On November 27, families across the nation will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. This day brings a mix of closures and adjusted operating hours for various establishments, making it important for Americans to plan their holiday activities accordingly. Understanding which services are available can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable festive period.
Thanksgiving Day Closures and Openings
Most governmental and financial entities will observe Thanksgiving Day with a full pause in operations. Banks, post offices, and the major stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, will not be conducting business. Similarly, prominent shipping companies like United Parcel Service Inc. and FedEx Corp. will halt their standard pickup and delivery services, impacting logistics for the day.
Major retail chains are also prioritizing their employees' holiday, choosing to keep their doors shut. Giants such as Walmart Inc., Target Corp., Costco Wholesale Corp., Macy's Inc., and Kohl's Corp. will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day, encouraging their staff to celebrate with loved ones. However, for those last-minute essentials, many grocery stores, including Kroger Co., Whole Foods, and Sprouts Farmers Market Inc., will be accessible, though typically operating with reduced hours. Additionally, select pharmacies, such as CVS Health Corp. and Walgreens, will be open, but customers are advised to confirm local store and pharmacy counter hours, as pharmacy services might be limited.
Historically, Thanksgiving began as a harvest celebration, rooted in a 1621 feast shared by English colonists and the Wampanoag people. Over time, it transformed from a religious observance into a widely recognized national holiday focused on expressing gratitude, uniting families, and sharing meals.
The day after Thanksgiving, November 28, marks the return to business, often with a surge in commercial activity known as Black Friday. Banks and post offices will resume their normal schedules. The stock market will reopen but is slated for an early closure at 1 p.m. ET. Retailers like Walmart and Target will open early, some as early as 6 a.m., to kick off the holiday shopping season with special Black Friday deals.
The observance of Thanksgiving and the subsequent Black Friday sales highlight the dual nature of this period: a cherished time for reflection and family, immediately followed by the bustling commencement of the holiday shopping season. Planning ahead for closures and openings ensures that both the spirit of gratitude and the opportunities for commerce are met without inconvenience.