Maybe you forgot the most important ingredient for your mom’s “famous” deviled eggs. Or maybe, you opened the fridge and realized there’s no milk – a necessity for dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole. Or maybe, you packed yours and the kiddos’ bags for Thanksgiving at the deer camp and came to realize the camp was left at home.
In any of those cases, you might just be in luck. While many get the entire day off (or even the entire week off for the luckier ones), others are working this Thanksgiving to make sure you can get what you need before the table is set or those tree stands are climbed.
To resolve any holiday lapses, here’s a rundown of what’s open and what’s closed this Thanksgiving.
Grocery stores
Most grocery store chains, including Piggly Wiggly, Kroger, ALDI, and Whole Foods, are open on Thanksgiving but with limited hours. The same goes for any other national chains that are set up in your neck of the woods. For those on the Coast, Rouse’s typically closes around 2 p.m. on turkey day, and for those in the Jackson area and down throughout south Mississippi, Corner Market is usually open for half the day. No matter which grocer you go to, check your local store for details before wasting any gas.
Gas stations
Speaking of gas, lots of people may be looking to fill up with AAA projecting a record 73 million-plus people on the roadways throughout the week. Most gas stations, along with their attached convenience stores, are open on Thanksgiving. Major chains like BP, Circle K, Shell, and Exxon can generally be counted on. Local service stops are often open, but hours may vary. Pro tip: Even if the lights inside are off, pull up and you may be able to pay at the pump.
What else is open?
Other stores and restaurants that will be open this Thanksgiving include Bass Pro Shops, Big Lots, CVS, Denny’s, Dollar General, Family Dollar, IHOP, McDonald’s, Rite Aid, Starbucks, Waffle House, and Walgreens. Most will have limited hours. Make sure you call or use an online locator to find specific hours.
What will be closed?
Those that will be closed on Thanksgiving but reopen on Black Friday include most restaurants, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Apple, At Home, Banana Republic, Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, Belk, Best Buy, Costco, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, DSW, Five Below, Foot Locker, GameStop, Guitar Center, Home Depot, HomeGoods, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Marshalls, Mattress Firm, Michaels, Office Depot, Office Max, Petco, PetSmart, Sam’s Club, Target, T.J.Maxx, Tractor Supply Co., Ulta Beauty, Victoria’s Secret, and Walmart. Banks and post offices are closed on Thanksgiving, as well.