Many shoppers are already planning their Thanksgiving week, and one of the most common questions this year is: is Target open on Thanksgiving 2025? With Black Friday deals rolling out earlier each year, it’s natural for families to wonder if they can head to their local store after dinner.
The answer for 2025 is clear — Target stores across the United States will remain closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025, giving employees the full day off. The retail chain confirmed that it will continue its tradition of closing all physical locations on Thanksgiving Day, a policy it made permanent several years ago.
A Permanent Change in Holiday Operations
Target first began closing its stores on Thanksgiving during the pandemic in 2020, when safety restrictions and new shopping habits changed the retail calendar. That decision was initially temporary but quickly became permanent in 2021.
By keeping doors closed on Thanksgiving, the company shifted its focus toward early online deals and family-centered values. Since then, Target has reinforced this closure each year, making it one of the few major retailers to maintain consistency in its holiday schedule.
In 2025, that policy remains unchanged. All 1,900+ Target stores will stay closed throughout the day, reopening early on Friday morning to kick off their in-store Black Friday events.
What Shoppers Can Expect This Thanksgiving Week
Even though Target’s physical stores will close for the holiday, shoppers won’t miss out on deals. The retailer’s online operations remain fully active through both Target.com and the Target app.
The company has already announced that its Black Friday promotions will begin well before Thanksgiving, allowing customers to secure top deals days in advance.
Here’s what customers can look forward to during Thanksgiving week:
- Online access to major discounts: Electronics, home goods, and toy deals will be live online throughout the week.
- Same-day delivery and pickup options: While Drive Up and Order Pickup services will pause on Thanksgiving Day, they will resume Friday morning.
- Early Black Friday sales: The company’s early-access sale events typically start by mid-November and continue through Cyber Monday.
This approach gives shoppers flexibility — offering big savings without the chaos of late-night crowds.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday 2025 Store Hours
To help customers plan their week, Target has outlined its expected holiday schedule for 2025.
| Date | Store Status | Hours | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, November 26 | Open | 8 a.m.–10 p.m. | Regular hours before Thanksgiving |
| Thursday, November 27 | Closed | — | All stores closed nationwide |
| Friday, November 28 | Open | 6 a.m.–10 p.m. | Black Friday sales begin |
| Saturday, November 29 | Open | 8 a.m.–10 p.m. | Standard weekend hours |
| Sunday, November 30 | Open | 8 a.m.–9 p.m. | Regular schedule resumes |
Some stores may have minor variations in hours depending on location, but the closure on Thanksgiving Day is universal.
Why Target Keeps Its Stores Closed on Thanksgiving
Target’s decision to stay closed isn’t just about logistics — it’s about values. The company has emphasized employee well-being and family time during the holidays as part of its broader corporate culture.
When Target CEO Brian Cornell announced the permanent closure policy, he framed it as part of the company’s long-term vision: to make Thanksgiving a true holiday for all employees, rather than a kickoff to a shopping rush.
Since implementing this policy, the retailer has seen widespread approval from both customers and staff. Many consumers now plan their shopping in advance, while workers benefit from a guaranteed day to spend with loved ones.
How the Change Affects Holiday Shopping Habits
The shift in Target’s holiday schedule has transformed how Americans approach Thanksgiving weekend shopping. Years ago, Thanksgiving evening was the start of major in-store events, with crowds lining up outside for doorbuster deals.
Now, the trend has fully moved online. Most shoppers begin buying earlier in the week, taking advantage of digital promotions and same-day shipping options.
This new model has several benefits:
- Less stress for customers: No need to rush to stores immediately after dinner.
- Better work-life balance: Employees can celebrate the holiday without worrying about shifts.
- Improved logistics: Retailers can spread out promotions to avoid overcrowding and supply strain.
For Target, this model has proven successful — both financially and in terms of brand reputation.
A Look at Competitors’ Thanksgiving Policies
Target isn’t the only major retailer that will close its doors on Thanksgiving in 2025. In recent years, several large U.S. chains have followed suit, prioritizing employee rest and online retail growth.
Here’s how other major retailers compare this year:
| Retailer | Thanksgiving Day Status | Holiday Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Closed | Early online and mobile deals |
| Best Buy | Closed | Online-only Thanksgiving sales |
| Costco | Closed | Family-oriented holiday schedule |
| Kohl’s | Closed | Extended online promotions |
| Home Depot | Closed | Stores reopen Friday morning |
| Amazon | Open (online only) | Digital sales continue all week |
These changes reflect how consumer behavior has evolved. Most major retailers now emphasize online accessibility rather than in-store doorbusters, which once defined the shopping season.
The Timeline for Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Target’s Black Friday season starts earlier than ever in 2025. Rather than concentrating discounts into one day, the retailer spreads promotions across several weeks in November.
Key highlights this season include:
- Early Black Friday Deals: Expected to launch around November 10.
- Thanksgiving Day Sales: Available exclusively online and through the Target app.
- Black Friday In-Store Event: Starts early Friday morning, November 28.
- Cyber Monday Specials: Continue through Monday, December 1.
This timeline gives shoppers multiple opportunities to find the best prices on electronics, toys, fashion, and home products without rushing into stores.
Popular Departments for 2025 Holiday Savings
Target’s strongest Black Friday deals typically appear across these categories:
- Electronics: Laptops, gaming systems, tablets, and headphones.
- Toys: LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, and trending seasonal favorites.
- Home Essentials: Kitchen appliances, décor, and furniture.
- Apparel: Winter clothing, family sleepwear, and holiday accessories.
- Beauty and Personal Care: Exclusive gift sets and limited-edition collections.
Customers looking for early deals should check Target’s app, which often provides Circle Rewards members with exclusive early access to discounts before they go public.
Online Shopping Options During Thanksgiving
Even though stores close for the day, Target’s digital presence remains active. Customers can continue browsing deals on Thanksgiving Day using several convenient options:
- Target.com: The full online catalog remains accessible, including all ongoing sales.
- Target App: Mobile users can shop, track deliveries, and manage rewards easily.
- Same-Day Delivery: Purchases made online can be scheduled for Friday delivery through Shipt once stores reopen.
- Order Pickup & Drive Up: These services pause for Thanksgiving but resume Friday morning, typically by 6 or 7 a.m.
Target’s hybrid retail system ensures that shoppers never miss out, even while physical locations remain closed.
The Growing Trend of Family-Focused Holidays
Retail experts note that Target’s holiday policy reflects a broader cultural shift in how Americans view the Thanksgiving season. The move away from in-person Thanksgiving shopping has made room for family-centered traditions.
Rather than rushing out for doorbusters, families now spend the holiday together — often browsing online deals from home or planning their shopping lists for the next morning.
This change also highlights how digital shopping has reshaped modern retail, creating flexibility for both consumers and companies.
Tips for Shoppers Planning Their Target Trips
If you plan to shop at Target around Thanksgiving weekend, a few strategies can help you maximize savings and convenience:
- Plan Ahead: Browse online sales early to identify must-have items.
- Use Target Circle: Membership is free and offers exclusive discounts and cash-back rewards.
- Monitor Restocks: Popular items like gaming consoles and smart TVs often restock during the week.
- Check Store Hours: Confirm opening times for your local store on Black Friday morning.
- Shop Online Early: Many top deals appear online before Friday, reducing the need to line up in person.
With preparation, you can enjoy the holiday stress-free and still score major discounts.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving has become a time to pause and reconnect — even in the fast-paced world of retail. For Target, closing stores on the holiday isn’t just about logistics; it’s about honoring tradition and putting people first.
By focusing on online accessibility and extended sales, the retailer proves that shoppers can still enjoy incredible savings without sacrificing family time.
How do you plan to shop this Thanksgiving — online from home or early on Black Friday morning? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.