As the U.S. prepares for the 2025 holiday season, the question of the Walmart hours Thanksgiving has been clarified—Walmart will be closed all day on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Here’s a detailed look at what this means for shoppers, how it compares to prior years, and what to expect heading into the busier shopping weekend.
Table of Contents
What the schedule says
- On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov 27, 2025) – Walmart stores will remain closed nationwide.
- On Black Friday (Friday, Nov 28, 2025) – Walmart is set to open its doors at 6 a.m. local time.
- On the day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday, Nov 26) – Most locations follow their regular hours (commonly 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), though local variations may apply.
Because Thanksgiving falls on Thursday this year, this means no in-store shopping at Walmart on that day, except for online services if available.
Why Walmart is closed on Thanksgiving
The closure aligns with Walmart’s ongoing policy to give employees the holiday off and avoid opening during the Thanksgiving period. In recent years, the company reversed a previous strategy of opening on Thanksgiving night.
For shoppers, this means planning ahead: all locations being closed for the entire day creates a window during which you cannot visit in-store for last-minute items.
Shopping implications for consumers
- If you rely on Walmart for groceries, household essentials or emergency items on Thanksgiving Day, you’ll need to adjust your plan accordingly. Since the store will not be open, you might have to turn to other retailers that remain open.
- With Walmart reopening early on Black Friday, expect high traffic and a busy store. It will be wise to check deals online ahead of time and arrive early if shopping in person.
- Online shopping at Walmart may still operate, but in-store services will not be available on Thanksgiving itself. Checking the website/app is recommended for any digital-only offers.
Comparison to past years
In prior years Walmart had opened on Thanksgiving evening or even earlier for Black Friday-style deals. That has changed. According to current reports, Walmart is closed on Thanksgiving Day and will open Black Friday morning.
The shift reflects a broader retail trend of major chains closing on Thanksgiving to allow staff to be off the holiday, rather than opening late night.
Key store hour summary
| Date | Store Status at Walmart |
|---|---|
| Wed, Nov 26, 2025 | Regular hours (6 a.m.–11 p.m.)* |
| Thu, Nov 27, 2025 | Closed all day |
| Fri, Nov 28, 2025 | Opens at 6 a.m. local time |
*Local hours may vary; always check your specific store.
What shoppers should do now
- Plan ahead for any items you might need on Thanksgiving Day that you would normally get at Walmart. Since the store is closed, consider visiting earlier in the week or using alternative retailers.
- Check your local store’s hours for Wednesday, Nov 26. Although national guidance suggests 6 a.m.–11 p.m., local exceptions may apply.
- Online shop in advance if you want to make orders on Thanksgiving day via Walmart’s website or app, but don’t rely on in-store access.
- Arrive early on Black Friday, as Walmart’s reopening at 6 a.m. means significant foot traffic and potential for early deals.
Final thoughts
Understanding the Walmart hours Thanksgiving this year helps avoid unwelcome surprises and enables smoother holiday shopping. With all stores closed on Thanksgiving Day and reopening early on Black Friday, savvy preparation is key.
Let us know in the comments how you’re adjusting your shopping plans this year—and stay alert for any local hour updates.
