thanksgiving usa 2025

Navigating Thanksgiving 2025: What Canadians Need to Know About US Store Closures and Hours

As November draws to a close, the familiar rhythm of the holiday season begins. For Canadians living near the border or those with friends and family south of the 49th parallel, Thanksgiving USA 2025 is more than just a foreign holiday; it marks the unofficial start of the end-of-year shopping frenzy and a time when cross-border routines are disrupted.

While Canadians celebrated their own Thanksgiving in October, the American holiday, falling on Thursday, November 27, 2025, brings a unique set of challenges. Specifically, the widespread closure of major retailers and the shifting hours of grocery stores can catch even the most seasoned cross-border shopper off guard.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the verified details of what is open, what is closed, and the broader implications of the "store rest" phenomenon observed across the United States this week.

The Main Narrative: A Nation Pauses Before the Rush

The central story of Thanksgiving 2025 is one of continuity in tradition, even amidst a shifting retail landscape. Despite the immense pressure of Black Friday looming just hours away, a significant portion of the American retail and service sector grinds to a halt.

According to verified reports from CityNews Halifax, many stores are choosing to "rest — or prepare — ahead of Black Friday." This suggests a strategic shift where retailers are prioritizing employee rest and logistical readiness for the massive sales event over staying open for last-minute pre-feast shopping.

For Canadians planning to shop online or cross the border, this means that the standard operating hours of major US chains will be suspended for at least 24 hours. It serves as a reminder that, despite the 24/7 nature of modern commerce, the cultural significance of the holiday remains a powerful force in corporate policy.

Verified Closures: The Giants Go Dark

The most significant takeaway from the 2025 holiday season is the uniformity of closures among major American retailers. It is a trend that reinforces the idea of Thanksgiving as a day for employees to spend with families, a policy that many large corporations have adopted in recent years after facing public pressure to remain open.

Major Retailers and Big-Box Stores

Based on reporting from Fox Business, a wide array of major retailers will be shutting their doors entirely on Thanksgiving Day. This includes industry giants such as:

• Target and Walmart: Consistently closing on the holiday, these big-box staples are allowing employees to enjoy the day off.
• Home Improvement Chains: The Home Depot and Lowe’s will be closed.
• Department Stores: Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s are among the high-end and traditional department stores observing the holiday.
• Specialty Retailers: Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Costco are also confirmed to be closed.

For Canadian shoppers relying on these stores for specific goods or picking up items while visiting the US, the message is clear: plan around a complete shutdown of these facilities on Thursday.

The Restaurant Landscape

The Fox Business report also highlights a similar trend in the dining sector. Many sit-down restaurants, particularly chains like The Cheesecake Factory, Texas Roadhouse, and LongHorn Steakhouse, will be closed to allow staff to celebrate.

However, the landscape is not entirely black. Fast-food chains and convenience stores attached to gas stations often remain open, though they may operate on reduced holiday hours. This creates a two-tier system where those seeking a full-service dining experience will be out of luck, while those needing a quick bite have options.

The Grocery Dilemma: A Canadian Concern

For Canadians who frequently cross the border to stock up on American groceries—items like Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel seasoning or Aldi's unique finds—Thanksgiving Day presents a logistical hurdle. The availability of fresh food and household staples is a primary concern for those staying in the US for the holiday weekend.

What’s Open?

The most reliable source for this information comes from USA Today, which detailed the specific policies of major grocery chains for November 27, 2025.

• Trader Joe's: This cult-favorite store will be closed. Fans of their seasonal offerings will need to shop on Wednesday or wait until Friday.
• Aldi: Similarly, Aldi locations will be closed to give employees the day off.
• Walmart Supercenters: While the retail side is closed, many Walmart locations that include a grocery section will also be closed, though smaller "Walmart Neighborhood Markets" may have different policies. The general rule is to assume closure unless otherwise noted.
• Kroger and Affiliates: Stores like Kroger, Ralphs, and Fred Meyer will be closed. The parent company has moved toward company-wide closures for the holiday.

The Exceptions: Where to Find Supplies

Despite the widespread closures, some essential services remain operational. This is crucial information for anyone hosting a gathering or simply needing last-minute ingredients.

• CVS and Walgreens: Most locations will be open, though often with reduced hours (typically 8 AM to 6 PM or 9 PM). It is important to note that the front-of-store section is usually open, but the pharmacy counter may be closed or have very limited hours.
• 7-Eleven and Circle K: These convenience giants are almost universally open and are a reliable source for milk, bread, snacks, and beverages.
• Royal Farms and Wawa: In the eastern US, these chains are known for being open on holidays and often offer prepared holiday meals.
• Gas Stations: Generally, gas stations with attached convenience stores remain open.

Pro Tip for Canadians: If you are crossing on Thanksgiving Day, do not expect to do a full cart grocery shop at a major supermarket. Stock up the day before or plan to use convenience stores for essentials.

Contextual Background: The Evolution of Holiday Hours

To understand the significance of the closures in 2025, it is helpful to look at the recent history of retail on Thanksgiving. This current state of "store rest" did not happen overnight.

The Creep Toward 24/7 Shopping

A decade ago, Thanksgiving closures were the norm. However, as e-commerce grew and competition intensified, retailers began "Black Friday Creep," opening their doors on Thursday evening to capture early shoppers. This led to protests from retail unions and public outcry over workers missing family time.

The Pandemic Pivot and Its Lasting Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a massive rethink. In 2020 and 2021, safety concerns forced retailers to close on Thanksgiving, a move that proved surprisingly popular with both employees and customers. Data showed that online shopping could absorb the demand, meaning physical stores didn't need to open at 5 PM on a holiday to stay competitive.

By 2025, the trend of closing on Thanksgiving has solidified into a permanent policy for most major players. It has become a PR win and a recruitment tool in a tight labor market. As noted by CityNews Halifax, the focus has shifted to "preparing" for the massive volume of Black Friday shoppers, implying that a well-rested staff and a fully stocked store on Thursday night are more valuable than a few hours of holiday sales.

Immediate Effects: Impact on Canadian Shoppers and Border Crossers

The verified closures have immediate and tangible effects for Canadians.

1. Cross-Border Shopping Logistics

Canadians planning a day trip to US border towns like Bellingham, WA; Buffalo, NY; or Detroit, MI on Thanksgiving Day will find a quiet landscape. Malls will be closed, and anchor stores will be dark. The "shop 'til you drop" mentality is impossible on this day. The immediate effect is a forced pause in cross-border retail activity.

2. The "Black Friday" Wait

The closures create a pent-up demand. Canadians who cross the border on Friday, November 28, 2025, will encounter stores that are fully staffed, fully stocked, and ready for the massive sales event. This can be a positive, as inventory will be high, but it also means competing with American shoppers for door-crasher deals.

3. Travel and Fuel

For Canadians driving through the US for travel or to reach another destination, the lack of open services requires planning. While fuel is available, finding a full-service restaurant for a hot meal or a large supermarket for a picnic lunch will be impossible outside of specific exceptions. Travelers must pack accordingly.

Future Outlook: Where is Holiday Retail Headed?

Looking beyond 2025, the trend of Thanksgiving closures appears to be entrenched. However, the retail environment continues to evolve.

The Rise of "Cyber Week"

The future of holiday shopping is increasingly digital. With stores closed on Thanksgiving, the focus shifts entirely to online sales. We can expect to see major online sales events launch specifically on Thanksgiving Day, targeting mobile users browsing between dinner and dessert. For Canadians, this is a boon; you can shop US