Thanksgiving 2024: Your Guide to What’s Open and Closed on November 28th
Thanksgiving, a cherished national holiday in both the United States and Canada, falls on Thursday, November 28th, 2024. This year, as in years past, many businesses and services will adjust their hours or remain closed in observance of this day dedicated to gratitude and the autumn harvest. Planning your Thanksgiving activities? This guide helps you know what to expect.
Government Offices: A Day of Closure
Given its status as a national holiday, expect widespread closures across the government sector. All federal offices, courts, and post offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. This includes crucial services like the DMV and most public libraries. Plan accordingly for any essential government-related tasks.
Retail Stores: A Shift in Shopping Traditions
The retail landscape has seen a significant shift in recent years, with many major retailers choosing to remain closed on Thanksgiving Day. This trend, prioritizing employee well-being and family time, continues in 2024. Target, for instance, will be closed for the fifth consecutive year, a decision applauded by its CEO, Brian Cornell, who highlighted the importance of employee time off. Similarly, expect closures at Walmart and Best Buy. Major department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Kohl’s will also be closed on Thanksgiving, typically reopening their doors for the Black Friday rush. Check individual store websites for specific hours.
Banks and Financial Markets: A Day Off for Transactions
In line with the national holiday, all bank branches will be closed on November 28th. While physical branches remain unavailable, most banks offer convenient online banking and ATM services for those needing access to their funds. The American stock exchanges, including the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, will also be closed, halting trading activity for the day.
Grocery Stores: A Mixed Bag of Opening Hours
Grocery store hours often vary widely on Thanksgiving. While some chains may opt for modified hours, others will remain closed completely. For example, Kroger’s hours may differ from location to location, while Albertsons Companies stores (Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Vons, and Tom Thumb) will maintain adjusted hours. Whole Foods Market will also be open with adjusted hours. However, shoppers should anticipate closures at stores like Trader Joe’s and Aldi. Sam’s Club and Costco Warehouse stores will also be closed for the holiday. It’s crucial to check the opening times of your local grocery stores before heading out.
Postal Services: No Mail Delivery on Thanksgiving
All regular postal services will be suspended on Thanksgiving Day. The US Postal Service will be closed, and UPS and FedEx will not offer standard delivery services. However, specialized services like UPS Express Critical and FedEx Custom Critical may maintain limited operations. Some UPS stores may also have adjusted hours; it’s advisable to check local store information in advance.
Remember to check with individual businesses for the most up-to-date information on their Thanksgiving hours. Enjoy a happy and relaxing Thanksgiving!
