Skip to content 
If you’ve ever found yourself rushing out the door on Thanksgiving morning because you forgot butter, foil, or—somehow—the turkey itself, I’ve been there. But if Walmart is your usual emergency stop, here’s the quick truth upfront:
No, Walmart will not be open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Every store nationwide, from the giant Supercenters to the smaller Neighborhood Markets, will stay dark for the holiday.
And honestly? This move probably isn’t surprising anymore.
Jump To
Why Walmart Is Staying Closed This Thanksgiving
The shift didn’t happen overnight. Walmart first experimented with closing on Thanksgiving during the height of the pandemic, and something about it stuck—both culturally and internally.
Executives framed it as a chance for workers to breathe, spend time with family, and avoid turning Thanksgiving into just another marathon shopping day. Many shoppers found themselves quietly nodding along. Retail analysts also say the decision mirrors a bigger trend across U.S. chains: prioritizing employee well-being over squeezing in one more day of sales.
This applies to every Walmart location. No exceptions. Even those spots that used to crack open early to roll into Black Friday deals have fully stepped back from that old era.
(It’s similar to the growing number of retailers giving both staff and customers a little holiday breathing room—something you also see reflected in seasonal stories like the Aldi Thanksgiving meal surprise and those viral Thanksgiving recipe searches.)
What Shoppers Should Expect This Year
If Walmart is where you normally load up on turkey, last-minute tableware, or that emergency pack of batteries nobody remembers until the kids open their new toys… you’ll need a slightly different game plan.
Here’s the quick rundown:
1. No In-Store Shopping
All physical Walmart locations will be closed on November 27. So if you’re thinking of running out mid-cook—no luck.
2. Online Shopping Is Still Wide Open
Walmart.com and the app will remain up and running. Just keep in mind, experts say same-day delivery and pickup options are usually scaled back or paused entirely on the holiday.
3. Shop Ahead
If you need ingredients for your mashed potatoes, stuffing, or even a backup dessert—get it by Wednesday night.
(And if you want a fun twist on tradition, try a homemade dish like this crispy fried mashed potato recipe—it’s a fan favorite during holiday week.)
When Will Walmart Reopen? Hello, Black Friday.
The good news: Walmart doesn’t stay closed long.
Most stores reopen bright and early Friday, November 28, around 6:00 a.m. local time, kicking off the biggest shopping day of the year. If you’ve ever been part of that sunrise crowd clutching coffee and circling the electronics aisle, you know the energy is unreal.
A lot of the hottest deals actually go live online before doors open. That early digital drop has become part of the Black Friday tradition, especially for shoppers who’d rather scroll than fight the crowds. It’s also why many people now add Walmart’s app to their “holiday prep” checklist.
Smart Planning Tips to Avoid the Thanksgiving Scramble
Here’s what seasoned holiday shoppers—and honestly, people like me who learned the hard way—recommend:
- Write your grocery list early. A clear plan means no 11 p.m. “Did we forget cinnamon?” panic.
- Use Walmart’s online ordering tools. Even if pickup isn’t available on the holiday, ordering ahead can help you stay organized.
- Check which stores are open. Some regional grocery chains keep limited hours on Thanksgiving, but nutritionists and food-safety experts always recommend verifying ahead.
- Prep for Black Friday. Deals vary by region, so check your store’s hours or use the Store Finder. And if holiday food is more your vibe, this year’s vegan Thanksgiving sides are trending hard in Google Discover.
A Bigger Shift in Holiday Retail Culture
Walmart isn’t standing alone on this one. Many major retailers—once known for unlocking their doors the minute Thanksgiving dinner ended—have embraced the idea of giving employees the day off.
Some business analysts say the pivot signals a long-term evolution in retail expectations. Others chalk it up to changing consumer habits, especially as online shopping becomes the default for everything from holiday décor to emergency groceries. Studies on workplace morale even suggest that giving staff holidays actually leads to better performance during the high-stress season ahead.
And honestly, if shoppers really need to grab something unexpected, they often turn to local stores anyway—or hit up websites while the turkey roasts.
Final Word
So yes, to put the question plainly: Walmart will be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025.
But the moment Black Friday hits? Those doors swing open again, and the online deals will probably be buzzing even earlier. Just stock up before the holiday, have a backup plan if you run short, and maybe try a few new recipes this year. If you’re hungry for inspiration, you can always check out classics like this nostalgic turkey divan recipe or peek at Walmart-related stories like the newest Walmart product recall list.
Thanksgiving might be calmer without the scramble—and maybe that’s a tradition worth keeping.
If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more health tools, recipes, and news!
Sources
- Walmart Corporate Newsroom – Holiday Hours & Company Announcements
https://corporate.walmart.com/news - Walmart U.S. Store Hours & Policies
https://www.walmart.com/store/finder - National Retail Federation (NRF) – Holiday Shopping Trends & Retail Analysis
https://nrf.com
Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.com, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.
