On Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, federal offices, post offices, banks and the stock market are closed, and most big-box retailers, including Walmart, Costco and Target, are shut as well. Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and many restaurants may open with reduced hours, so check locally. This guide is current as of Nov. 6, 2026, and store hours can change.
Government offices, post offices and banks
Thanksgiving is a federal holiday. It falls on the fourth Thursday in November, which in 2026 is Nov. 26, and most federal government offices are closed on federal holidays. State and local offices, courts and most public libraries generally follow suit, though schedules vary by locality.
The U.S. Postal Service is closed too. Post offices are closed on Thanksgiving, and regular mail is not delivered. Regular service is back the next day: Friday, Nov. 27 is not on the USPS holiday list, so post offices and delivery run on their normal schedule. Priority Mail Express is the one exception, and only where holiday delivery was purchased and the destination is eligible.
Banks are closed because the Federal Reserve is. The Fed’s holiday schedule lists Thanksgiving Day as Nov. 26 in 2026. ATMs and online and mobile banking keep working, but transfers and deposits made that day won’t be processed until the next business day.
Stock market and shipping
Wall Street takes the day off. NYSE Group’s official calendar lists Thanksgiving Day as Nov. 26, 2026, and says each market will close early at 1:00 p.m. (1:15 p.m. for eligible options) on Friday, Nov. 27, 2026. Nasdaq follows the same schedule. Kiplinger lists an early close for the bond market at 2 p.m. on Nov. 27.
For packages, plan on no regular pickups or deliveries from the Postal Service. One guide says UPS and FedEx also offer no pickup or delivery that day, and FedEx Office stores close, but confirm with the carrier if timing matters. Ship holiday gifts and time-sensitive items before Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Stores and retailers
Most major retailers stay dark. In an Oct. 7 announcement, Walmart said its stores will be closed again on Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, and Walmart.com remains open for online orders. Costco states that it will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, in observance of Thanksgiving. Reports also list Target and Aldi as closed. Home Depot’s 2026 holiday hours list Nov. 26 as closed, and Lowe’s said in its holiday release that its stores will close that day.
What may be open: some grocery chains on reduced hours, pharmacies and convenience stores. Hours vary a lot by chain, state and franchise owner. Some grocers, including Kroger and Trader Joe’s, had not clearly confirmed 2026 hours in recent reports, so check your store’s page or app. Many Walgreens stores close, though some 24-hour locations stay open, based on last year’s statement.
For eating out, family chains such as Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, IHOP and Waffle House have typically been open on Thanksgiving, and many local Chinese restaurants are too. Chick-fil-A and Olive Garden are normally closed. Those restaurant lists are based on past years, so call ahead or book a reservation.
Key details at a glance
| Service | Thursday, Nov. 26 | Friday, Nov. 27 |
|---|---|---|
| Federal offices | Closed | Open (most) |
| USPS post offices and regular mail | Closed, no delivery | Normal schedule |
| Banks and credit unions | Closed; ATMs and online banking work | Generally open |
| NYSE and Nasdaq | Closed | Early close, 1 p.m. ET |
| Walmart, Costco, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s | Closed | Reopen (hours vary) |
| Grocery, pharmacy, convenience | Varies; reduced hours | Generally open |
How to plan around it
- Finish grocery shopping by Wednesday, Nov. 25, the busiest pre-holiday day for stores.
- Mail packages and bills early. Nothing moves through USPS on Thursday.
- Deposit checks and move money by Wednesday, since banks are closed Thursday.
- Pick up prescriptions ahead of time; pharmacy hours vary.
- Check your local store’s hours online, because franchise and regional rules differ.
- Remember that Friday is a regular business day for most government services, even though many employers give the day off.
For official details, see the U.S. Office of Personnel Management federal holiday schedule and the Federal Reserve Financial Services holiday schedules.
FAQ
Is the post office open on Thanksgiving 2026?
No. Post offices are closed and there is no regular mail delivery on Nov. 26. Service resumes Friday, Nov. 27.
Are banks open on Thanksgiving?
No. Branches are closed because it is a Federal Reserve holiday. ATMs and online banking still work.
Is the stock market open on Thanksgiving?
No. The NYSE and Nasdaq are closed Nov. 26 and close early at 1 p.m. ET on Friday, Nov. 27.
Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving 2026?
No. Walmart said in October that its stores will be closed on Thanksgiving. Its website stays open for online orders.
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