What’s Open and Closed on Thanksgiving 2025?/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Most major retailers and services will be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025 as businesses give employees time off ahead of Black Friday. While some grocery stores remain open for last-minute needs, expect early closures. Meanwhile, AAA projects record-breaking holiday travel this year, with nearly 82 million Americans on the move.
Thanksgiving Openings & Closures Quick Looks
- Major U.S. retailers closed on Thanksgiving Day
- Black Friday shopping begins early Friday morning
- Government offices, schools, post offices closed Thursday
- Banks and stock markets closed Thursday; early hours Friday
- FedEx, UPS pause standard services Thanksgiving Day
- Record 81.8 million Americans expected to travel for holiday
- Grocery stores open Thanksgiving with limited hours
- Gas prices near $3 per gallon, slightly down from 2024
- Domestic flights, road travel expected to surge from last year
- Check local listings for store and pharmacy holiday hours
Deep Look: What’s Open and Closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025?
WASHINGTON — As Americans gather around the table for Thanksgiving 2025, they’ll find that most major retailers, government offices, and financial institutions are taking the day off. The tradition of Thanksgiving closures continues, with businesses giving their employees a break ahead of the Black Friday shopping frenzy.
Whether you’re trying to squeeze in some last-minute shopping, checking on your travel plans, or wondering about store hours, here’s a comprehensive look at what’s open and closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025.
Government Services
All federal, state, and local government offices will be closed for the holiday, including:
- Courthouses
- Public schools
- DMVs
- Post offices
No mail will be delivered on Thursday, and government services will resume on Friday.
Banks & Financial Markets
- All U.S. banks and financial institutions will be closed on Thanksgiving.
- Stock markets will also take a break Thursday but reopen for limited hours on Friday, with trading ending early at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Package Delivery Services
- UPS and FedEx will suspend most regular pickup and delivery operations on Thanksgiving Day.
- Limited critical services may be available at select locations—check with your local branch.
- Normal operations resume on Black Friday.
Retailers: Closed on Thanksgiving, Back Early Friday
Several major U.S. retailers have adopted the practice of staying closed on Thanksgiving Day, opting to start Black Friday in the early morning hours instead.
- Walmart: Closed Thursday, reopening 6 a.m. local time Friday
- Target: Closed Thursday, reopening 6 a.m. local time Friday
- Macy’s: Closed Thursday, open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday
- Kohl’s: Closed Thursday, many locations open as early as 5 a.m. Friday
- Costco: Closed Thursday, reopening Friday (check your local store for times)
If you’re planning to shop on Black Friday, expect early morning crowds and extended store hours across the country.
Drugstores and Pharmacies
- CVS: Stores close early on Thanksgiving; pharmacy hours may vary. Check the CVS website or call your location directly.
- Walgreens: Most locations will be closed, but 24-hour stores may remain open. Call ahead or visit the Walgreens store locator.
Grocery Stores
Most grocery chains will remain open for Thanksgiving but will close early to give workers time with their families. This offers an option for those in need of last-minute essentials like rolls, canned cranberries, or forgotten pie crusts.
As hours vary by location, it’s best to call ahead or check your grocery store’s website or app for details.
Thanksgiving Travel Forecast: Record Numbers Expected
According to AAA, the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods on record, thanks to favorable weather and more flexible work arrangements.
Key AAA Travel Forecast Highlights:
- 81.8 million Americans expected to travel 50+ miles
- Up 1.6 million from Thanksgiving 2024
- Would mark a new travel record for the holiday
- 73 million traveling by car, making up 90% of total travelers
- About 1.3 million more drivers than last year
- 6 million flying domestically, a 2% increase from 2024
- 2.5 million using buses, trains, or cruise ships, up 8.5%
Gas prices remain moderate, with the national average around $3.00 per gallon, slightly down from $3.06 on Thanksgiving Day last year.
However, weather-related delays and cancellations could still impact air travel. Travelers are encouraged to monitor updates from airlines and airport authorities, especially for flights scheduled from Tuesday through Sunday.
Black Friday is Coming
While Thanksgiving is a day of rest for many retail workers, the very next day — Black Friday — brings the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season. Major retailers will open early Friday morning, offering steep discounts across electronics, clothing, toys, and more.
Shoppers should:
- Plan ahead: Use retailer apps to map out deals
- Check hours: Some stores open as early as 5 a.m.
- Consider online deals: Many retailers are offering online exclusives that launch at midnight
Final Take
Thanksgiving 2025 offers a mix of rest, retail, and record-setting travel. With most businesses closed, it’s a chance for Americans to enjoy a meal with family before diving into Black Friday shopping or heading out on the road for a holiday getaway.
Whether you’re hosting dinner, flying cross-country, or lining up early for Friday’s deals, it’s best to plan ahead, stay informed, and check local schedules for any last-minute changes.
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