With Thanksgiving fast approaching, one of the most common questions on shoppers’ minds this holiday season is: is Walmart gonna be open on Thanksgiving 2025? For those planning their grocery runs or early Black Friday shopping, the answer is straightforward — Walmart stores across the United States will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that the nation’s largest retailer will close its doors for the holiday, allowing its employees to spend the day with family. While stores won’t open, shoppers can still access all of Walmart’s biggest holiday discounts online through its website and mobile app.
Walmart’s Thanksgiving Tradition of Staying Closed
For decades, Walmart was a go-to stop for Thanksgiving shoppers. Families would pick up last-minute groceries in the morning or head out after dinner to catch early Black Friday deals. That changed in 2020, when Walmart decided to close its doors for the first time in decades.
Initially, the closure was part of the company’s response to the pandemic. But the move was so well received by employees and customers that it became a permanent policy starting in 2021.
Now, Thanksgiving Day is a guaranteed day off for all of Walmart’s U.S. store associates — a tradition the company has upheld every year since.
The retailer’s focus has shifted toward early online promotions and extended sales events, eliminating the need for in-person crowds during the holiday.
What Customers Can Expect in 2025
While stores remain closed, Walmart’s digital storefront stays active around the clock. This means that even though you won’t find open doors or checkout lines on Thanksgiving Day, you can still enjoy the same deals and discounts from home.
In 2025, Walmart’s Black Friday Deals for Days campaign continues to expand, offering shoppers early access to discounts across multiple product categories.
Here’s what customers can look forward to this Thanksgiving week:
- Stores closed all day Thursday, November 27
- Online sales active throughout Thanksgiving Day
- Black Friday in-store events begin Friday morning
- Pickup and delivery services resume Friday
This strategy allows shoppers to enjoy their Thanksgiving meals at home while still scoring the best deals on electronics, toys, clothing, and home goods.
Thanksgiving Week Operating Hours
To help customers plan ahead, Walmart has shared its full schedule for Thanksgiving week 2025. While Thanksgiving Day itself will see stores closed nationwide, other days will operate under regular or extended hours.
| Date | Store Status | Opening Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Nov 26 | Open | 6 a.m.–11 p.m. | Regular shopping day before Thanksgiving |
| Thursday, Nov 27 | Closed | — | All U.S. locations closed for the holiday |
| Friday, Nov 28 | Open | 5 a.m.–11 p.m. | Black Friday sales begin |
| Saturday, Nov 29 | Open | 6 a.m.–11 p.m. | Regular weekend hours |
| Sunday, Nov 30 | Open | 6 a.m.–11 p.m. | Standard schedule resumes |
Local stores may adjust opening times slightly on Friday morning to manage customer flow, so it’s best to check your location’s exact hours through the Walmart app.
Black Friday 2025: What Shoppers Should Know
Black Friday has become one of Walmart’s biggest annual events, and in 2025, the retailer continues to focus on a multi-day approach instead of a single rush.
Instead of opening on Thanksgiving evening — a practice that ended several years ago — Walmart now launches deals online earlier in November. By the time Black Friday arrives, most of the best offers are already live online.
Key categories to watch this year include:
- Electronics: TVs, laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles
- Toys and games for the holiday season
- Small kitchen appliances and cookware sets
- Apparel and winter accessories
- Beauty, home décor, and holiday gifts
Customers can preview many of these discounts before Thanksgiving through Walmart’s app or email alerts, reducing the need to wait until Friday morning.
Why Walmart Chooses to Close
Walmart’s closure on Thanksgiving isn’t just about following a trend — it’s a deliberate reflection of the company’s culture. With over 1.6 million associates across the U.S., the retailer views the holiday as an opportunity to thank employees for their service and commitment.
Granting a full day off has boosted morale and strengthened public perception of the company as an employee-friendly brand.
The decision also aligns with changing consumer behavior. Over the past several years, more shoppers have shifted to online shopping, making in-person Thanksgiving openings less necessary.
In essence, Walmart’s leadership has recognized that giving employees time to rest benefits both the workforce and the company’s overall brand reputation.
Online Shopping Options on Thanksgiving Day
Even though physical stores won’t open, Walmart’s online operations will remain fully functional throughout Thanksgiving Day. Customers can browse sales and check out directly through Walmart.com or the Walmart app.
Online services available include:
- Full access to Black Friday pricing and exclusive online-only discounts
- Free shipping on most qualifying orders
- Early access to select deals for Walmart+ members
- Easy delivery scheduling for Friday or weekend pickup
Customers can place orders for home delivery or curbside pickup as soon as stores reopen Friday morning.
This digital-first approach has become central to Walmart’s holiday operations, providing shoppers with convenience and flexibility while reducing holiday stress.
Comparison With Other Retailers’ Schedules
Walmart isn’t the only major retailer closing for Thanksgiving in 2025. The shift toward online holiday shopping has led several other companies to follow a similar schedule.
| Retailer | Thanksgiving Status | Black Friday Opening Time |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Closed | 5 a.m. Friday |
| Target | Closed | 6 a.m. Friday |
| Best Buy | Closed | 6 a.m. Friday |
| Kohl’s | Closed | 5 a.m. Friday |
| Home Depot | Closed | 6 a.m. Friday |
| Costco | Closed | 9 a.m. Friday |
| Amazon (Online) | Open | Online all week |
This collective move shows a larger retail transformation. The once-common practice of opening on Thanksgiving evening has faded as businesses prioritize employee welfare and digital convenience over in-person chaos.
Tips for Holiday Shoppers in 2025
For those looking to make the most of Walmart’s Thanksgiving week deals, careful planning can help ensure you don’t miss out.
Practical shopping tips:
- Download the Walmart app early. Get notifications on deal drops and early access for members.
- Join Walmart+. Membership offers perks like free shipping, fuel discounts, and early access to major sales.
- Shop ahead of time. Many deals go live days before Thanksgiving, and top-selling items can sell out fast.
- Use wish lists. Save items in the app for easy access once prices drop.
- Check pickup times. Schedule deliveries or pickups in advance for the Friday rush.
These strategies will help you enjoy the best prices without the stress of crowded stores or long lines.
The Broader Retail Shift
Walmart’s Thanksgiving closure highlights a broader shift across the American retail landscape. Consumers have grown accustomed to digital convenience — browsing deals online while relaxing at home.
E-commerce sales during Thanksgiving week have steadily increased year after year, with online spending often surpassing in-store Black Friday revenue.
For Walmart, this trend means investing heavily in technology, logistics, and delivery networks to meet online demand. The retailer has expanded its distribution centers and introduced faster shipping options through Walmart+, ensuring customers get their holiday orders on time.
This hybrid model — a blend of online and physical retail — continues to shape how Americans shop for the holidays.
Employee Appreciation and Company Values
Beyond retail trends, Walmart’s decision to close on Thanksgiving underscores its commitment to people.
For many of the company’s associates, Thanksgiving used to be one of the busiest — and most demanding — workdays of the year. Now, it’s a guaranteed break.
The company’s executives have emphasized that this policy is about more than business — it’s about gratitude. Giving workers a full day off strengthens loyalty and morale while aligning with Walmart’s stated goal of being “a place where associates can build better lives.”
In a fast-moving retail world, that human touch resonates deeply with both customers and staff.
What to Expect on Black Friday Morning
When doors open early Friday morning, shoppers can expect a lively but organized experience.
Most locations will have controlled entry systems, directional signage, and expanded customer support teams to ensure smooth crowd management.
Online orders placed on Thanksgiving can be picked up at designated areas within the store. Drive-thru pickup lanes will also be available in most locations for quick, contactless retrieval.
While some doorbusters are exclusive to in-store shopping, many of Walmart’s biggest deals will remain available online through the weekend and Cyber Monday.
The Bottom Line
For 2025, Walmart will once again keep its doors closed on Thanksgiving Day — a tradition that reflects changing shopping habits and the company’s focus on employee well-being.
Customers can still find everything they need through Walmart’s online platform, from groceries and gifts to electronics and home essentials, with early deals starting well before the holiday.
As one of the largest and most influential retailers in the U.S., Walmart’s approach has helped redefine the meaning of Thanksgiving shopping — shifting it from chaos to convenience.
Will you shop Walmart’s Thanksgiving week deals online or head out early for Black Friday in-store discounts? Share your plans in the comments below and join the holiday conversation.