Back in the day, Thanksgiving was all about the turkey.
Now it's all about the shopping -- and 2024 Black Friday sales -- as major retailers try to lure in holiday revelers with their best prices of the year.
As always, the frenzy starts in the early afternoon. That's when Black Friday ads begin to blanket the airwaves during the marathon NFL Thanksgiving football games.
Then, after the dinner dishes are cleared, be prepared to pounce.
Most stores doing business on Thanksgiving Day usually open anywhere from 3PM - 6PM. Meanwhile, keep it here for updates on holiday openings and closings.
Whether you're in the "I can't resist a good sale" camp, or want to just sit back and enjoy the day, here are a list of major retailers and supermarkets who are open - or closed - on Thanksgiving Day:
Open Thanksgiving 2024
The following includes popular department stores that traditionally remain open (or closed - see below) on Thanksgiving Day, but watch for updates as the holidays roll around ....
Stores open Thanksgiving Day:
Bass Pro Shops - 9AM
Family Dollar - 9AM
Pep Boys - varies by location
Big Lots - 7AM
Kmart - 9AM
Rite-Aid - varies by location
Cabela's - 9AM
Kroger - 7AM
Sears - 6PM
CVS - varies by location
Michaels - 6PM
Walgreens - 7AM
Dollar General - 7AM
Old Navy - 3PM
Whole Foods Market - 7AM
Restaurants & fast food chains: Starbucks, Boston Market, Denny's, IHOP,
Wendy's, White Castle, Golden Corral, Cracker Barrel, Dunkin' Donuts, Jack In The Box, Little Caesars . Also check for possible openings at local McDonald's, Burger King, Popeye's, Pizza Hut, Sonic, and Taco Bell locations.
Supermarkets: Whole Foods, Krogers, Stop & Shop, and Winn Dixie. Also check other major supermarket chains for limited hour openings on Thanksgiving Day.
CLOSED Thanksgiving 2024 : Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Home Depot, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Burlington, Best Buy, Costco, Crate and Barrel, Dick's Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, DSW,
Foot Locker, GameStop, Guitar Center, Harbor Freight, Hobby Lobby, IKEA, Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores, Jos. A Bank, Kohl's, Lowes, Mall of America, Marshalls, Mattress Firm, Menards, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Office Depot, Patagonia, Petco, PetSmart, Pier 1 Imports, Publix, Sam’s Club, Sierra Trading Post, Staples, The Container Store, T.J. Maxx,
Banks, the US post office, and public libraries are also closed Thanksgiving Day.
What else is open Thanksgiving Day
Traveling on Thanksgiving? Fear not. Attractions in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles traditionally remain open to help cash in on the busy holiday tourist season.
If you're just looking for a quick food fix at your local fast food joint, watch for Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks to open in the morning and remain so at least for part of the day.
You'll also find Denny's, Cracker Barrel, and IHOP waiting to greet you, along with Boston Market which features their traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings on Thanksgiving day.
Need any last minute items from the supermarket before company arrives? Be thankful for Whole Foods, Krogers, and Winn Dixie who traditionally keep their doors open on Turkey Day.
Opening at the movies Thanksgiving 2024
This year, Thanksgiving week brings a globe-trotting, action-adventure comedy ...with a Christmas theme? That's "Red One" starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans opening in theaters on Friday, November 15, 2024.
The following week, the long-awaited "Gladiator 2" opens on Friday, November 22, 2024 starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal in what promises to be a sequel of epic proportions.
Also look for the movie version of the smash Broadway hit "Wicked" to appear in theaters on Thanksgiving Day Eve, November 27, starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh in the retelling of the children's classic "The Wizard of Oz".
The hit Broadway show comes to the big screen just in time for Thanksgiving 2024
More about what's open on Thanksgiving around the Web: Top Things to Do in Boston on Thanksgiving Weekend - Check out holiday festivities at Fanieul Hall, Boston concerts, Black Friday shopping and what else is in store throughout the holiday weekend,
Thanksgiving in New York City - Trip Savvy guide to what's open around the city on the big day including restaurants, tourist attractions and shows.
Thanksgiving in Los Angeles - What's open for the holiday including restaurants, tourist attractions, and special events.
Traveling on Thanksgiving? Fear not. Attractions in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles traditionally remain open to help cash in on the busy holiday tourist season. 
