As the holiday season approaches, many shoppers are asking the same question: is Walmart gonna be open on Thanksgiving 2025? The answer is no — all Walmart stores across the United States will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025, continuing the company’s five-year tradition of giving employees the day off.
This means customers won’t be able to shop in stores on Thanksgiving Day, but Walmart’s website and mobile app will remain fully active, offering early access to online Black Friday deals throughout the week.
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Walmart’s Thanksgiving Closure Policy
Walmart made history in 2020 when it closed its doors on Thanksgiving for the first time in decades. The decision, originally made during the pandemic, quickly became a permanent policy.
In the years since, Walmart has confirmed the same schedule annually — staying closed on Thanksgiving Day to allow workers to spend time with family. In 2025, that policy remains firmly in place.Is Walmart Gonna Be Open on Thanksgiving 2025? Here’s the Official Update
The company’s leadership has emphasized that the closure aligns with its long-term vision of supporting employees’ well-being while adapting to modern shopping habits. Most customers now prefer online shopping during Thanksgiving week, reducing the need for in-person doorbusters.
What Customers Can Expect for Thanksgiving Week 2025
Although physical stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Walmart shoppers will still have plenty of opportunities to grab early discounts. The retail giant’s Black Friday 2025 deals will begin well before the holiday, both online and in select stores.
Here’s what to expect this year:
- Stores Closed on Thanksgiving Day: No in-store shopping or pickup available.
- Online Shopping Open 24/7: Customers can browse and buy deals on Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
- Early Black Friday Events: Promotional pricing begins earlier in November, extending through Cyber Monday.
- Curbside Pickup and Delivery: These services will resume early on Friday, November 28, once stores reopen.
This schedule reflects the retail industry’s new norm — fewer overnight lines and more digital convenience.
Thanksgiving Week Hours at Walmart
Walmart’s schedule for Thanksgiving week 2025 is designed to balance convenience with family time. Here’s how store hours will look nationwide:
| Date | Store Status | Opening Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Nov 26 | Open | 6 a.m.–11 p.m. | Normal hours before the holiday |
| Thursday, Nov 27 | Closed | — | All stores closed for Thanksgiving |
| Friday, Nov 28 | Open | 5 a.m. (local time) | Black Friday shopping begins |
| Saturday, Nov 29 | Open | 6 a.m.–11 p.m. | Regular weekend hours |
| Sunday, Nov 30 | Open | 6 a.m.–11 p.m. | Normal hours resume |
Customers planning to shop in-store should double-check local hours, as opening times can vary slightly by location.
Black Friday 2025: Walmart’s Plans
While stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, Black Friday at Walmart will officially kick off the next morning.
In 2025, Walmart will once again host its “Black Friday Deals for Days” campaign, spreading major sales across several weeks both in-store and online. Shoppers can expect early deals to appear as soon as mid-November, with the best discounts launching the week of Thanksgiving.
Featured categories for 2025 Black Friday deals include:
- Electronics (TVs, gaming systems, smart home devices)
- Toys and holiday gifts
- Kitchen and home appliances
- Apparel and footwear
- Groceries and household essentials
Online shoppers will gain early access to most deals, with Walmart+ members receiving exclusive previews and additional discounts through the app.Is Walmart Gonna Be Open on Thanksgiving 2025? Here’s the Official Update
Why Walmart Closes on Thanksgiving
The decision to keep stores closed isn’t just about policy — it’s about people. Walmart has emphasized the importance of family time for its 1.6 million U.S. associates.
By closing for Thanksgiving, the retailer allows employees to spend the holiday with loved ones rather than working overnight shifts.
This approach has been well received by both staff and customers. It has also reshaped the broader retail industry, encouraging other major chains — such as Target, Best Buy, and Kohl’s — to adopt similar closures.
A Shift in Retail Tradition
For decades, Thanksgiving evening marked the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Long lines, doorbusters, and midnight openings were part of the tradition. But in recent years, shoppers have changed how they buy — moving away from crowded in-store events toward online convenience.
Data from previous years shows that more than 75% of Thanksgiving Day sales now take place online. Retailers like Walmart have responded by expanding e-commerce options, same-day delivery, and mobile-exclusive deals.
The result? Customers get the same low prices without sacrificing time at home with family.
Online Shopping Options for Thanksgiving Day
Even though stores will be closed, Walmart’s online platform will remain fully operational. Shoppers can access thousands of deals from the comfort of their homes on Thanksgiving Day.
Key digital services available:
- Walmart.com: Full access to Black Friday pricing and free shipping on eligible orders.
- Walmart App: Personalized deal alerts and streamlined checkout.
- Pickup & Delivery Scheduling: Orders placed Thursday can be picked up Friday morning.
- Walmart+ Membership Benefits: Early access to deals, fuel savings, and free delivery on most orders.
This online-first approach has become central to Walmart’s holiday strategy, combining convenience, savings, and accessibility.
Comparison With Other Retailers in 2025
Walmart isn’t alone in keeping doors closed for Thanksgiving. Several major retailers have confirmed similar schedules this year.
| Retailer | Thanksgiving Day Status | Black Friday Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Closed | 5 a.m. Friday |
| Target | Closed | 6 a.m. Friday |
| Best Buy | Closed | 6 a.m. Friday |
| Kohl’s | Closed | 5 a.m. Friday |
| Costco | Closed | 9 a.m. Friday |
| Amazon (online) | Open 24/7 | Continuous deals |
This growing list highlights a clear trend: major retailers are embracing digital sales and employee-centered values over in-person Thanksgiving hours.
Tips for Walmart Shoppers This Holiday Season
If you’re planning to shop at Walmart during Thanksgiving week, a little preparation can go a long way.
Tips for a smooth shopping experience:
- Download the Walmart App: Get real-time deal notifications and early access to discounts.
- Join Walmart+: Members receive early entry to sales and free delivery perks.
- Shop Early: The best deals often sell out quickly online before Friday.
- Plan Store Visits: Arrive early on Friday to avoid long lines.
- Check Return Policies: Most holiday items can be returned through January 2026.
By combining online and in-person shopping, customers can maximize convenience and savings without the rush.
The Bigger Picture: Work-Life Balance in Retail
Walmart’s continued closure on Thanksgiving reflects a broader cultural shift toward valuing work-life balance. Retail employees, long accustomed to working through holidays, now have a guaranteed day off.
This policy reinforces the company’s commitment to respecting both customers and associates — showing that retail success doesn’t require sacrificing family time.
It’s a message that resonates strongly in 2025, as more Americans prioritize well-being alongside tradition and celebration.
Final Takeaway
So, is Walmart gonna be open on Thanksgiving 2025? The answer is no — all U.S. stores will close for the day, reopening bright and early Friday morning for the official Black Friday shopping rush.
Walmart’s online deals, however, will continue through Thanksgiving, giving customers access to deep discounts without ever leaving home.
Will you shop Walmart’s deals online or wait for the in-store Black Friday rush? Share your shopping plans below and join the holiday conversation.