Thanksgiving is a busy day for many families. People cook large meals, prepare for guests, and sometimes realize they forgot something important. Maybe it’s butter for the turkey, extra plates, or ingredients for pumpkin pie. When that happens, many people think about going to Walmart for a quick shopping trip.
But holiday hours can be different from normal store hours. Many major retailers adjust their schedules during big holidays. So before you grab your keys and head to the store, it helps to know whether Walmart is open.
In this guide, you’ll learn if Walmart stores are open on Thanksgiving, why the company closes its stores that day, when they reopen, and where you might shop if you need something at the last minute.
Is Walmart Open on Thanksgiving Day?
No. Walmart stores across the United States are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
This policy applies to nearly all Walmart locations nationwide. The company began closing stores on Thanksgiving in recent years and has continued the tradition since then.
When Thanksgiving arrives, Walmart shuts its physical stores for the entire day. This means you cannot shop inside the store, pick up items, or browse the aisles during Thanksgiving Day.
However, the stores reopen the next day for Black Friday shopping, which is one of the biggest retail events of the year.
Walmart Thanksgiving Store Hours
Although Walmart stores close on Thanksgiving itself, they usually follow a normal schedule the day before and reopen early the next morning.
Here is the typical Walmart holiday schedule around Thanksgiving:
- Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday) – Most Walmart stores operate during regular hours.
- Thanksgiving Day (Thursday) – Walmart stores are closed all day.
- Black Friday (Friday) – Stores reopen early, often around 6 a.m. local time.
These hours can vary slightly depending on the location, so it’s always a good idea to check the hours for your local store through the Walmart website or app.
Why Walmart Closes on Thanksgiving
Walmart closes its stores on Thanksgiving for a few reasons, and one major reason is to give employees time to spend the holiday with family and friends.
Retail work often involves long hours, especially during busy shopping seasons. By closing on Thanksgiving, Walmart allows many employees to enjoy the holiday without working overnight shifts.
Another reason relates to changing retail trends. Years ago, many retailers opened on Thanksgiving evening to start Black Friday sales early. Over time, companies began shifting those sales to Friday morning or even earlier online promotions.
Because of this change, closing on Thanksgiving has become more common among large retailers.
When Does Walmart Reopen After Thanksgiving?
Although Walmart closes on Thanksgiving Day, the stores reopen the following morning for Black Friday shopping.
Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Customers visit Walmart for electronics, home goods, toys, and holiday gifts.
Typical reopening schedule:
- Stores reopen early on Black Friday morning, often around 6 a.m.
- Black Friday deals may start online even earlier
- Some sales continue through the weekend
Many Walmart locations also run extended store hours during the holiday shopping season.
Can You Shop Walmart Online on Thanksgiving?
Yes. Even though physical stores are closed, Walmart.com remains available on Thanksgiving Day.
Customers can still browse products, place orders, and shop for holiday deals online. Walmart’s website and mobile app operate normally during the holiday.
Online shopping options may include:
- home delivery
- shipping orders
- online Black Friday deals
- Walmart+ delivery options
So if you realize you need something during Thanksgiving, online shopping may still be an option.
What Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving?
While Walmart closes its stores, some retailers remain open with limited hours.
Stores that may be open on Thanksgiving in some areas include:
- CVS Pharmacy
- Walgreens
- Kroger
- Whole Foods Market
These stores sometimes operate on reduced holiday hours, and availability can vary by location. Checking the store website or calling ahead can help confirm whether a nearby location is open.
Tips for Last-Minute Thanksgiving Shopping
Running out of an ingredient or item on Thanksgiving can happen to anyone. A little planning can help avoid the stress.
Here are a few helpful tips:
- shop early on Thanksgiving Eve for important ingredients
- double-check your grocery list before cooking
- confirm store hours before leaving home
- consider nearby grocery stores or pharmacies if Walmart is closed
- order online when possible
Planning ahead can make Thanksgiving Day much smoother.
Conclusion
In short, Walmart stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day nationwide. The company closes its physical locations so employees can spend the holiday with their families.
However, stores usually operate normal hours on Thanksgiving Eve and reopen early on Black Friday. Online shopping through Walmart.com also remains available during the holiday.
If you need last-minute items on Thanksgiving, checking nearby grocery stores or pharmacies may help. Planning your shopping before the holiday can save time and avoid surprises.
And if you’ve ever had a last-minute Thanksgiving shopping story, feel free to share it. Many shoppers have experienced the same situation.