Last Minute Thanksgiving Holiday Shopping Right Now, Before You Travel: Here’s Where to Find Groceries and Essentials on the Big Day

Published on November 28, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

As Thanksgiving approaches, many travelers are scrambling to prepare for the big day. Last-minute Thanksgiving holiday shopping can be a challenge, especially when you’re already busy with travel plans. However, finding groceries and essentials on Thanksgiving day doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Whether you’re in need of last-minute groceries, cooking supplies, or simply some emergency essentials, it’s crucial to know where to shop before you travel. Thanksgiving holiday shopping is essential, and if you plan to shop wisely, you can grab everything you need without stress. Keep reading to discover exactly where to find the best stores for Thanksgiving shopping.

Thanksgiving 2025 Travel Survival Guide: The Essential Stores Open for Last-Minute Shoppers!

Thanksgiving is almost here! For travellers, this holiday is a time for family, food, and fun. But with so much hustle and bustle, there’s always the potential for last-minute emergencies — whether you’ve forgotten a crucial ingredient for dinner, need a quick pick-me-up snack, or simply need a few extra things for your travels.

If you’re planning to travel this Thanksgiving 2025, it’s essential to know which stores will remain open on the big day — especially if you’re looking for groceries or essentials. Let’s face it: the holiday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and if you don’t plan ahead, you might be stuck with empty shelves and a disappointed stomach. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered!

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best stores open on Thanksgiving 2025. Whether you’re running errands in a new city or grabbing last-minute groceries before your big family feast, we’ll tell you which stores you can rely on for all your holiday needs.

Planning a holiday getaway can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to packing. To ensure that your trip goes smoothly, having the right gear and essentials can make a world of difference. Whether you’re heading to a tropical beach, a snowy mountain retreat, or a city adventure, here’s a quick guide to the most important things to buy before you travel.

1. Packing Organizers: The Key to Efficient Luggage

One of the first things to consider when preparing for your holiday travel is how to pack efficiently. Packing cubes, compression bags, and travel organizers are your best friends in this department. These nifty items help you maximize space in your suitcase, keep your clothes wrinkle-free, and prevent items from getting mixed up. Compression packing cubes, for instance, are perfect for squeezing bulky clothes like jackets or sweaters, saving you valuable luggage space.

Must-buy:

• MOKObara The Packing Cubes Set of 4
• TravelWise Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set
  These organisers are highly rated for keeping your clothes neat and compact, making packing and unpacking a breeze.

2. Comfort Essentials for a Stress-Free Journey

Long travel hours can be exhausting, and comfort is key. When flying or taking long bus or train rides, comfort items such as travel pillows, eye masks, and earplugs are essential. They will help you rest during your journey, making it easier to arrive at your destination refreshed.

Must-buy:

• GUBB Travel Sleeping Kit
• Travel Pillow with Hood
  These comfort items are lightweight, portable, and easy to carry, ensuring you can sleep comfortably no matter where you are.

3. Toiletries and Personal Care Items

When it comes to toiletries, don’t overpack. Opt for travel-size versions of your everyday products to save space and comply with airline liquid restrictions. Consider assembling a small toiletry kit with essential items like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and a razor. Travel-size bottles can be found easily and are often much more convenient than hauling large bottles around.

Must-buy:

• Travel Toiletries Kit (Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothpaste)
• Moisturizer and Lip Balm
  If you’re heading to a destination with a dry climate, these will ensure your skin stays hydrated throughout the trip.

4. Electronics and Charging Accessories

In today’s digital world, staying connected is essential, especially during travel. Ensure you have all the necessary electronics to navigate your journey, stay in touch with family, or capture memories. A portable charger is a must-have to ensure your devices stay powered during long flights or train rides. Don’t forget adapters if you’re traveling internationally!

Must-buy:

• Portable Power Bank
• Universal Travel Adapter
  These two items are absolute necessities for modern travelers, allowing you to keep your devices charged and ready at all times.

5. Travel Documents and Safety Items

Lastly, make sure all your essential travel documents are in order before you leave. This includes your passport (if traveling abroad), visa, tickets, and hotel reservations. Keeping your documents safe is equally important, so consider investing in a travel wallet or money belt to securely store these items. Additionally, some travelers may find it useful to bring a small first-aid kit with basics like band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal medication.

Must-buy:

• Travel Document Organizer
• Portable First-Aid Kit
  These items will ensure you have peace of mind throughout your trip, knowing you’re prepared for any unexpected situations.

The Thanksgiving Day Store Dilemma: What’s Open and What’s Closed

One of the biggest challenges for anyone traveling on Thanksgiving Day is figuring out what stores are open. While many larger chains close for the holiday to give employees time with their families, others stay open for essential shopping. But don’t wait until the last minute to figure this out — many stores that remain open will have reduced hours, so timing is everything!

• Walmart Thanksgiving Hours: While Walmart has traditionally opened for some time on Thanksgiving, this year they are closing their doors entirely for the holiday. If you’re used to running to Walmart for anything from turkey to toiletries, you might need a new plan this year. Be sure to stock up earlier in the week to avoid last-minute frustration.
• Kroger Thanksgiving Hours: Don’t worry, Kroger is still open for your last-minute shopping needs! You can find Kroger and its affiliated stores, such as Ralph’s and Fred Meyer, open for limited hours on Thanksgiving Day 2025. While they may close early, you’ll still be able to grab groceries like vegetables, dessert ingredients, and even a turkey if you forgot it! Keep in mind that Kroger stores will have special hours, so double-check your local store’s timing.
• Safeway Thanksgiving Hours: Another reliable choice for last-minute holiday shopping is Safeway, along with its affiliate Albertsons. You’ll find most locations open on Thanksgiving, though they also will be closing early, so make sure you plan ahead if you need something essential. Safeway often stocks all the typical holiday items — from fresh produce to boxed stuffing — so it’s a great option if you’re in a rush.

Where to Shop for Thanksgiving: Top Grocery Stores Open on the Big Day

While large stores like Target and Costco are typically closed on Thanksgiving Day, there are still plenty of places you can go to find what you need.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s open on Thanksgiving 2025:

1. Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market is a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality ingredients, especially if you want to add some organic or gourmet items to your holiday spread. Whole Foods will remain open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 but expect early closures. Make sure to head out in the morning if you want to score fresh bread, pies, or last-minute wine.

2. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s is another popular choice, though not all locations are open on Thanksgiving. Be sure to check your local store’s hours before heading out. Many Trader Joe’s locations open early and close by noon, making it a perfect stop for last-minute essentials like packaged snacks, unique desserts, or seasonal produce.

3. Food Lion

Food Lion, a popular regional grocery chain, will also open on Thanksgiving Day with reduced hours. For those in the southern US, this can be a convenient option to pick up any forgotten ingredients.

4. Wegmans

Wegmans is known for offering a wide variety of fresh ingredients and high-quality groceries, including ready-made options. Many Wegmans locations will open on Thanksgiving Day, but they will close early, so be sure to get there before the mid-afternoon rush.

Grocery Shopping Near Me: The Hidden Gems of Local Stores

If you’re traveling and find yourself away from your regular haunts, don’t panic! Even if the big chain stores are closed or have limited hours, many local stores or independent grocery shops will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. These smaller stores often cater to locals and travellers alike, providing just the essentials you might need, such as milk, bread, eggs, or snacks.

Simply search for “stores open near me” using your phone’s GPS or a store locator app, and you’ll likely find some local gems that can help you stock up on whatever you forgot. Sometimes, the smaller, family-owned shops have exactly what you need — without the crowds and chaos of the larger stores.

If you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb, ask your host or concierge for nearby store recommendations that will be open on Thanksgiving. Many local areas also have drugstores like Rite Aid or CVS that may be open for essential items.

Best Time to Shop on Thanksgiving: Avoid the Rush

When it comes to shopping on Thanksgiving Day 2025, timing is critical. Stores that stay open typically close by the afternoon, so make sure you get there as early as possible. The best time to shop is right when stores open in the morning — this way, you can avoid the mid-morning and early afternoon crowds and ensure you still have a wide selection of products to choose from.

Also, keep in mind that Thanksgiving shopping isn’t just about food! Many travellers may find themselves in need of travel essentials, like toiletries, over-the-counter medications, or last-minute personal care items.

Quick Tip: Know Before You Go!

Check online or call ahead to confirm store hours before heading out. It’s always better to know in advance whether your destination is still open and how late they will be available. Apps like Google Maps and Yelp can help you get up-to-date hours and reviews, ensuring you don’t waste time running to closed stores.

How to Shop Smart for Thanksgiving 2025

Thanksgiving Day can be a stressful time for shoppers, especially when you’re juggling travel plans and family gatherings. However, with a little planning, you can navigate the chaos and make sure your holiday is everything you want it to be.

• Create a checklist of everything you need before you shop, so you’re not scrambling last minute.
• Use store locator apps to find what’s open near you, whether you’re at home or visiting a new city.
• Stock up early — avoid waiting until the day of Thanksgiving to pick up your essentials.

If you’re on the road or travelling for Thanksgiving, you’ll also want to keep your luggage simple and practical. A well-packed suitcase ensures you can focus on the holiday instead of stressing about lost luggage or forgotten essentials.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Thanksgiving 2025 Travel Shopping

This Thanksgiving, the key to enjoying a stress-free holiday lies in smart planning and strategic shopping. By knowing what’s open on Thanksgiving and which stores are ready to serve last-minute shoppers, you’ll avoid the chaos of last-minute rushes and empty shelves.

No matter where you are, whether you’re in the US, travelling abroad, or staying at home, knowing which grocery stores and shops will be open is your first step to a successful holiday season. Keep your list handy, shop early, and enjoy a relaxed Thanksgiving 2025 with everything you need right at your fingertips!