Many holiday planners are asking is Kroger open on Thanksgiving, and for 2025 the answer is yes — most Kroger supermarkets will be open on Thanksgiving Day, but with reduced hours and limited in-store services. The company has maintained a similar structure in recent years, keeping stores available for essential, last-minute grocery needs while closing earlier than normal to give employees time with their families.
This expanded, fully factual guide covers Kroger’s confirmed Thanksgiving hours, pharmacy availability, regional differences, and helpful tips to make holiday shopping as smooth as possible for U.S. shoppers.
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Kroger’s 2025 Thanksgiving Operating Plan
Kroger has released its holiday-hours guidance for 2025, and the pattern is consistent nationwide:
- Most stores will open in the morning
- All stores will close early — generally mid-afternoon
- Pharmacies will be closed for the entire day
- Pickup and delivery services may run on modified schedules
While exact hours vary by location, the company confirmed that Thanksgiving is not a full-day closure holiday for its supermarkets. This makes Kroger one of the few major grocery chains still offering limited Thanksgiving access.
Typical Kroger Thanksgiving Hours for 2025
Thanksgiving hours are not uniform across all regions, but the majority of stores follow this pattern:
- Opening: Early to mid-morning
- Closing: Between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. depending on the state and store size
- Pharmacy: Closed all day
- Fuel centers: Operate on separate schedules and may stay open later than stores
These shorter hours are meant to accommodate shoppers who need last-minute items—gravy, spices, forgotten ingredients, or additional side dishes—while still giving employees part of the holiday off.
Regional Differences Across the Kroger Family of Stores
Kroger operates under a family of banners across the U.S., and each one sets its own holiday schedule based on state regulations and store-level policies. If you shop at one of these banners, expect hours similar to Kroger stores:
- Ralphs (California)
- King Soopers (Colorado)
- Smith’s Food and Drug (Western states)
- Fred Meyer (Pacific Northwest)
- QFC (Washington state)
- Dillons (Midwest)
- Fry’s Food Stores (Arizona)
- Harris Teeter (East Coast, partial Kroger family)
Most of these banners remain open on Thanksgiving with early closures, but opening times and service availability vary by region.
For the most accurate details, customers should verify hours with their specific store.
Pharmacy Availability on Thanksgiving
One of the most important holiday updates is that Kroger pharmacies will not operate on Thanksgiving Day.
If you rely on prescription medications, make sure you:
- Pick them up at least 1–2 days before Thanksgiving
- Request refills early to avoid holiday delays
- Confirm pickup windows online or through the Kroger app
Even stores that stay open for groceries will have their pharmacy counters closed.
What Services Will Be Limited or Modified
Even though stores remain open, not all services operate normally on Thanksgiving:
Kroger Pickup & Delivery
Pickup and delivery may be available in select regions, but hours are limited and time slots fill quickly.
Customers who plan to use these services should:
- Reserve slots early
- Confirm the updated holiday window in the app
- Check for any location-specific adjustments
Bakery and Deli Departments
Some service counters, including bakery, deli, and prepared foods, may close earlier than the store itself.
If you need holiday platters or last-minute desserts, shop earlier in the morning.
Customer Service Desk
Customer service desks frequently close well before the store’s closing time due to reduced staffing.
Why Kroger Stays Open on Thanksgiving
Kroger keeps stores open because Thanksgiving consistently generates demand for:
- Forgotten ingredients
- Additional produce or side dishes
- Emergency replacements (foil pans, spices, broth, butter, rolls)
- Prepared meal pick-ups
- Desserts and bakery items
By offering partial-day access, Kroger provides support for last-minute shoppers while reducing staff hours compared to a full operating day.
The company also emphasizes its holiday meal bundles and pre-ordered dinner packages that many families pick up on Thanksgiving morning.
How to Check Your Local Store’s Thanksgiving Hours
Because hours vary, the best way to confirm your location’s schedule is to:
- Visit Kroger’s official website
- Go to the Store Locator
- Enter your ZIP code
- Select your preferred store
- Look for “Holiday Hours” or call the store directly
Kroger’s app also displays updated hours for both store and pharmacy sections.
Holiday hours are typically posted at least one week in advance.
Tips for Thanksgiving Morning Shoppers
To avoid stress and crowds, plan your trip using these helpful suggestions:
- Arrive within the first two hours of opening to dodge mid-day rushes
- Bring a written list to avoid forgotten items and extra trips
- Shop the perimeter first — produce, dairy, bakery, and deli often see the longest waits
- Check stock levels in the app before driving to the store
- Plan for longer lines at checkout because staffing is lighter on holidays
If your store closes early, avoid going within the final 20–30 minutes to prevent being rushed.
What to Do if Kroger Is Closed in Your Area
Some Kroger locations, particularly those in select regions, may choose to close entirely. If that happens, alternatives include:
- Local independent grocery stores
- Regional chains still operating holiday hours
- 24-hour convenience stores
- Pharmacies with limited grocery sections
- Retailers with extended hours on Thanksgiving morning
Always check online before heading out, as holiday schedules vary widely.
How Kroger’s Hours Compare with Other Chains
Every year, major retailers take different approaches to Thanksgiving operations.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Closed on Thanksgiving: Target, Costco, Walmart (closed or very limited hours in many regions), ALDI
- Open with reduced hours: Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Meijer, Giant Food
- Open nearly all day: Select convenience-based grocers or 24-hour stores
Kroger positions itself in the middle: open for part of the day, but with shorter hours than standard weekdays.
The Bottom Line
For anyone asking is Kroger open on Thanksgiving, the confirmed 2025 answer is yes—most stores will open in the morning and close by mid-afternoon, and all pharmacies will remain closed.
If you plan to grab last-minute ingredients, give yourself plenty of time, verify your store’s specific hours, and expect reduced staffing and shorter service windows.
Are you planning to shop early at Kroger this Thanksgiving, or are you finishing all your grocery runs before the holiday? Share your plans and stay tuned for more holiday-hour updates.