🦃 Is Walmart Open on Thanksgiving 2026?
Complete Guide to Walmart Thanksgiving & Black Friday Hours
Quick Answer
All Walmart stores across the United States will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day 2026 (November 28, 2026).
Walmart has kept stores closed on Thanksgiving since 2020 to allow employees to spend the holiday with their families. This includes all Walmart Supercenters, Walmart Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations.
⏰ Countdown to Thanksgiving 2026
🗓️ Walmart Thanksgiving Weekend Schedule 2026
Wednesday Before Thanksgiving
Walmart operates with regular store hours (6:00 AM - 11:00 PM). This is one of the busiest shopping days as people prepare for Thanksgiving dinner. Expect large crowds, especially in the afternoon and evening.
✓ OPEN - Regular HoursThanksgiving Day 2026
ALL WALMART STORES CLOSED - Walmart, Walmart Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations will be closed for the entire day. Online shopping at Walmart.com remains available 24/7.
✗ CLOSED ALL DAYBlack Friday 2026
Walmart reopens with early store hours for Black Friday deals! Most locations open at 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM. Special deals, doorbusters, and major discounts available. Check your local store for exact opening time.
✓ OPEN - Early Hours (5-6 AM)Saturday After Thanksgiving
Regular weekend hours resume (6:00 AM - 11:00 PM). Black Friday deals continue throughout the weekend. Small Business Saturday also takes place.
✓ OPEN - Regular Hours🛍️ Walmart Black Friday 2026
While Walmart is closed on Thanksgiving, they make up for it with incredible Black Friday deals starting early morning on November 29, 2026!
What to Expect:
- ✓ Doors open 5:00 AM - 6:00 AM (varies by location)
- ✓ Doorbusters and limited-time deals
- ✓ Electronics, TVs, and tech at lowest prices
- ✓ Online deals start Wednesday night
- ✓ Deals extend through Cyber Monday
📺 Electronics
TVs, laptops, gaming consoles at deep discounts
🏠 Home Goods
Kitchen appliances, furniture, decor deals
👕 Clothing
Fashion for the whole family at low prices
🎮 Toys & Games
Holiday gift ideas and toy doorbusters
🏪 Other Stores Open on Thanksgiving 2026
Need to shop on Thanksgiving Day? Here are stores that MAY be open (always verify):
CVS Pharmacy
✓ Most locations OPEN
Reduced hours
Walgreens
✓ Most locations OPEN
Reduced hours
7-Eleven
✓ OPEN 24/7
Regular hours
Dollar General
✓ Most locations OPEN
Reduced hours
Target
✗ CLOSED
Closed since 2020
Best Buy
✗ CLOSED
Closed on Thanksgiving
Costco
✗ CLOSED
Always closed holidays
Sam's Club
✗ CLOSED
Same as Walmart
📜 History of Walmart Thanksgiving Hours
Walmart's Thanksgiving Day policy has evolved significantly over the years. Here's how it changed:
Before 2020: Open on Thanksgiving
For many years, Walmart opened on Thanksgiving evening (usually around 6:00 PM) for early Black Friday deals. This "Thanksgiving shopping" trend became controversial as employees had to work during the holiday.
2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Changes
Due to the pandemic, Walmart announced stores would be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2020. This decision was made to give employees time with their families during an especially challenging year.
2021-2026: Permanently Closed
Walmart continued the policy every year since 2020, making it a permanent change. The company stated: "We're giving our associates time to spend with their families and focus on Thanksgiving."
Why Did Walmart Stop Opening on Thanksgiving?
- Employee Well-Being: Giving workers the holiday off to spend with family
- Customer Feedback: Many shoppers preferred not shopping on Thanksgiving
- Online Shopping: Walmart.com provides 24/7 shopping access
- Black Friday: Focus on bigger Black Friday event the next day
- Industry Trend: Target, Best Buy, and others also closed on Thanksgiving
💻 Can I Shop Walmart Online on Thanksgiving?
Yes! While physical Walmart stores are closed, you can still shop on Thanksgiving Day 2026 through these options:
Walmart.com - Available 24/7
- Browse and purchase millions of items online
- Black Friday deals often start online Wednesday night
- Free shipping on orders $35+
- Schedule pickup for Friday or later
- Order groceries for delivery when available
Walmart Mobile App
- Download on iOS or Android
- Shop from your phone or tablet
- Easy checkout and tracking
- Get notifications for Black Friday deals
Delivery & Pickup Options
- Store Pickup: Available Friday and beyond (not Thanksgiving)
- Curbside Pickup: Order online, pick up without going inside
- Delivery: May be limited on Thanksgiving, available Friday
- Express Delivery: Fast delivery in select areas (when available)
🎯 Thanksgiving & Black Friday Shopping Tips
Before Thanksgiving
- Make a shopping list of everything you need
- Shop Wednesday afternoon for last-minute Thanksgiving items
- Download the Walmart app and create an account
- Sign up for Walmart+ for early deal access
- Check Black Friday ad previews online
On Thanksgiving Day
- Remember: Physical stores are CLOSED all day
- Shop online at Walmart.com instead
- Browse Black Friday deals starting in the evening
- Add items to cart for Friday purchase
- Set alarms for doorbuster deal times
Black Friday Strategy
- Arrive early (30-60 minutes before opening)
- Know the store layout and deal locations
- Bring your shopping list
- Check stock availability online first
- Consider online ordering for in-store pickup
- Download digital coupons before shopping