What is Open and What is Closed on Thanksgiving?

Not long ago, it was nearly impossible to find anything open on Thanksgiving Day. But, as retailers began expanding Black Friday sales to draw in customers, more started toying with the idea of opening on the holiday, and many took the leap. However, over the years, a small rebellion against the idea sprung up, leading some stores to retreat back to closing on the holiday. Now, figuring out what will or won’t open is harder than ever. Below, you’ll find out what is likely to be open or closed on Thanksgiving.

Drug Stores and Pharmacies

Drug stores are open. In most cases, drug store chains do open on the holiday, but may limit their hours. However, some may not have their pharmacy counters open even if the main store is accessible. Additionally, independent drug stores may choose to close. In any case, it’s wise to call ahead to make sure what you need is available.

Gas Stations

Gas stations are open. Since Thanksgiving is a big traveling day, most gas stations open. The convenience store may operate on holiday hours, but the pumps remain accessible, so you can always pay at the pump if you need fuel.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open. Many large grocery chains open on Thanksgiving, but usually on a holiday schedule. However, both Publix and Trader Joe’s will close for the entire day.

If you need to grab some items, you may want to call ahead or check online to see when the store is open. Smaller stores may choose to close, so checking their schedule before you head out the door is wise.

Retail Stores

Retail stores may or may not be open. Even major retailers are divided regarding opening on Thanksgiving. For example, Costco will close for the holiday. Walmart, on the other hand, will open, and their Black Friday sales will actually begin at 6:00 pm local time on Thanksgiving.

Best Buy, Cabela’s, JC Penney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Old Navy, Target, and many others will be open. However, the list of major closures is substantial, including Burlington, Dillard’s, Home Depot, IKEA, Marshalls, Nordstrom, Petco, Pier 1, REI, TJ Maxx, and many more.

Garbage Services

Garbage services may or may not be available. Usual garbage pick up holiday schedules vary by location. Some cities pick up regardless of the holiday while others don’t. If yours doesn’t run on Thanksgiving, your service day is adjusted to later in the week in most cases. When in doubt, contact your provider to find out for certain.

Restaurants

Many restaurants will open. A number of chain restaurants open on Thanksgiving, as well as some independent eateries. In fact, some offer Thanksgiving specials. However, not all locations choose to open on the holiday, so you may want to check before you head out the door.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are closed. By and large, banks and credit unions close for federal holidays, and Thanksgiving is no exception. However, online banking account access is usually available, though transactions may not complete until after the holiday.

U.S. Stock Markets

U.S. stock markets are closed. The major US stock exchanges, including the NYSE and NASDAQ, close for Thanksgiving. Additionally, they will close early (at 1:00 pm Eastern Time) on Friday, November 23. Normal hours resume on Monday, November 26.

Federal Government Offices

Federal government offices are closed. Since Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, all nonessential employees have the day off. This means most offices close for the day.

State and Local Government Offices

State and local government offices are closed. For federal holidays, state and local government offices also usually close. However, agencies in charge of public safety, like police and fire, are operational.

Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Schools, colleges, and universities are closed. Essentially all educational institutions close for Thanksgiving, including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. However, locations with students living on-site may have some basic amenities available, such as cafeteria service, but this varies by school.

Libraries

Libraries are closed. Public libraries are usually not open on federal holidays, so they will close on Thanksgiving Day.

Public Transit

Public transit may operate on holiday hours. Many public transportation services shift to reduced hours for holidays, including Thanksgiving. Check with your local provider to see what services are available and when they run.

Do you have big plans for Thanksgiving? Tell us about them in the comments below.

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