You’ve probably been there. It’s 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, the turkey is in the oven, and you realize—with a sinking feeling—that you forgot the heavy cream for the mashed potatoes. Or maybe the cranberry sauce. Or, god forbid, the extra butter.
Ten years ago, you’d just hop in the car and drive to the nearest big-box store. But things have changed. A lot. Basically, the "Gray Thursday" trend where everyone opened at 6 p.m. to kick off Black Friday is dead. Most of the giants like Walmart and Target have realized that staying closed on the holiday is actually better for morale and doesn't hurt their bottom line as much as they thought.
So, what stores will be open on Thanksgiving this year? Honestly, it’s a patchwork. You aren't going to find a TV at 2 p.m. while the parade is ending, but you can definitely find a gallon of milk or some emergency Tylenol if you know where to look.
The Grocery Savior List
If you're in a pinch for ingredients, the grocery sector is your best bet. Most of these places don't stay open all day, though. They usually do a "half-day" or close by late afternoon so their employees can actually get home for dinner.
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- Kroger: Usually open, but they pull the plug early. Most locations shut down around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. This applies to their "family" of stores too, like Ralphs, Dillons, and King Soopers.
- Whole Foods: They are a lifesaver for that organic sage you forgot. Most locations open at 7 a.m. and close by 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. Check your local store, especially if you live in a state like Massachusetts where "blue laws" might force them to stay shut regardless of corporate policy.
- Meijer: These guys are often the exception to the rule. They usually stay open until 5 p.m.
- Albertsons & Safeway: Most remain open with limited hours. Think 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. range.
- H-E-B: If you’re in Texas, you’re usually good until noon. They typically run 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Sprouts Farmers Market: Often open until 2 p.m.
Don't expect Publix, Aldi, or Trader Joe's to help you out. They are notoriously firm about staying closed on Thanksgiving Day. If you see an Aldi parking lot full of cars on Thursday, they’re probably just employees doing prep for the Friday morning madness.
Pharmacies and Convenience Stores
Sometimes the "emergency" isn't food. Maybe you need a last-minute gift card or some antacids because you overdid it on the stuffing.
CVS is generally your most reliable friend on Thanksgiving. Most of their standalone stores stay open, though the pharmacy counter inside might have shorter hours than the retail side. Walgreens has shifted its strategy recently; while they used to be 24/7 across the board, many non-24-hour locations now close for the holiday. If you have a 24-hour Walgreens nearby, that's your safest bet.
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7-Eleven, Wawa, and Sheetz are almost always open. They are the unsung heroes of the holiday. You can get gas, coffee, and even some basic groceries (and maybe a questionable hot dog) at 2 a.m. or 2 p.m.
The Retail Giants Staying Dark
It’s worth repeating: do not drive to Target. Do not drive to Walmart. Do not go to Best Buy, Kohl's, or Macy's. They are closed. Period.
This shift started during the pandemic and it stuck. Retailers found that people would just shop online on Thursday anyway. In 2025, online sales on Thanksgiving Day hit record highs, proving that people are perfectly happy buying a Dyson vacuum from their couch while wearing pajamas.
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If you absolutely must do some "real" shopping—maybe you need a new flannel shirt or some fishing gear—Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's are rare outliers. They typically open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Why? Because people who like the outdoors often use the holiday as a chance to gear up for the weekend.
A Note on "Blue Laws"
Depending on where you live, everything I just said might be wrong. States like Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island have "blue laws" that date back a long time. These laws basically prohibit large supermarkets and department stores from opening on Thanksgiving. In these states, even if a company like Whole Foods wants to be open, they can't. You’ll be limited to small convenience stores and gas stations.
How to Handle the "Oh No" Moment
If you find yourself missing an ingredient, don't just drive around hoping for an open sign.
- Check the app first. Use the store’s specific app (like Kroger or CVS) to check "Holiday Hours." These are usually more accurate than the generic hours listed on a Google search result.
- Call the store. Yes, use the phone. A quick 10-second call to see if they are still open can save you a 20-minute drive.
- Go early. If a store is open, they are closing early. If you wait until 4 p.m., your options drop to basically zero.
- Try DoorDash or UberEats. Some convenience stores and pharmacies list their inventory here. It’ll cost you a premium, but it beats leaving your guests.
Actionable Next Steps
- Inventory check right now: Go to your pantry. Do you have the chicken broth? The heavy cream? The specific herb you only use once a year?
- Locate your 24-hour pharmacy: Find the nearest 24-hour Walgreens or CVS today so you know exactly where to go if someone gets a headache or a stomach ache mid-meal.
- Bookmark your local Kroger or Safeway holiday page: Most stores post their specific 2026 holiday hours about two weeks before the big day.
By planning for the "closed" reality of modern Thanksgiving, you can actually enjoy your meal instead of hunting for an open grocery store in the dark.