Is McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving 2026? Plus, Where to Eat & Shop Last Minute

It is the scenario every host fears: The turkey is taking too long, the kids are starving, or you realized—horror of horrors—you forgot the cranberry sauce.

If you are looking for a lifeline on Thanksgiving Day, here is everything you need to know about McDonald’s, fast food alternatives, and which grocery store doors will actually be unlocked.

The Big Question: Is McDonald’s Open?

The Short Answer: YES. The Details: McDonald’s is one of the most reliable options on major holidays. However, because 95% of locations are independently owned, hours vary by franchisee.

• 24-Hour Locations: Generally remain open 24 hours or operate on a slightly modified schedule.
• Standard Locations: Many will open but may close early (often by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM) to allow staff to get home for dinner.
• In-Store vs. Drive-Thru: Be aware that some locations may keep the dining room closed and strictly operate the Drive-Thru.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t guess. Open the McDonald’s App on Thursday morning. It will show you live ordering availability for your specific local store.

Fast Food Alternatives (If You Don’t Want a Big Mac)

If the McDonald’s line is wrapped around the building, you have backup options. Most of these chains follow the “franchise rules” (meaning hours vary), but they are generally open:

• Wendy’s: Most locations are open, often with normal hours.
• Burger King: Widely open, but many close early for the holiday.
• Starbucks & Dunkin’: Almost universally OPEN in the morning for your caffeine fix, but expect them to close by early afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM).
• Pizza Chains (Domino’s / Papa John’s / Pizza Hut): A surprising hero of Thanksgiving. They are notoriously busy the night before Thanksgiving, but many open in the afternoon on the day-of for those who burned the turkey.
• Sonic Drive-In: Many locations open, but verify locally.

Sit-Down Dining: “I’m Not Cooking This Year”

If you want a full meal but want to skip the dishes, these chains are famously open and often serve special turkey menus:

1. Cracker Barrel: The Thanksgiving heavy-hitter. They serve a special “Homestyle Turkey n’ Dressing Meal” all day. Warning: It will be packed. Use the online waitlist.
2. Waffle House: The only constant in the universe. Open 24/7, 365 days a year.
3. IHOP / Denny’s: Both are generally open 24 hours and will have seasonal pumpkin spice pancakes/items.
4. Golden Corral: Open and serving a holiday buffet.
5. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Most locations open early (around 11:00 AM) serving a prix-fixe turkey dinner alongside their regular steaks.
6. Maggiano’s Little Italy: Offers a family-style 3-course holiday menu (reservations usually required).

The “I Forgot an Ingredient” Grocery Guide

Did you forget the butter? The rolls? The tin foil? Here is where you can go—and where you can’t.

✅ OPEN (But Go Early!)

• Kroger Family (Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Smith’s, Fry’s): Most open until roughly 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
• Whole Foods Market: Modified hours. Most open at 7:00 AM and close by 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM.
• H-E-B: Open 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon).
• Safeway / Albertsons / Vons: Generally open with reduced hours.
• Sprouts Farmers Market: Open 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
• Wegmans: Open until 4:00 PM.
• Dollar General / Family Dollar: The unsung heroes for last-minute paper plates and milk. Most are open late.
• CVS / Walgreens: Most stores open (some 24 hours). Note: Pharmacies inside may be closed.

⛔ CLOSED (Don’t Even Try)

Since 2020, major retailers have shifted permanently to closing on Thanksgiving Day. Do not drive to:

• Walmart
• Target
• Costco
• Trader Joe’s (They famously believe staff should be home with family).
• Aldi
• Publix
• Sam’s Club

What About Black Friday Shopping?

If you were hoping to browse aisles for TVs after your meal, you are out of luck.

• Home Depot & Lowe’s: CLOSED.
• Best Buy: CLOSED.
• Macy’s / Kohl’s / Nordstrom: CLOSED.
• T.J. Maxx / Marshalls: CLOSED.