Many shoppers plan their holiday meals around whether major retailers stay open, and Walmart is no exception during Thanksgiving week. Understanding the store hours, pickup options, and schedule changes can help you avoid surprises and stock your table on time.
Below is a quick reference for how Walmart typically handles the Thanksgiving holiday, followed by deeper guidance for meal planning, timing, and last-minute needs.
| Holiday | Typical Store Hours | Grocery Pickup | Online Orders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed at most locations | Available for scheduled pickup | Delivery may be delayed; checkout limited |
| Day Before Thanksgiving | Extended hours, often 6 a.m.–11 p.m. | Expedited options possible | High demand, earlier cutoff times |
| Black Friday | Opens early, many locations at 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. | Available | Increases with in-store pickup |
| Day After Thanksgiving | Open early for sales, hours vary by location | Active | Continues for online deals |
Store Hours on Thanksgiving Day
On Thanksgiving Day, the vast majority of Walmart locations are closed to align with the holiday schedule. Corporate guidelines generally keep stores shut so associates can spend the day with their families, though some essential services such as pharmacies may operate under limited hours in select areas.
Meal Planning and Grocery Pickup Options
If you rely on Walmart for Thanksgiving ingredients, grocery pickup remains an option even when stores are closed. You can place orders in advance and choose a pickup window that aligns with when the local store reopens, often the day after Thanksgiving. This approach reduces last-minute stress and ensures key items are ready when you need them.
Black Friday Shopping Timing
After stores reopen, many locations launch Black Friday doorbuster deals early in the morning. Planning your travel around advertised hours, confirming local opening times on the Walmart website, and arriving shortly after sunrise can improve your chances of securing popular items and avoiding crowded aisles.
Online Orders and Delivery Expectations
Online checkout may experience slowdowns before and after the holiday, and delivery windows can stretch due to volume. Scheduling orders for the day after Thanksgiving or selecting in-store pickup when available helps manage expectations and keeps your meal timeline on track.
Key Takeaways for Thanksgiving Shopping at Walmart
- Most Walmart stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
- Place grocery pickup orders in advance for the day after Thanksgiving.
- Check local hours using the Walmart website or app, as some services vary by location.
- Expect higher online order volumes and potential delivery delays around the holiday.
- Arrive early on Black Friday to secure popular doorbuster items.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will Walmart be open on Thanksgiving Day for last-minute grocery needs?
No, most Walmart stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day, so plan to shop before or after the holiday.
Can I schedule grocery pickup for Thanksgiving if the store is closed?
Yes, grocery pickup is often available, with pickup windows set around the hours the store reopens, typically the day after Thanksgiving.
What time does Walmart open the day after Thanksgiving for Black Friday sales?
Many stores open early, often around 6 a.m. or 7 a.m., but hours vary by location, so it is best to check locally.
Will online orders placed on Thanksgiving experience delays?
Yes, order processing and delivery may be slower due to high demand, so placing orders sooner or choosing pickup can help.