Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and turkey. But if you're looking to do something other than cook and eat, you may be wondering what's open on Thanksgiving. Many businesses and services are closed on Thanksgiving Day, but there are still some places that are open. Here's a guide to what's open on Thanksgiving, including restaurants, stores, and services.
Most restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, but there are a few that are open. Some restaurants, such as Denny's and IHOP, are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Other restaurants, such as The Cheesecake Factory and Olive Garden, are also open on Thanksgiving, but they may have limited hours. It's always best to call ahead to make sure a restaurant is open before you go.
In addition to restaurants, some stores are also open on Thanksgiving. Some convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven and Circle K, are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Other stores, such as Walmart and Target, are also open on Thanksgiving, but they may have limited hours. Again, it's always best to call ahead to make sure a store is open before you go.
What is open on Thanksgiving
Few businesses, services open.
- Some restaurants
- Convenience stores
- Some retail stores
- Gas stations
- Movie theaters
- Bowling alleys
- Casinos
- Emergency services
Call ahead to confirm hours.
Some restaurants
A handful of restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day, offering a convenient option for those who don't want to cook or clean up.
- Chain restaurants: Many chain restaurants, such as Denny's, IHOP, and Cracker Barrel, are open on Thanksgiving. These restaurants typically have extended hours on holidays, so you can enjoy a meal at your convenience.
- Buffets: Buffets are another popular option for Thanksgiving dinner. Many buffets, such as Golden Corral and HomeTown Buffet, are open on Thanksgiving and offer a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
- Fine dining restaurants: Some fine dining restaurants also offer Thanksgiving dinner. These restaurants typically have a special menu for the holiday, featuring traditional dishes with a gourmet twist.
- Local restaurants: Some local restaurants may also be open on Thanksgiving. These restaurants often have a loyal following and offer a unique dining experience. It's always best to call ahead to make sure a local restaurant is open before you go.
No matter what your taste or budget, there are sure to be some restaurants open on Thanksgiving that can accommodate you.
Convenience stores
Convenience stores are a great option for those who need to pick up last-minute items on Thanksgiving Day. Many convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa, are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Snacks and drinks: Convenience stores sell a variety of snacks and drinks, including chips, candy, soda, and coffee. They also sell beer and wine in some states.
- Grocery items: Convenience stores also sell a limited selection of grocery items, such as bread, milk, eggs, and produce. This can be helpful if you need to pick up a few items to make a side dish or dessert.
- Gas: Most convenience stores also have gas stations, so you can fill up your tank on your way to or from your Thanksgiving celebration.
- Other items: Convenience stores also sell a variety of other items, such as cigarettes, lottery tickets, and newspapers. Some convenience stores even have ATMs.
Convenience stores are a convenient option for those who need to pick up last-minute items on Thanksgiving Day. They offer a variety of snacks, drinks, grocery items, and other items.
Some retail stores
A small number of retail stores are open on Thanksgiving Day, offering shoppers the opportunity to get a head start on their holiday shopping. However, most major retailers are closed on Thanksgiving, so it's important to check the hours of operation for any store you plan to visit.
- Walmart: Walmart is one of the few major retailers that is open on Thanksgiving Day. The store's hours may vary by location, so it's best to check the Walmart website or call your local store before you go.
- Target: Target is another major retailer that is open on Thanksgiving Day. Like Walmart, Target's hours may vary by location, so it's best to check the Target website or call your local store before you go.
- Best Buy: Best Buy is a popular electronics retailer that is also open on Thanksgiving Day. Best Buy's hours may vary by location, so it's best to check the Best Buy website or call your local store before you go.
- Dick's Sporting Goods: Dick's Sporting Goods is a sporting goods retailer that is open on Thanksgiving Day. Dick's Sporting Goods' hours may vary by location, so it's best to check the Dick's Sporting Goods website or call your local store before you go.
These are just a few of the retail stores that are open on Thanksgiving Day. If you're looking to do some holiday shopping on Thanksgiving, be sure to check the hours of operation for the stores you plan to visit.
Gas stations
Gas stations are one of the few businesses that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Thanksgiving Day. This makes them a convenient option for those who need to fill up their tank on their way to or from their Thanksgiving celebration.
- Fuel: Gas stations sell a variety of fuel types, including gasoline, diesel, and propane. They also sell other automotive fluids, such as oil and coolant.
- Snacks and drinks: Gas stations also sell a variety of snacks and drinks, including chips, candy, soda, and coffee. Some gas stations even have a small convenience store inside, where you can buy groceries and other items.
- Other services: Some gas stations also offer other services, such as car washes, tire repairs, and oil changes. These services may not be available on Thanksgiving Day, so it's best to call ahead to confirm.
- Payment options: Gas stations typically accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some gas stations also offer mobile payment options.
Gas stations are a convenient option for those who need to fill up their tank or buy snacks and drinks on Thanksgiving Day. They are also a good place to find other automotive services, such as car washes and tire repairs.
Movie theaters
Movie theaters are another popular option for those looking for something to do on Thanksgiving Day. Many movie theaters are open on Thanksgiving, and they offer a variety of movies to choose from, including new releases and family-friendly films.
- New releases: Many movie theaters show new releases on Thanksgiving Day. This is a great opportunity to see the latest blockbuster films on the big screen.
- Family-friendly films: Movie theaters also show a variety of family-friendly films on Thanksgiving Day. This is a great option for families with young children.
- Special events: Some movie theaters also host special events on Thanksgiving Day, such as sing-alongs and themed movie marathons. These events can be a lot of fun for movie lovers.
- Concessions: Movie theaters typically sell a variety of concessions, such as popcorn, candy, and soda. Some movie theaters also have restaurants or bars where you can buy food and drinks.
Movie theaters are a great option for those looking for a fun and affordable way to spend Thanksgiving Day. They offer a variety of movies to choose from, as well as concessions and other amenities.
Bowling alleys
Bowling alleys are another popular entertainment option that is often open on Thanksgiving Day. Bowling is a fun and active way to spend time with family and friends, and it is a great option for people of all ages.
Many bowling alleys offer special rates and promotions on Thanksgiving Day. This is a great way to save money on your bowling game. Some bowling alleys also have restaurants or bars where you can buy food and drinks.
If you are planning to go bowling on Thanksgiving Day, it is a good idea to call ahead to make sure the bowling alley is open. You may also want to make a reservation, especially if you are going with a large group.
Bowling alleys are a great option for those looking for a fun and affordable way to spend Thanksgiving Day. They offer a variety of amenities, such as special rates and promotions, restaurants and bars, and arcades. Bowling is also a great way to get some exercise and have some fun with family and friends.
Here are some tips for bowling on Thanksgiving Day:
- Call ahead to make sure the bowling alley is open.
- Make a reservation if you are going with a large group.
- Take advantage of special rates and promotions.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Have fun!
Casinos
Casinos are another popular entertainment option that is often open on Thanksgiving Day. Casinos offer a variety of gambling games, as well as restaurants, bars, and shows. This makes them a great option for those looking for a fun and exciting way to spend Thanksgiving Day.
Many casinos offer special events and promotions on Thanksgiving Day. This is a great way to save money on your gambling or to get freebies, such as food and drinks. Some casinos also have Thanksgiving buffets, which are a great way to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.
If you are planning to go to a casino on Thanksgiving Day, it is a good idea to call ahead to make sure the casino is open and to find out about any special events or promotions that are being offered. You may also want to make a reservation at a restaurant or show, especially if you are going with a large group.
Casinos are a great option for those looking for a fun and exciting way to spend Thanksgiving Day. They offer a variety of gambling games, as well as restaurants, bars, shows, and other amenities. Casinos also often have special events and promotions on Thanksgiving Day.
Here are some tips for going to a casino on Thanksgiving Day:
- Call ahead to make sure the casino is open.
- Make a reservation at a restaurant or show if you are going with a large group.
- Take advantage of special events and promotions.
- Set a budget for gambling and stick to it.
- Have fun!
Emergency services
Emergency services are always open, including on Thanksgiving Day. This includes police, fire, and ambulance services. If you have an emergency on Thanksgiving Day, call 911.
In addition to traditional emergency services, there are also a number of other emergency services that may be available on Thanksgiving Day. These services may include:
- Crisis hotlines
- Domestic violence shelters
- Suicide prevention hotlines
- Mental health hotlines
If you are in need of assistance from an emergency service on Thanksgiving Day, please do not hesitate to call. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Here are some tips for staying safe on Thanksgiving Day:
- Be careful when cooking. Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires.
- Do not drink and drive. If you are going to be drinking, make sure you have a designated driver.
- Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police.
- Keep your home and car locked.
- Have a plan in case of an emergency.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day.
FAQ
Have more questions about what's open on Thanksgiving Day? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer 1: Some restaurants, such as Denny's, IHOP, and Cracker Barrel, are open on Thanksgiving Day. Many buffets and fine dining restaurants are also open on Thanksgiving, offering special menus for the holiday.
Question 2: What convenience stores are open on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer 2: Most convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa, are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Thanksgiving Day.
Question 3: What retail stores are open on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer 3: A small number of retail stores, such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, are open on Thanksgiving Day. However, most major retailers are closed on Thanksgiving, so it's important to check the hours of operation for any store you plan to visit.
Question 4: What gas stations are open on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer 4: Gas stations are one of the few businesses that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Thanksgiving Day. This makes them a convenient option for those who need to fill up their tank on their way to or from their Thanksgiving celebration.
Question 5: What movie theaters are open on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer 5: Many movie theaters are open on Thanksgiving Day, offering a variety of movies to choose from, including new releases and family-friendly films. Some movie theaters also host special events on Thanksgiving Day, such as sing-alongs and themed movie marathons.
Question 6: What casinos are open on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer 6: Casinos are another popular entertainment option that is often open on Thanksgiving Day. Casinos offer a variety of gambling games, as well as restaurants, bars, and shows. Many casinos also offer special events and promotions on Thanksgiving Day.
Question 7: What emergency services are open on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer 7: Emergency services are always open, including on Thanksgiving Day. This includes police, fire, and ambulance services. If you have an emergency on Thanksgiving Day, call 911.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about what's open on Thanksgiving Day. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Now that you know what's open on Thanksgiving Day, here are some tips for making the most of your holiday:
Tips
Here are some tips for making the most of your Thanksgiving Day, whether you're staying home or going out:
Tip 1: Plan ahead. If you're planning to go out on Thanksgiving Day, make sure to check the hours of operation for any businesses you plan to visit. You may also want to make reservations at restaurants or shows, especially if you're going with a large group.
Tip 2: Be prepared for crowds. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year, so be prepared for crowds at restaurants, stores, and other public places. If possible, try to avoid peak travel times.
Tip 3: Be patient. With so many people traveling and shopping on Thanksgiving Day, it's important to be patient. Expect lines at stores and restaurants, and be prepared to wait for service.
Tip 4: Be safe. If you're traveling on Thanksgiving Day, make sure your car is in good condition and that you have a full tank of gas. Be careful when driving in bad weather, and obey all traffic laws.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving Day.
No matter how you choose to spend Thanksgiving Day, we hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with good food, good company, and lots of laughter.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Day is a time to come together with family and friends to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for all the good things in our lives. While many businesses and services are closed on Thanksgiving Day, there are still some places that are open, including restaurants, convenience stores, some retail stores, gas stations, movie theaters, bowling alleys, casinos, and emergency services.
If you're planning to go out on Thanksgiving Day, it's important to check the hours of operation for any businesses you plan to visit. You may also want to make reservations at restaurants or shows, especially if you're going with a large group. It's also important to be prepared for crowds and to be patient, as many places will be busy on Thanksgiving Day.
No matter how you choose to spend Thanksgiving Day, we hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with good food, good company, and lots of laughter. We also hope that this article has helped you to find what you need to make your Thanksgiving Day a success.
Closing Message: From all of us at [Your Website or Organization], we wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving Day.