delicious food, family gatherings, and lots of fun. But what happens when you realize you’ve forgotten something important — like cranberry sauce, stuffing, or even the turkey? That’s when knowing what grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving can save the day. This guide is designed to help you figure out exactly where you can shop if you need a last-minute item on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you’re looking for a big chain store or a local grocery shop, we’ve got you covered.
What Grocery Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving Day?
Every year, millions of people across the United States celebrate Thanksgiving with family meals and special traditions. But despite all the planning, it’s easy to forget a few things. That’s why it’s so important to know which grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving. Not all stores shut down on the holiday, but many do have reduced hours or special Thanksgiving schedules. Some big-name stores stay open for part of the day to help people grab those last-minute ingredients. However, it’s important to call ahead or check online, because hours can vary depending on your location.
Big retailers like Walmart, Safeway, and Whole Foods are often open for limited hours on Thanksgiving Day. Others, such as Kroger and Albertsons, may stay open but operate on a holiday schedule. Local and regional grocery stores may also stay open, but again, times can change based on the city or state. Using store locators or checking each store’s official app can make your Thanksgiving less stressful.
Stores That Stay Open on Thanksgiving
While some grocery stores close completely for Thanksgiving to give their workers a well-earned break, others remain open — often with reduced hours. Some stores that are typically open on Thanksgiving (at least for part of the day) include:
- Walmart
- Whole Foods Market
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Kroger
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Food Lion
- Ralphs
- ACME Markets
- Fresh Market
These stores usually open early in the morning and close by early evening, around 3 PM to 6 PM, depending on the location. It’s best to double-check your local store hours before heading out. Many stores also offer online delivery services or curbside pickup, which can be extremely helpful during the holiday rush.
Walmart Thanksgiving Hours
Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the U.S., and it’s a go-to place for many shoppers. However, over the past few years, Walmart has made it a policy to close on Thanksgiving Day to give employees time with their families. While this may disappoint some last-minute shoppers, it’s part of Walmart’s commitment to its workers. So if you’re thinking about heading to Walmart on Thanksgiving, you might need to plan ahead and shop the day before.
Walmart typically resumes normal business hours on Black Friday, opening as early as 5 AM. That means if you can hold off until the next morning, you’ll have plenty of time to shop for both groceries and holiday deals.
Whole Foods on Thanksgiving
Whole Foods is a popular grocery store for people looking for organic, natural, or specialty food items. Many Whole Foods locations are open on Thanksgiving, though they operate with limited holiday hours. Most stores close earlier than usual — often by 2 PM or 3 PM. This makes it a good option if you realize in the morning that you’re missing an ingredient for your dinner.
Whole Foods also offers Thanksgiving meal kits, including pre-cooked turkeys, sides, and desserts. These kits can usually be ordered in advance online and picked up in-store. This is a great option if you want to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner without spending all day in the kitchen.
Safeway Thanksgiving Schedule
Safeway stores typically remain open on Thanksgiving, though hours can vary. Many stores open early in the morning and close by mid-afternoon. Safeway is a great place to shop for both fresh produce and pantry staples, and some locations even have a pharmacy and bakery open during the holiday.
If you’re unsure whether your local Safeway is open, visit their website or call the store directly. Safeway’s app also shows updated holiday hours, and you might even find Thanksgiving deals on turkey, stuffing, and desserts.
Grocery Stores That Are Closed on Thanksgiving
While some grocery stores stay open, others choose to close completely for Thanksgiving. Here’s a quick list of grocery chains that are usually closed on Thanksgiving Day:
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Trader Joe’s
- ALDI
- Publix
These stores close to give employees a chance to celebrate with their families. If one of these is your go-to store, you’ll need to shop the day before or plan a visit early on Black Friday morning. Some stores, like Target, often post their holiday hours well in advance, so keep an eye on their official website during Thanksgiving week.
Local Grocery Stores Near You That Might Be Open
Depending on where you live, you might have a few local grocery stores open on Thanksgiving Day. Small neighborhood markets, convenience stores, or regional chains sometimes stay open for limited hours. Stores like Food 4 Less, Piggly Wiggly, Giant Food, or H-E-B may be open in some locations.
To find out, just do a quick online search using terms like “grocery stores open near me on Thanksgiving” or use apps like Google Maps, Yelp, or even DoorDash and Instacart, which often list holiday hours. Calling the store directly is always the safest bet when it comes to local businesses.
Tips to Shop Smart on Thanksgiving Day
Shopping on Thanksgiving can feel a little stressful, especially if you’re rushing around to find ingredients at the last minute. Here are a few simple tips to make your Thanksgiving grocery trip smooth and stress-free:
- Make a list the night before so you know exactly what you need.
- Call ahead to check if the store is open and confirm the hours.
- Use grocery delivery services if your favorite store is closed.
- Stick to the basics — only get what you really need.
- Stay calm and kind — store employees are working on a holiday.
These small actions can help you save time, avoid frustration, and enjoy a better holiday with your family.
Go Early to Avoid Crowds
If you must shop on Thanksgiving, the earlier the better. Most stores that stay open will see a rush of shoppers between 10 AM and 1 PM. Getting there as soon as the doors open — usually between 7 AM and 9 AM — will give you the best chance of finding what you need before it’s gone. Many stores also restock shelves first thing in the morning, so early birds are more likely to find high-demand items like stuffing mix, fresh vegetables, and turkey broth.
Make a Small List
Before you step out the door, write a quick list of only the things you really need. This helps save time and keeps you from wandering the aisles. Focus on must-have items like butter, milk, flour, or spices. It’s easy to forget little things, especially when cooking a big meal, so double-check your recipes before heading out.
What to Do If All Stores Are Closed?
If every store near you is closed, don’t panic! There are still a few things you can do:
- Check with gas stations or convenience stores — they often carry essentials like milk, eggs, or bread.
- Ask a neighbor or friend if they have an extra ingredient to share.
- Get creative — you might be able to make substitutions. No heavy cream? Use milk and butter instead.
- Skip it! Sometimes one missing item doesn’t ruin the whole meal.
Thanksgiving is about spending time together — not perfection. So even if something’s missing, the holiday can still be special.
Can You Order Groceries Online on Thanksgiving?
Yes, but it depends on your location and the store’s delivery options. Some stores partner with services like Instacart, DoorDash, or Uber Eats to offer same-day delivery on Thanksgiving. Keep in mind that availability is limited, and there may be higher delivery fees or longer wait times due to holiday demand.
If you’re planning to order online, do it early in the day. Most apps allow you to see what stores are delivering in real-time, so you can decide whether it’s better to wait or go pick things up yourself.
What Time Do Grocery Stores Close on Thanksgiving?
Most grocery stores that stay open on Thanksgiving Day will close early. Common closing times range between 2 PM and 6 PM, depending on the store and location. For example, some Whole Foods stores may close by 3 PM, while a local Kroger may stay open until 5 PM. It’s always a good idea to double-check using a store’s app or website, or by giving them a quick call. Don’t assume normal hours apply — most stores follow a special holiday schedule.
The Bottom Line
Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and making memories. But if you find yourself missing a key ingredient or running low on supplies, knowing what grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving can be a lifesaver. From big names like Whole Foods and Safeway to small local shops, many stores offer limited hours to help out last-minute shoppers. The key is to plan ahead, shop early, and stay calm.
Even if your go-to store is closed, there are still ways to get what you need — whether through a delivery app, a neighbor, or a little creativity in the kitchen. And if all else fails, remember: the most important part of Thanksgiving isn’t the food — it’s being together.
