Walmart Thanksgiving Hours 2025: What To Expect

Are you wondering about Walmart's Thanksgiving hours in 2025? Planning your holiday shopping can be tricky, especially when you need to know which stores will be open. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the latest information and insights to help you prepare for Thanksgiving Day shopping at Walmart. We'll explore past trends, potential opening hours, and alternative shopping options to ensure you don't miss out on any deals.

Understanding Walmart's Thanksgiving Day History

To get a better understanding of what to expect in 2025, it's helpful to look at Walmart's past Thanksgiving Day practices. For many years, Walmart was a key destination for Black Friday shoppers, opening its doors on Thanksgiving evening. This tradition allowed shoppers to get a head start on their holiday purchases, often attracting large crowds and creating a festive shopping atmosphere.

However, the retail landscape has changed in recent years. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Walmart made a significant shift by closing its stores on Thanksgiving Day. This decision was primarily aimed at prioritizing the health and well-being of its employees, giving them a much-deserved day off to spend with their families. This closure was a notable departure from the norm and was met with mixed reactions from shoppers and employees alike.

In 2021 and 2022, Walmart continued this trend, keeping its stores closed on Thanksgiving Day. This move signaled a potential long-term shift in the company's approach to the holiday. While some shoppers missed the opportunity for early Black Friday deals, many appreciated Walmart's commitment to its employees' work-life balance. The company emphasized that employees deserved to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones, free from the demands of work.

As we look ahead to Thanksgiving 2025, it's important to consider these recent trends. While there's no official announcement yet, Walmart's decisions in the past few years provide valuable clues about their potential plans. The emphasis on employee well-being and the changing retail environment suggest that Walmart may continue to keep its stores closed on Thanksgiving Day. Staying informed about these historical patterns can help you make more informed plans for your holiday shopping.

Predicting Walmart's Thanksgiving Hours in 2025

Predicting the exact Walmart Thanksgiving hours for 2025 requires careful consideration of past trends and current retail practices. As mentioned earlier, Walmart has closed its stores on Thanksgiving Day in recent years (2020, 2021, and 2022). This decision was largely driven by the desire to prioritize employee well-being and allow staff members to spend the holiday with their families. Given this recent history, it's reasonable to anticipate that Walmart may continue this practice in 2025.

However, it's essential to note that retail strategies can evolve, and consumer demand plays a significant role in these decisions. If there's a strong indication of shoppers wanting in-store Thanksgiving Day deals, Walmart might reconsider its stance. Therefore, it's crucial to stay updated with official announcements from Walmart as the holiday season approaches. These announcements typically come in the fall, often in October or early November, giving shoppers ample time to plan their shopping strategies.

In the absence of official confirmation, we can look at potential scenarios. If Walmart remains closed on Thanksgiving Day, you can expect the stores to reopen on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday is traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with retailers offering deep discounts and special promotions. Walmart's Black Friday hours usually start early, often as early as 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM, but this can vary by location. It's always a good idea to check your local Walmart's specific hours closer to the date.

Alternatively, if Walmart decides to open on Thanksgiving Day, the hours could be similar to pre-pandemic schedules, potentially opening in the late afternoon or early evening. In this scenario, it's likely that Walmart would implement measures to manage crowds and ensure a safe shopping environment. These measures might include limited store capacity, designated entry and exit points, and enhanced cleaning protocols.

To stay informed, regularly check Walmart's official website and social media channels. These platforms are usually the first to announce holiday hours and special promotions. Additionally, local news outlets and retail-focused websites often provide updates on store hours during the holiday season. By staying proactive and informed, you can plan your Thanksgiving shopping effectively and take advantage of the best deals available.

Alternative Shopping Options for Thanksgiving Day

If Walmart is closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025, or if you prefer to avoid in-store shopping, there are several alternative options available to you. Online shopping has become increasingly popular, especially during the holiday season. Many retailers, including Walmart, offer extensive online Black Friday deals that you can access from the comfort of your home. Shopping online allows you to avoid crowds and browse at your own pace. Walmart's website and app are great resources for finding deals and placing orders.

Another option is to explore other retailers that may be open on Thanksgiving Day. While many major stores have shifted away from Thanksgiving Day openings, some smaller stores or pharmacies might still be open for limited hours. It's a good idea to check the hours of your local stores in advance to avoid any surprises. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, for example, often maintain some level of operation on Thanksgiving Day, particularly their pharmacy sections.

Black Friday itself is the day immediately following Thanksgiving and is known for being one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Many stores, including Walmart, offer significant discounts and special promotions on Black Friday. Even if Walmart is closed on Thanksgiving, you can still take advantage of Black Friday deals by visiting the store on Friday morning or shopping online. Be prepared for potentially large crowds if you choose to shop in person, and plan your route and shopping list ahead of time.

Cyber Monday, which falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving, is another excellent opportunity for finding deals. Cyber Monday is primarily focused on online shopping and features many of the same deals as Black Friday, along with some exclusive online promotions. If you missed out on deals on Black Friday or prefer to shop from home, Cyber Monday is a great alternative. Walmart, along with many other retailers, offers Cyber Monday deals on its website.

Consider supporting small businesses in your community as well. Many local shops and boutiques offer unique gifts and personalized service. Shopping at small businesses not only helps the local economy but also provides a more relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience. Check the hours of local stores in advance, as some may have special holiday hours or events.

Tips for Planning Your Thanksgiving Shopping

Planning your Thanksgiving shopping effectively can save you time, money, and stress. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your holiday shopping experience:

1. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official announcements from Walmart and other retailers regarding their Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday hours. Check their websites, social media channels, and local news outlets for the latest updates. Sign up for email newsletters and notifications to receive timely information about deals and store hours.

2. Create a Shopping List: Before you start shopping, make a list of the items you need and want. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. Prioritize the items on your list and identify the stores that are likely to have them in stock. Having a clear plan will make your shopping trip more efficient and less overwhelming.

3. Compare Prices: Don't assume that the first deal you see is the best deal. Take the time to compare prices at different stores and online retailers. Use price comparison websites and apps to quickly check prices and identify the best offers. Look for coupons and promo codes that can help you save even more money.

4. Shop Online: Consider shopping online to avoid crowds and save time. Many retailers offer the same deals online as they do in stores, and some even have exclusive online promotions. Take advantage of free shipping offers and online coupon codes. Shopping online also allows you to browse at your own pace and compare products easily.

5. Set a Budget: Before you start shopping, set a budget and stick to it. It's easy to get carried away with holiday sales and overspend. Determine how much you can afford to spend and make sure your purchases stay within that limit. Using a budget will help you avoid financial stress and enjoy the holiday season without overspending.

6. Check Store Policies: Familiarize yourself with Walmart's return policies and price match guarantees. This can help you shop with confidence knowing that you can return items if needed or get a price adjustment if you find a lower price elsewhere. Knowing the store's policies can also help you take advantage of special offers and promotions.

7. Plan Your Route: If you plan to shop in person on Black Friday, plan your route in advance. Identify the stores you want to visit and map out the most efficient way to get there. Consider traffic and parking conditions, and be prepared for potential delays. Arriving early can help you avoid crowds and secure the best deals.

8. Be Patient and Courteous: Shopping during the holidays can be stressful, but it's important to be patient and courteous to other shoppers and store employees. Remember that everyone is trying to find the best deals and get their shopping done. Being kind and respectful can help make the experience more pleasant for everyone.

Staying Updated on Walmart's Holiday Hours

Staying updated on Walmart's holiday hours is crucial for planning your Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping. The best way to get the most accurate and up-to-date information is to check Walmart's official sources. These include Walmart's website, mobile app, and social media channels. Walmart typically announces its holiday hours in the fall, usually in October or early November, giving shoppers sufficient time to prepare.

Walmart's website is a primary source of information for holiday hours. You can visit the website and look for a dedicated section on holiday hours or store hours. The website often includes a store locator tool that allows you to search for your local Walmart and view its specific hours of operation. This is particularly useful as hours may vary by location.

The Walmart mobile app is another convenient way to stay informed. The app often sends notifications about holiday hours and special promotions. You can also use the app to check the hours of your local store and browse deals. The app provides a seamless shopping experience and keeps you updated on the latest news from Walmart.

Social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are also valuable sources of information. Walmart often posts updates about holiday hours and promotions on its social media pages. Following Walmart on social media ensures that you receive timely information directly from the company.

Local news outlets and retail-focused websites are also good resources for staying updated. These sources often publish articles and reports on holiday shopping hours and Black Friday deals. Checking these sources can provide you with a comprehensive view of the retail landscape during the holiday season.

Consider setting up alerts and notifications to stay informed. You can sign up for email newsletters from Walmart and other retailers to receive updates directly in your inbox. You can also set up Google Alerts for keywords like