Holiday Opening Hours Guide 2026: Every Major Store

Holiday shopping plans ruined by a closed store are a universal frustration. In 2026, major retailers have shifted their holiday policies significantly. This guide covers every US holiday so you can plan ahead.

The Big Two: Christmas and Thanksgiving

Christmas Day and Thanksgiving are the two holidays where most US retailers close. This has become even more pronounced since 2020 as major chains like Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Costco made their holiday closures permanent.

Christmas Day (December 25)

• •Closed: Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Macy's, Nordstrom
• •Open (limited): CVS, Walgreens, select McDonald's, Denny's, Waffle House, 7-Eleven
• •Open (full): Hospitals, gas stations, online shopping (obviously)

Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026)

• •Closed: Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, Kohl's, Macy's, Best Buy
• •Open (limited): CVS, Walgreens, Kroger (morning hours only), some McDonald's
• •Note: Most grocery stores open early morning then close by noon

Black Friday: Extended Hours Everywhere

Black Friday is the opposite of Thanksgiving — virtually every retailer is open, many with the earliest hours of the year. In 2026, most retailers no longer open at midnight, instead starting at 5AM–8AM.

Holiday Hours by Category

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores typically follow a predictable holiday pattern: open on minor holidays, reduced hours on major ones, and closed on Christmas. Always call your local store to confirm.

• •New Year's Day: Most open, reduced hours
• •Easter: Open with Sunday hours
• •Memorial Day: Open normal hours
• •July 4th: Open, may close early
• •Labor Day: Open normal hours
• •Thanksgiving: Open morning only
• •Christmas Eve: Open until 4–6PM
• •Christmas Day: Most closed

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are the most reliable holiday resource. CVS and Walgreens in particular maintain 24-hour locations even on Christmas Day.

Restaurants

Restaurant hours on holidays depend heavily on the chain and individual franchise owners. Fast food chains tend to stay open; sit-down restaurants are more likely to close or serve limited menus.

Holiday Planning Checklist

1. 1.Check hours 2–3 days before any major holiday
2. 2.Stock up on essentials the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas
3. 3.Know your nearest 24-hour pharmacy for holiday emergencies
4. 4.Have backup restaurant options — many popular spots book out months ahead
5. 5.Online shopping is always open — factor in shipping cutoff dates
6. 6.Use our real-time checker the day of to confirm actual open status

2026 Holiday Calendar Quick Reference