Thanksgiving dinner takes some planning, but it’s easy to forget butter, a side dish, or enough drinks for everyone. It happens. Before heading out for those last few things, you might wonder: is Walmart open on Thanksgiving?
For 2026, Walmart is expected to be closed on Thanksgiving Day, which falls on Thursday, November 26. That follows its recent holiday schedule, though a dedicated 2026 announcement still needs confirmation. This guide explains the expected Thanksgiving hours, your online shopping options, and how to check your local store before making the trip.
What Are Walmart’s Hours Before and After Thanksgiving?
If you need groceries from Walmart, Wednesday is the day to plan around. Stores are expected to open on Thanksgiving Eve, then close for Thursday and reopen on Black Friday. The exact Wednesday and Friday hours should be checked for your location.
Here’s the expected schedule for 2026. Keep in mind that this is a planning guide, not a confirmed hourly schedule for every store.
| Day | Date | Expected status | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Eve | Wednesday, November 25 | Open | Local closing time |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 | Closed | Official 2026 holiday notice |
| Black Friday | Friday, November 27 | Open | Local opening and closing times |
Walmart has previously closed all U.S. stores on Thanksgiving to give employees time with their families. Its earlier announcements covered all locations. So if your usual branch is closed, don’t assume another Walmart across town will be open.
Honestly, leaving your grocery trip until late Wednesday gives you less room to deal with missing items. Try to finish earlier if you can. And if you’re collecting a prescription, check the pharmacy hours separately rather than relying on the main store schedule.
Can You Order From Walmart Online on Thanksgiving?
You can generally browse Walmart’s website or app and place an order during the holiday. But there’s a small thing that matters here: placing an order doesn’t mean you’ll receive it that day. Shipping, store pickup, and delivery from a store are different options.
Don’t count on Thanksgiving pickup or grocery delivery unless the service shows a confirmed slot. Walmart has paused store pickup and delivery for Thanksgiving in previous years. Those older schedules don’t confirm when services will stop or restart in 2026, so check your selected location and address.
Say you’ve added milk and bread to your cart. That only tells you what you’re trying to order, not whether it can reach you before dinner. Check the date and time before paying. If the item is being shipped, look at the estimated arrival date instead of the local delivery options.
How Can You Check Your Local Walmart’s Holiday Hours?
Check the branch you actually plan to visit, especially if you’re staying with family in another town. It’s easy to leave your usual store selected in the app and read the wrong schedule. These checks can save you an annoying trip.
- Find the correct store. Search Walmart’s website or app using your city or ZIP code. Check the street address before reading the hours, since several nearby locations can appear in the results.
- Look for holiday-specific information. Check for a Thanksgiving or Black Friday notice rather than relying only on the normal weekly hours. If you need the pharmacy, look for its separate schedule too.
- Call before the holiday if anything is unclear. Ask about the exact date and department you need. “What time does the pharmacy close on Wednesday?” is more useful than simply asking when Walmart closes.
Where Can You Shop If Walmart Is Closed?
If you notice something missing on Thanksgiving morning, start with places nearby that might carry it. Don’t assume another large store will be open just because Walmart is closed. Check the location’s holiday notice, then call if you still aren’t sure.
- Grocery stores: Look for a Thanksgiving schedule for the specific branch. Check the closing time too, since an open store may not be available later in the day.
- Convenience stores: These are worth checking for drinks, ice, snacks, or basic supplies. Call first if you need a particular ingredient rather than making a trip on a guess.
- Pharmacies: Check for household essentials, but confirm the pharmacy counter’s hours separately if you need a prescription.
Ask whether the item is available while you’re checking the hours. An open store doesn’t help much if it doesn’t carry what you need. That quick question can save you a second trip.
Final Thoughts
Plan for Walmart to be closed on Thanksgiving 2026, then check its official holiday schedule closer to the date. Get your essentials beforehand and double-check any pickup or delivery booking you’re relying on. What’s the one ingredient you always seem to forget before Thanksgiving dinner? Tell us in the comments.