Many shoppers are asking is Walmart open on Thanksgiving Day as the holiday arrives today. The most up-to-date and verified information confirms that all Walmart stores across the United States are closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025. This policy continues the company’s now-standard practice of keeping every location shut so employees can spend the holiday with family.
Walmart first adopted this holiday closure approach several years ago, and the company reaffirmed earlier this year that the Thanksgiving shutdown would remain in place for 2025. Every U.S. Walmart store, including Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and pickup-only locations, is closed for the full day.
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Why Walmart Is Closed on Thanksgiving 2025
Walmart’s nationwide Thanksgiving closure is not a temporary adjustment. It is part of a permanent scheduling change implemented after 2020. The company emphasized that Thanksgiving is reserved as a full-day break for workers, and leadership has consistently maintained this policy each November.
Several key points define the decision:
- All U.S. stores are closed the entire day.
- No in-store shopping, pharmacy access, MoneyCenter services, or pickup orders are available.
- Store associates are off for the holiday, with operations resuming the next morning.
This means customers will not be able to make any last-minute trips for groceries or household supplies at Walmart today.
When Walmart Reopens After the Holiday
Walmart locations reopen on Friday, November 28, 2025, for the start of the retailer’s major Black Friday shopping event.
Most stores resume normal operations early in the morning, with many opening around 5 a.m. or 6 a.m., though exact hours can vary slightly by region. Shoppers can expect the usual surge of early-morning visitors once doors open, as Walmart traditionally launches large in-store deals on electronics, home products, toys, and seasonal items.
Thanksgiving Day Schedule Overview
| Date | Store Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 | Closed | All Walmart stores closed for the holiday. |
| Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 | Open | Stores reopen early for Black Friday sales. |
Because Walmart is fully closed today, shoppers are encouraged to purchase remaining holiday items before stores reopen tomorrow.
What Shoppers Should Expect Today
With Walmart closed nationwide, there are a few important things customers should keep in mind:
- No Walmart locations are offering adjusted hours or partial service today.
- Pickup and delivery orders cannot be scheduled for Thanksgiving Day.
- Pharmacies inside Walmart stores are also closed, including prescription services.
- Black Friday in-store deals begin after reopening on Friday morning.
If shoppers still need Thanksgiving ingredients or supplies, they will need to rely on other retailers that operate on a limited-hours holiday schedule. Many smaller convenience stores and select regional grocers stay open, but availability varies by city.
How Walmart’s Thanksgiving Closure Impacts Holiday Planning
The Thanksgiving shutdown has gradually changed how millions of shoppers plan the holiday. Families who once depended on Walmart for last-minute groceries or forgotten items now typically adjust their schedules to shop earlier in the week.
Here’s how shoppers commonly adapt:
- Stocking up on essentials before Wednesday evening
- Shifting pickup and delivery orders to earlier time slots
- Buying holiday meal items earlier to avoid shortages
- Planning ahead for batteries, cookware, and household supplies
The closure also causes a larger turnout on Black Friday morning since customers who avoided shopping earlier in the week often combine essential purchases with major sale events.
Black Friday Expectations After Thanksgiving Closure
Walmart’s Black Friday remains one of the busiest retail events of the year, and the Thanksgiving closure often intensifies foot traffic the following morning. Shoppers typically line up early as stores reopen, especially at locations that historically draw large holiday crowds.
Key expectations for Friday:
- Early opening times depending on local store hours
- High demand for electronics, seasonal items, and home goods
- Possible long lines at store entrances at opening time
- Strong online shopping activity overnight and into the morning
Walmart will also continue offering online deals through the holiday weekend, but in-store availability begins only after doors open Friday.
Planning Ahead for the Remainder of the Holiday Weekend
For families traveling or hosting guests, Walmart’s Friday reopening provides a convenient opportunity to replenish supplies after Thanksgiving celebrations. Whether shoppers need food, beverages, travel items, décor, or household goods, inventory is typically well-stocked heading into the Black Friday event.
If today serves as preparation for weekend activities, shoppers can expect:
- Full store operations returning Friday
- Most departments fully staffed
- Extended weekend hours in many locations
- Seasonal inventory displayed prominently in store aisles
Walmart’s Thanksgiving closure is now a predictable part of the holiday calendar, allowing customers to plan confidently around it each year.
If you’re heading out later this weekend, check your local Walmart’s updated holiday hours so you know exactly when doors open and how early the crowds begin to form.
Feel free to share your thoughts below—do you prefer Walmart staying closed on Thanksgiving, or would holiday hours help your shopping plans?