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Is Walmart Open on Thanksgiving Day in 2025?
For Thanksgiving 2025, Walmart stores will not open on Thursday, November 27. In recent years, Walmart has moved away from Thanksgiving Day openings, instead giving employees the full holiday off and shifting shopping demand to the day before and Black Friday.
So, if you’re planning to shop for groceries, home items, or last-minute meal supplies, you’ll need to visit Walmart before the holiday.
Why Walmart Is Closed on Thanksgiving
Walmart used to be known for launching Black Friday doorbusters on Thanksgiving night. That changed several years ago when the company made it a long-term policy to close on Thanksgiving so employees could spend the day with family.
Additionally, with online shopping becoming more convenient and widely used, there is less need for in-store shopping on Thanksgiving itself. Many holiday promotions now start digitally well before Black Friday.
Update for SNAP / EBT Shoppers
If you use SNAP/EBT for groceries, planning ahead is especially important:
- While physical Walmart stores are closed on Thanksgiving, Walmart’s website and app will still allow SNAP payments for eligible grocery items.
- Availability of delivery and pickup depends on your local store staffing, so scheduling your order early is recommended.
- Most states issue November SNAP benefits between the 1st and the 20th, but schedules vary — so if your benefits come later in the month, consider buying some essentials in advance.
If you’d like, I can also provide your state’s exact SNAP deposit dates — just tell me your state.
Walmart Hours the Day Before Thanksgiving (Nov 26, 2025)
The day before the holiday, Walmart is expected to be open with normal hours, usually around:
- Open: 6:00 AM (local time)
- Close: 11:00 PM (local time)
Because this tends to be one of the busiest grocery shopping days of the year, it’s smart to shop early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Walmart Hours for Black Friday (Nov 28, 2025)
Black Friday remains Walmart’s major in-store shopping event.
Typical schedule:
- Stores reopen early, commonly around 5:00 AM
- Many Black Friday deals will already be live online before stores open
Expect:
- Large crowds
- Popular items to sell out quickly
- High traffic in electronics, toys, home goods, and gift categories
Shopping tip:
Online Black Friday deals often go live before the in-store rush, so checking the Walmart website in advance can save time.
What If You Need Something on Thanksgiving Day?
Since Walmart will be closed, your alternatives depend on where you live. Common options include:
- Neighborhood grocery stores that choose to stay open
- Local gas station convenience marts
- Delivery or grocery apps (availability depends on local staffing)
To avoid last-minute stress, make a short list of must-have Thanksgiving items and get them ahead of time.
Holiday Shopping Prep Checklist
| Task | Best Timing | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Buy turkey/meats | 7–14 days before | Ensures thawing and stock availability |
| Buy produce, sides, rolls | 2–4 days before | Fresher ingredients |
| Grocery trip to Walmart | Wednesday morning | Avoid heavy crowds |
| Schedule SNAP pickup/delivery | 2–3 days ahead | Slots and drivers fill quickly |
| Review Black Friday deals | Week of Thanksgiving | Helps budget and shop smarter |
Final Word
So, is Walmart open on Thanksgiving 2025?
No — all Walmart stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Online ordering will still be available, and Black Friday in-store shopping resumes the next morning, with major deals starting even earlier online.
Planning a little ahead — especially for SNAP users and holiday meal shoppers — will make the week smoother.
