Major Retailers and Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Many large retailers and restaurant chains operate on Thanksgiving, often with reduced hours. Target opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM, while Walmart opens at 6:00 AM and remains open through the evening. Amazon, Best Buy, and Kohl's also run holiday hours, with some locations extending into the overnight hours. For specific store hours, check the latest company announcements on their official websites or contact local stores directly, as hours vary by location and year.
Chain restaurants such as Applebee's, Denny's, IHOP, and Waffle House typically offer limited Thanksgiving menus with modified hours. McDonald's and Starbucks locations often have adjusted schedules depending on the franchise operator. Pizza chains including Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Papa John's usually maintain regular delivery and carryout services. For the most accurate Thanksgiving hours, visit the official websites or apps of these chains, as individual franchise decisions may differ from corporate guidance.
Financial Markets, Banks, and Government Offices
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq close on Thanksgiving Day and reopen on the following Friday, while bond markets and forex platforms may operate with reduced liquidity. The Federal Reserve, FDIC, and OCC observe Thanksgiving as a federal holiday, so banks and government offices are closed. The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail, and the Internal Revenue Service offices are shuttered. For trading schedules and market holiday calendars, refer to the official websites of the exchanges and regulators.
Most federal agencies, courts, and public schools are closed on Thanksgiving, and state and local offices may follow suit. Public transit systems in major cities often run on holiday or reduced schedules, and airports remain open with potentially adjusted flight operations. For real-time updates on federal holidays, closures, and service changes, check the official government websites of the relevant agencies and departments.
Delivery Services, Logistics, and Essential Businesses
UPS and FedEx typically do not deliver packages on Thanksgiving, though some pickup and drop-off locations may remain open with adjusted hours. Amazon, FedEx Ground, and UPS SurePost often resume operations the next business day, while Amazon Flex and last-mile delivery networks may vary by region. For the latest holiday service schedules and pickup deadlines, visit the official websites of these carriers.
Gas stations, convenience stores, and pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid often stay open on Thanksgiving with shorter hours. Grocery stores including Kroger, Albertsons, and Publix may open early or remain open throughout the day to serve holiday shoppers. For real-time store hours and holiday service updates, check the official websites or apps of these retailers and service providers.