Thanksgiving Day often brings the realization that something essential was forgotten — a missing spice, batteries for decorations, or extra paper plates for guests. It’s moments like these that send people searching for nearby stores still open. With millions of Americans depending on Dollar General for last-minute necessities, many are asking the same question this year: Is Dollar General open on Thanksgiving 2025?
As of today, November 27, 2025, Dollar General stores are open across the United States, operating on a modified holiday schedule to serve communities before Thanksgiving gatherings begin. The company confirmed that stores would maintain shortened hours, allowing customers to pick up household items, groceries, and seasonal products while also giving employees time to enjoy the holiday evening.
Thanksgiving 2025 Store Schedule
Dollar General locations will remain open throughout Thanksgiving Day, though hours will differ by region and store type. Most stores will open early in the morning and close slightly earlier than usual.
Typical schedule for Thanksgiving 2025:
- Opening time: 7 a.m. (local time)
- Closing time: Between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. (local time)
Stores in rural areas or smaller towns may close as early as 8 p.m., while those in suburban and urban centers could extend to 10 or even 11 p.m. These times are designed to balance customer convenience with staff flexibility.
For the most accurate local hours, customers can use the Store Locator tool on the Dollar General website or mobile app before heading out.
Why Dollar General Remains a Thanksgiving Essential
Dollar General has earned its reputation as a reliable stop for last-minute Thanksgiving needs. Its presence in over 19,000 communities nationwide makes it one of the most accessible retailers for shoppers in both cities and rural areas.
While most major retail chains — including Walmart, Target, and Costco — have chosen to close on Thanksgiving in recent years, Dollar General continues its tradition of staying open. The company’s leadership emphasizes that many communities rely on the brand for basic supplies, especially in regions where other grocery or department stores are miles away.
The decision to keep stores open is part of Dollar General’s long-standing mission to “serve others,” providing customers with convenience even during national holidays.
Products Shoppers Commonly Pick Up on Thanksgiving Morning
Many families find themselves running to Dollar General at the last minute for one or two forgotten items. During Thanksgiving morning, the store becomes a go-to spot for a range of essentials, including:
- Baking ingredients like sugar, flour, cooking oil, and spices
- Disposable tableware, napkins, and utensils
- Cleaning supplies and trash bags
- Frozen vegetables and canned goods
- Beverages, soft drinks, and snacks
- Greeting cards and seasonal decorations
- Over-the-counter medications
In smaller communities where other grocery stores are closed, Dollar General is often the only nearby location still open for essentials.
A Closer Look at Holiday Operations
Dollar General’s approach to holiday operations is built on balancing convenience for shoppers with respect for employee time. Most locations operate with smaller teams on Thanksgiving, ensuring that employees can spend at least part of the day with family.
Unlike large retail chains that depend on extensive Black Friday staffing, Dollar General’s compact store model allows limited crews to manage holiday operations smoothly. This smaller footprint enables the company to open with reduced hours without overwhelming staff.
Many store managers also schedule shifts so employees can alternate between working mornings or evenings during the holiday week, reflecting Dollar General’s effort to maintain both service and morale.
How Dollar General’s Schedule Compares to Other Retailers
Thanksgiving retail strategies have changed dramatically since 2020. Major companies like Walmart and Target permanently moved to closing on Thanksgiving Day, citing the importance of family time for employees. Others, like Walgreens and CVS, open select locations with limited pharmacy service.
Here’s a quick look at how Dollar General compares with other retailers on Thanksgiving 2025:
| Retailer | Thanksgiving 2025 Status | Approximate Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar General | Open | 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Reduced hours; community-focused service |
| Walmart | Closed | — | Fifth consecutive year closed |
| Target | Closed | — | Family-first policy continues |
| Family Dollar | Open | 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Similar schedule to DG |
| CVS Pharmacy | Open (select stores) | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Pharmacy hours may differ |
| Walgreens | Open (most stores) | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Limited holiday operations |
This table underscores Dollar General’s position as one of the few major chains committed to staying open on Thanksgiving, particularly for communities that depend on accessible retail options.
Digital Shopping and Pickup Services
While in-person shopping remains popular, Dollar General has expanded digital tools to make holiday shopping more convenient. Customers can now use the DG App to browse weekly deals, clip digital coupons, and even order items for DG Pickup — an in-store pickup service available at thousands of locations.
During the holiday season, same-day pickup times may vary due to higher order volume. Shoppers are encouraged to place orders early in the day if they plan to use the pickup feature on Thanksgiving.
In addition, the app frequently highlights Thanksgiving Week promotions, helping customers save on groceries, décor, and household supplies without having to wait for Black Friday.
Holiday Staffing and Community Efforts
Dollar General has built its brand around serving smaller towns and local communities, and this philosophy extends to its holiday operations. Many store teams use Thanksgiving week to support local initiatives, such as food drives or community events.
Through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and other outreach efforts, the company continues to donate millions annually to programs focused on education and community well-being. Operating on Thanksgiving also gives stores an opportunity to connect with customers who rely on the retailer for last-minute needs.
Employees who work Thanksgiving shifts often receive additional holiday pay or flexible schedules later in the week, allowing them to balance work and family time.
Transitioning to Black Friday
Once Thanksgiving winds down, Dollar General quickly transitions into one of its biggest events of the year — Black Friday.
Most stores will reopen early on Friday, November 28, 2025, with doors typically opening at 6 a.m. local time. The retailer’s Black Friday sale includes major discounts on household essentials, toys, seasonal decorations, apparel, and home goods.
Dollar General’s smaller store format allows for a smoother shift from Thanksgiving operations to Black Friday readiness. This seamless transition helps the company compete effectively in the discount retail market while maintaining strong community presence.
Customer Tips for Visiting Dollar General on Thanksgiving
For shoppers planning a Thanksgiving Day trip, a few quick tips can help make the experience smoother:
- Check store hours early: Use the official Store Locator or app to confirm local opening and closing times.
- Shop during the morning: Shelves are best stocked early in the day before crowds arrive.
- Use digital coupons: The DG app features weekly offers that apply even on holidays.
- Be mindful of limited staff: Stores operate with smaller teams — a little patience goes a long way.
- Plan ahead for Black Friday: If you’re already shopping on Thanksgiving, you can scope out upcoming Black Friday deals while in-store.
Why Dollar General’s Decision Matters
Dollar General’s choice to remain open during Thanksgiving is not just about convenience; it reflects its commitment to accessibility in America’s heartland. With thousands of stores located in rural and underserved areas, the company fills a gap left by big-box retailers that close their doors for the holiday.
This decision underscores Dollar General’s identity as a community-first retailer — one that prioritizes customer needs, especially on days when other options are limited. It’s part of what has helped the chain maintain consistent growth and loyalty across generations of shoppers.
Looking Ahead
As the retail landscape evolves, Dollar General’s Thanksgiving operations highlight a broader industry balance — respecting employees’ time while meeting customer demand for accessible, affordable shopping.
In 2025, as inflation and living costs remain a challenge for many households, stores like Dollar General play an even more vital role in providing budget-friendly essentials without the long lines or high prices of big-box retailers.
Whether shoppers need forgotten ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal or just want to grab a few snacks before the football game, Dollar General remains open and ready to help.
If you stopped by your local store today, share your experience or your community’s store hours in the comments below — your feedback helps other readers stay informed this holiday season