Anyone preparing meals for the holiday season eventually asks is kroger open on thanksgiving, especially when last-minute ingredients, emergency substitutions, or forgotten staples come up in the rush of cooking. For 2025, the retailer has confirmed that most Kroger supermarkets will open on Thanksgiving Day, but all will operate on reduced hours. Shoppers should plan carefully because in-store pharmacies, specialty departments, and several services will not follow normal schedules.
This in-depth guide walks you through everything confirmed so far, including store-hour patterns, regional variations, pickup and delivery options, pharmacy closures, and tips to help shoppers navigate Thanksgiving morning with less stress.
Why Kroger’s Thanksgiving Hours Matter for Holiday Preparations
Grocery stores play a major role on Thanksgiving, especially for families preparing big meals at home. Kroger is one of the country’s largest supermarket chains, and its holiday operating hours influence planning for millions of shoppers.
The holiday rush often leads to forgotten ingredients or last-minute changes to recipes. Keeping doors open for part of the day helps shoppers who need:
- Butter, broth, or baking essentials
- Fresh produce for salads and side dishes
- Rolls, pies, or bakery items
- Substitutions for missing spices or pantry items
- Emergency kitchen supplies such as roasting pans or foil
Since Kroger is committed to opening with reduced hours rather than staying closed entirely, shoppers still have access to essentials without waiting until the next day.
Confirmed Thanksgiving Operating Schedule for Kroger in 2025
Kroger has released its holiday planning guide for the year, and the structure is straightforward: most stores open, all stores close early.
Key points include:
- Morning opening: Stores open earlier in the day, generally following a shorter morning schedule.
- Early closing: Most locations close between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. depending on state, region, and store size.
- Pharmacy closure: All Kroger pharmacies close for the entire day.
- Fuel stations: Fuel centers may follow different hours than the main store.
- Pickup and delivery: Both services may operate on shortened or modified schedules.
While each location sets its own exact hours, the pattern remains consistent across the company: open in the morning, shut down by mid-afternoon, and resume standard hours the next day.
How Holiday Hours Differ Across Kroger’s Family of Stores
Kroger operates multiple regional banners across the U.S., and many shoppers use these stores without realizing they are part of the Kroger network. Each banner sets Thanksgiving hours based on regional staffing needs and local traffic patterns.
These banners include:
- Ralphs
- King Soopers
- Smith’s Food and Drug
- Fry’s
- QFC
- Fred Meyer
- Dillons
- Baker’s
- Gerbes
- City Market
- Pay Less
- Jay C Food Stores
- Harris Teeter (operates semi-independently but often follows similar holiday structures)
Most of these brands follow the same model: open for part of Thanksgiving Day, close early, and keep pharmacies fully closed.
For shoppers who rely on a banner store rather than a Kroger-branded location, the best approach is to verify hours online or by phone before heading out.
Pharmacy Hours: What Shoppers Must Know Before Thanksgiving
One of the most important holiday updates for 2025 is that Kroger pharmacies will not open at all on Thanksgiving Day.
That means:
- No prescription pickups
- No new prescription fills
- No on-site consultation
- No pharmacy staff available inside stores
Shoppers who need medications for the holiday weekend should plan ahead by requesting refills several days early. Pharmacies often experience heavier traffic in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, making early preparation essential.
Grocery Departments With Modified Operating Hours
Although most Kroger stores remain open, not every department will follow standard morning-to-afternoon availability. Several departments may have earlier cutoff times due to holiday staffing:
Bakery
The bakery often runs a reduced schedule and may stop accepting custom orders before the holiday. Fresh-baked pies, rolls, and desserts are available but may sell out quickly.
Deli
Rotisserie chickens, sliced meats, and prepared sides are typically available in the morning but not guaranteed later in the day.
Seafood and Meat Counter
Staffing varies by region, and many stores limit counter service early.
Customer Service Desk
Holiday staffing shortages may mean the service desk closes earlier than the main store.
Understanding these patterns can help shoppers avoid frustration and long waits.
Pickup and Delivery Options on Thanksgiving Day
Many shoppers prefer using pickup or delivery to simplify the holiday rush. Kroger provides both services during most holidays, but the Thanksgiving schedule is usually tightened.
Pickup
Pickup may be available in certain stores, but time slots will be limited. Shoppers should reserve slots days in advance.
Delivery
Kroger’s delivery service often operates fewer vehicles on Thanksgiving. Some regions offer morning deliveries only, while others pause delivery for the day.
Shoppers who rely on these services should double-check available windows in the Kroger app or on their store’s local page.
Fuel Center Availability
Kroger fuel stations—popular for shoppers who earn fuel points—may not follow store hours exactly. Some fuel centers stay open longer, while others adjust hours to match local store schedules.
If you plan to travel long distances on Thanksgiving, it’s best to fill up a day early to avoid unexpected closures.
How Kroger’s Holiday Hours Compare to Competitors
The question of whether a grocery store opens or closes on Thanksgiving varies by brand. Kroger’s decision places it in the category of limited-service holiday retailers.
Chains Closed Entirely
- Target
- Walmart (closed in many regions)
- Costco
- ALDI
- Sam’s Club
Chains Open With Limited Hours
- Kroger
- Meijer
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Giant Food
- H-E-B (select regions only)
Because Kroger remains open for a portion of the day, it becomes a go-to option for last-minute trips.
Tips for Navigating Kroger on Thanksgiving Morning
Holiday grocery shopping can feel overwhelming, especially when stores operate on shorter schedules. These tips can help shoppers get what they need with less stress:
Shop as early as possible
Crowds build quickly on Thanksgiving morning, especially between 9 a.m. and noon. Arriving early increases the chances of finding popular items still in stock.
Bring a concise shopping list
Focused lists help reduce time spent in crowded aisles.
Check inventory online
Many Kroger apps display real-time stock for essential items.
Expect longer checkout times
Reduced staffing can lead to slower lanes, especially near closing time.
Don’t rely on specialty counters
Prepared foods, bakery, and deli offerings may sell out quickly or close early.
If you plan your trip with these points in mind, the experience becomes far smoother.
What to Do If Kroger Closes Early in Your Area
Some stores—especially smaller or regionally specific banners—may opt to close earlier than usual. If your Kroger is already closed, consider:
- Local markets
- Independent grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Pharmacy chains that sell food items
- Restaurants offering last-minute pickup meals
A quick online search or store-locator check can help identify alternatives.
The Importance of Planning Ahead
Thanksgiving can be a hectic day, and even though Kroger remains open, careful planning ensures a successful grocery trip. Key recommendations include:
- Buying main ingredients earlier in the week
- Reserving pickup or delivery times as soon as they appear
- Refilling prescriptions well before the holiday
- Picking up desserts, pies, and bakery items the day before
- Confirming store hours the morning of your planned trip
Shoppers who prepare ahead reduce the chances of being caught without a needed item when time is limited.
Final Takeaway
For anyone asking is kroger open on thanksgiving, the answer for 2025 is clear: most Kroger locations will open on Thanksgiving Day for a shortened schedule, while all pharmacies close for the full day. By checking local hours, planning ahead, and arriving early, shoppers can make the most of the limited holiday window.
Will you shop early at Kroger this Thanksgiving, or do you prefer getting everything done before the holiday rush? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more holiday updates.