The question is cvs open on thanksgiving becomes one of the most common holiday searches as Americans prepare their shopping lists, gather for family meals, and realize at the last minute that they need a forgotten ingredient or essential item. For 2025, CVS has confirmed that most of its stores across the United States will be open on Thanksgiving Day, though with modified hours and significant differences between retail and pharmacy schedules. This guide covers everything shoppers need to know before heading to their local CVS on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Why CVS Remains One of the Most Reliable Holiday Stops
CVS plays an important role during holidays because it offers a mix of health items, everyday groceries, seasonal goods, and last-minute essentials. When many large retailers shut their doors for Thanksgiving, CVS typically stays open to help customers with urgent needs.
From forgotten baking supplies to cold medicine for an unexpected illness, these stores often become a go-to destination during the holiday. That reliability is part of why so many people look up Thanksgiving hours every year.
This year is no different. CVS is keeping the majority of its retail locations open, but the hours will vary, and customers should be aware of what the holiday schedule includes—and what it doesn’t.
Thanksgiving 2025: Overall Store Schedule
Shoppers can expect CVS retail stores to open on Thanksgiving Day, but with schedules that differ from the usual weekday routine. Holiday staffing, regional patterns, and store format all play a role in determining whether your local location stays open all day or operates under a reduced schedule.
Typical Thanksgiving Store Hours
- Many stores open in the morning and close earlier in the evening.
- Common hours are roughly 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though this varies by region.
- Locations that normally operate 24 hours will continue to stay open around the clock.
- Some stores may extend hours slightly based on local demand, while others may shorten hours further.
It’s important to check a specific location rather than relying on national assumptions. Local conditions always influence holiday hours.
Retail Floor vs. Pharmacy Counter: Two Different Schedules
One of the most important points shoppers should know is that the retail area of CVS and the pharmacy area operate differently on Thanksgiving Day. This is where many customers get confused, because the store may be open, but the pharmacy may not be.
Retail Floor
Most customers will find the retail areas of CVS open for holiday shopping. That includes access to:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Snacks and beverages
- Holiday goods
- Beauty and personal care items
- Household supplies
- Basic groceries
- Batteries, chargers, and last-minute electronics needs
These items remain available at most locations, even if the pharmacy is closed.
Pharmacy Counter
Pharmacy hours are far more limited. Many CVS locations do not have a staffed pharmacy on Thanksgiving Day. Even at stores that stay open 24 hours for retail, the pharmacy counter may only be open during a short window—or not at all.
Customers needing a prescription filled or picked up should:
- Call ahead
- Check the CVS app
- Verify availability the day before
Prescription-related tasks often require pharmacist presence, and without that, the counter cannot operate.
What Determines Whether Your CVS Pharmacy Is Open
Pharmacy closures or limited hours are not random. Several practical factors shape whether a particular store can offer pharmacy services on Thanksgiving.
1. Staffing Availability
Pharmacists and technicians may opt to take the day off, and if sufficient staff cannot be scheduled, the pharmacy does not open.
2. Local Customer Demand
Densely populated cities may staff pharmacies to meet higher traffic, while rural or lower-volume stores may not.
3. Store Format
- Standalone CVS stores have the highest chance of offering limited pharmacy hours.
- CVS stores inside other retailers (such as grocery or department stores) follow the host store schedule. If that store is closed for the holiday, the pharmacy is closed too.
4. Regional Policies
State and municipal guidelines sometimes affect holiday work hours for pharmacy employees.
These variables mean that even two stores only a few miles apart can have different pharmacy hours on the same holiday.
How to Confirm Your Local CVS Hours
Because CVS hours depend heavily on location, checking ahead is essential—especially for health needs.
Options to Verify Current Hours
- CVS App: Provides updated store and pharmacy hours, including holiday adjustments.
- Store Locator: Lists hours for each location and often includes notes about special holiday schedules.
- Phone Call: Speaking directly with the store is the fastest way to confirm pharmacy availability.
- In-Store Signage: Many locations post Thanksgiving hours on doors and windows in the days leading up to the holiday.
Confirming hours is the best way to avoid an unnecessary trip or missing a prescription deadline.
Why CVS Stays Open When Many Retailers Close
Thanksgiving has become a day when major big-box stores—such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy—close to allow employees to spend time with family. CVS has maintained a different approach for years, because its role is more tied to health care and everyday essentials.
Important Reasons CVS Stays Open
- Access to health products and over-the-counter medications
- Support for unexpected illnesses or injuries
- Convenience for travelers and holiday hosts
- Availability of personal care items and small household goods
- Ability to serve customers who rely on the store for items not found elsewhere on holidays
This is why CVS remains part of the small group of retailers open each Thanksgiving.
What You Can Buy at CVS on Thanksgiving
CVS carries a wide mix of items that come in handy on a holiday. Because the chain blends pharmacy services with general merchandise, it often saves the day for Thanksgiving shoppers.
Common Last-Minute Needs Found at CVS
- Pain relievers and cold or flu medication
- First-aid supplies
- Beauty and grooming products
- Greeting cards
- Gift cards
- Snacks, candy, and beverages
- Frozen food items (depending on store)
- Cleaning supplies and dish soap
- Batteries for electronics and holiday decorations
- Travel essentials for guests
Even shoppers who planned well can find themselves missing something small but vital. CVS helps fill that gap.
What You Typically Cannot Access on Thanksgiving
Some services are limited or unavailable.
Unavailable or Restricted
- Prescription pickup at locations with closed pharmacy counters
- Vaccines or pharmacist consultations
- Specialty medication services
- Detailed prescription support
- Certain controlled prescriptions that cannot be dispensed without a pharmacist on duty
If any of these are essential for you, take care of them before the holiday.
How 24-Hour CVS Stores Operate on Thanksgiving
CVS locations that operate 24/7 follow a slightly different model. Their retail areas stay open all day and night, even on Thanksgiving. However, the pharmacy within a 24-hour store does not automatically remain open for 24 hours during the holiday.
The most common setup is:
- Retail floor: open 24 hours
- Pharmacy counter: open limited hours or closed except for emergency staffing
While these stores give customers broader access, pharmacy confirmation is still required.
Planning Ahead: Tips for Shoppers and Prescription Users
1. Refill Medications Early
If you take daily medications, do not wait until the holiday.
2. Verify Before You Go
Holiday schedules can shift unexpectedly due to staffing or local conditions.
3. Keep the App Installed
The CVS app provides fast updates and can notify you if your pharmacy posts altered holiday hours.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Door Signs
Stores often post Thanksgiving hours several days before the holiday.
5. Know Your Nearest 24-Hour Location
These stores often maintain the most reliable access to essential items.
Bottom Line
For shoppers wondering is CVS open on Thanksgiving, the answer for 2025 is yes—most CVS stores will open with reduced hours, while pharmacy operations will vary widely from location to location. As holiday preparation begins, verifying your local store’s schedule remains the best way to ensure you get the items or services you need.
If you plan to visit CVS this Thanksgiving, feel free to share your experience or local store hours in the comments below.