Thanksgiving Day isn’t just about turkey, family gatherings, and football it’s also the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping frenzy. But for millions of shoppers, one burning question lingers: Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving 2025? With last-minute ingredient hunts and early Black Friday scouting on everyone’s mind, knowing Walmart hours Thanksgiving can make or break your holiday plans. In 2025, as inflation eases but grocery prices remain a hot topic, Walmart’s decisions on store operations carry extra weight. This guide dives deep into the retail giant’s schedule for November 27, explores alternatives like what stores are open on Thanksgiving, and uncovers must-know details on the Walmart Thanksgiving sale. Whether you’re prepping a feast or eyeing deals, we’ve got you covered with timely, practical insights to keep your day stress-free.
Is Walmart Open on Thanksgiving 2025? The Straight Scoop
Short answer: No, Walmart stores across the U.S. will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025. This marks the sixth consecutive year of the closure, a policy Walmart solidified in 2020 to prioritize employee family time amid pandemic pressures and it’s stuck ever since. “Closing our stores on Thanksgiving Day is one way we’re saying ‘Thank you’ to our teams,” explained a Walmart executive in a 2021 statement, echoing the sentiment for 2025.
Why does this matter? Walmart’s 4,600+ U.S. locations serve as a lifeline for everything from forgotten cranberry sauce to impulse buys. But the closure isn’t a total blackout Walmart.com runs 24/7, so you can still snag groceries via delivery or pickup (once stores reopen) or browse Walmart Thanksgiving sale previews online. Pro tip: Use the Walmart app’s Store Finder for real-time updates, as a handful of neighborhood markets might tweak hours locally, though none will open fully on the holiday.
This shift reflects a broader retail trend: Major chains are dialing back holiday openings to combat burnout and crowds. Yet, it leaves shoppers scrambling. If you’re wondering is Walmart open on Thanksgiving out of habit, remember plan ahead. Stock up by Wednesday, November 26, when most stores hum along at standard 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. hours.
Walmart Hours Today and Thanksgiving Eve Breakdown
Curious about Walmart hours today as the holiday nears? On Tuesday, November 25, and Wednesday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Eve), expect business as usual: doors swing open at 6 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. local time. This gives ample opportunity to load up on essentials without the Thursday rush.
For Walmart Thanksgiving eve hours 2025, no major adjustments are announced it’s a prime window for bulk buys. Pharmacies, vision centers, and auto services might wrap up earlier (around 7-8 p.m.), so double-check via the app if you need those. Sensory-friendly hours, typically 8-10 a.m. mornings, remain available too, offering a calmer vibe for families.
Post-holiday? Black Friday flips the script more on that below. And for New Year’s? Is Walmart open New Year’s Day 2025? Absolutely, with normal 6 a.m.-11 p.m. operations nationwide. No excuses for skipping those resolution grocery runs.
What Holidays Is Walmart Closed? A Year-Round Rundown
Walmart keeps most doors open 363 days a year, but two holidays slam them shut: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Here’s the lowdown on what holidays is Walmart closed in 2025:
- Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27): Closed nationwide.
- Christmas Day (Dec. 25): Closed, though Christmas Eve sees early closures around 6 p.m.
For everything else New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day it’s standard 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Veterans Day? Open. Easter? Open. Even Juneteenth gets the green light. This reliability makes Walmart a holiday hero, but the Thanksgiving and Christmas closures underscore a commitment to work-life balance. Deep insight: These decisions stem from post-2020 labor shifts, where employee retention trumped sales spikes. In 2025, with retail turnover at 60%, it’s a smart play happy staff means better service when doors do open.
What Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving? Your Backup Plan
Forgot the gravy boat? Don’t sweat while Walmart and peers bow out, plenty of spots keep the lights on. What stores are open on Thanksgiving 2025? Grocery chains lead the charge, often with reduced hours to let staff feast too. Here’s a quick comparison table of major players, focusing on modified schedules (always verify locally via store apps or sites):
| Store Chain | Thanksgiving Hours (Nov. 27, 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger (incl. Ralphs, Fred Meyer) | 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Full grocery selection; pharmacies close early. |
| Albertsons (incl. Safeway, Vons) | 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Essentials only; great for last-minute produce. |
| Whole Foods | 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. (varies by location) | Organic focus; some close at noon. |
| Food Lion | 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Budget-friendly; Southern staples stocked. |
| Meijer | 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Midwest powerhouse; includes bakery items. |
| Wegmans | 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Premium meals; prepared foods shine. |
| CVS/Walgreens | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (pharmacies limited) | Essentials and meds; 24-hour spots rare. |
| Dollar General | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Pantry fillers; unexpected gems. |
Is Target open on Thanksgiving 2025? Nope Target joins Walmart in full closure, a policy locked in since 2021 to “minimize crowds and stress.” For Target Thanksgiving hours, it’s 8 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays otherwise, but skip the holiday drive. Insight: These openings cater to 20-30% of shoppers who forget items, per retail data grocers like Kroger see a 15% sales bump on Turkey Day. External link: Check local hours at Kroger’s site.
Walmart Thanksgiving Sale: Deals to Gobble Up Before Black Friday
Even with stores shuttered, the Walmart Thanksgiving sale is alive online from November 25-27, blending holiday meal steals with early Black Friday teasers. Spotlight: The star is Walmart’s $39.93 Thanksgiving Meal Basket for 10 under $4 per person, the cheapest since 2022. It includes a Butterball turkey (97¢/lb, lowest since 2019), Stove Top stuffing, rolls, pie crust, veggies, and more 25% less than 2024’s bundle.
New twists? Gluten-free ($46.28), high-protein ($37.81), and prime rib ($21.27) options for dietary tweaks. Available now through December 26 via Walmart.com/ThanksgivingMeal add to cart in one click for pickup post-closure. Walmart+ members snag five hours early access starting November 24 at 7 p.m. ET.
Deeper dive: This promo counters rising food costs (up 2.5% YoY per USDA), feeding families amid economic squeezes. Pair it with rollbacks on decor (e.g., 50% off wreaths) for a full holiday haul. Internal link: Jump to Black Friday below for seamless deal hunting.
Black Friday at Walmart: Hours, Highlights, and How to Score Big
Thanksgiving closure? No sweat Walmart flips to frenzy mode on Black Friday, November 28, opening at 6 a.m. and running till 11 p.m. Expect doorbusters from 6-11 a.m., with Walmart+ early online access at 7 p.m. November 27.
2025’s “WhoKnewVille” theme drops up to 60% off brands like Apple and Dyson, plus thousands under $20. Electronics (TVs at $98), toys (Lego sets 40% off), and kitchenware lead perfect post-feast upgrades. Three events: November 14-16 (early), 25-30 (online heavy), and Cyber Monday (December 1).
Strategy: Download the app for in-stock alerts; shop curbside to dodge lines. Insight: Black Friday drives 20% of Walmart’s annual sales, but online shifts mean 40% of deals happen digitally beat the rush virtually.
Wrapping Up: Plan Smart, Shop Savvy This Holiday
From confirmed closures on Walmart hours Thanksgiving to what stores are open on Thanksgiving backups, 2025’s landscape prioritizes balance over bustle. Walmart’s Thanksgiving sale delivers feast value, while Black Friday promises savings galore. Remember: Is Walmart open New Year’s Day? Yes ring in 2026 stocked and ready.
Action step: Head to Walmart.com now for that meal basket or deal previews. What’s your must-grab item? Share in the comments happy Thanksgiving!
FAQ: Common Questions on Walmart Hours and Holiday Shopping
Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving 2025?
No, all Walmart stores close on November 27, 2025, but online shopping continues 24/7.
What stores are open on Thanksgiving 2025?
Options include Kroger (6 a.m.-4 p.m.), Albertsons (6 a.m.-3 p.m.), and Whole Foods (7 a.m.-1 p.m.) —check locally for what stores are open on Thanksgiving.
Walmart Thanksgiving eve hours 2025?
Standard 6 a.m.-11 p.m. on November 26 ideal for pre-holiday stocking.
Walmart Thanksgiving sale details?
$39.93 meal for 10, including turkey and sides; available online through December 26.
Is Target open on Thanksgiving 2025?
No, Target stores remain closed, matching Walmart’s policy.
What holidays is Walmart closed?
Only Thanksgiving and Christmas Day in 2025.
Is Walmart open New Year’s Day 2025?
Yes, normal 6 a.m.-11 p.m. hours nationwide.
