Thanksgiving 2025 is just around the corner, and millions of Americans are finalizing their holiday plans. Whether you need to pick up a last-minute prescription, grab essential medications, or stock up on forgotten ingredients, knowing which pharmacies and stores are open—and which are closed—can save you time and stress. This guide provides a detailed, up-to-date breakdown of pharmacy hours for CVS, Walgreens, and major grocery chains on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. We’ve analyzed the latest official announcements, search trends, and user intent to help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary trips.
Why Pharmacy Hours Matter on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel and shopping holidays of the year. According to recent data, over 55 million Americans hit the road or take to the skies during the Thanksgiving weekend, and many more scramble to prepare meals, host guests, or manage unexpected health needs. With most major retailers, banks, and government offices closed, pharmacies become a critical resource for:
- Prescription refills: Chronic medications, antibiotics, and emergency prescriptions don’t take a holiday. Missing a dose can have serious health consequences, especially for those managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or infections.
- Over-the-counter essentials: From pain relievers and cold medicine to first-aid supplies, pharmacies are a go-to for last-minute health needs.
- Vaccinations and health services: Some pharmacies offer flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, and other immunizations, which are in high demand during the holiday season.
- Convenience items: Many pharmacies also stock groceries, beverages, and household essentials, making them a one-stop shop for forgotten ingredients or supplies.
However, pharmacy hours vary widely by chain and location. While some remain open with reduced hours, others close entirely, leaving customers in a bind if they haven’t planned ahead.
CVS Pharmacy Hours on Thanksgiving 2025
CVS is one of the most reliable options for Thanksgiving Day pharmacy needs. According to official statements from the company and multiple verified news sources:
- Most CVS locations will be open on Thanksgiving, though many will operate with reduced hours. Typical hours range from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but this can vary by store.
- 24-hour CVS stores will maintain their usual around-the-clock schedule, including pharmacy services.
- CVS pharmacies inside Target stores will be closed, as Target itself is closed on Thanksgiving.
- Pharmacy hours may differ from store hours. Even if the retail section is open, the pharmacy counter could close earlier or operate on a limited schedule.
- Always check your local store using the CVS Store Locator or call ahead to confirm hours, as some locations may adjust their schedules last minute.
Pro tip: If you rely on CVS for medications, refill your prescriptions at least 2–3 days before Thanksgiving to avoid long lines or unexpected closures.
Walgreens Pharmacy Hours on Thanksgiving 2025
Walgreens has significantly scaled back its Thanksgiving operations in recent years. For 2025:
- Most Walgreens locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, including both retail and pharmacy services.
- Only 24-hour Walgreens stores and pharmacies will remain open, but even these may have adjusted pharmacy hours. For example, some 24-hour pharmacies may close for a few hours in the morning or evening.
- Non-24-hour locations will be closed entirely, so customers should not assume their neighborhood Walgreens will be available.
- Use the Walgreens Store Locator or call your local store to verify if it’s a 24-hour location and what its holiday pharmacy hours will be.
Walgreens’ decision to close most stores reflects a broader trend among retailers prioritizing employee time off during holidays. If you depend on Walgreens for prescriptions, plan to pick them up by Wednesday, November 26, or confirm that your local 24-hour store will be open.
Grocery Store Pharmacies: What’s Open and What’s Closed
Many grocery chains have in-store pharmacies, but the majority will be closed on Thanksgiving. Here’s what you need to know:
- Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Food Lion, and Target pharmacies will all be closed on Thanksgiving, according to official company statements. These chains have consistently closed their pharmacies for the holiday in recent years.
- Grocery stores themselves may be open (e.g., Kroger, Whole Foods, Wegmans), but their pharmacies will not. Hours for the retail section vary, so check your local store’s website.
- Meijer is an exception: In states like Michigan, Meijer stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, and their pharmacies will operate with limited hours during that window.
- Independent pharmacies (e.g., Health Mart, local drugstores) may have varying hours. Use their store locator tools or call ahead to confirm.
If you need to refill a prescription at a grocery store pharmacy, do so before Thanksgiving or explore alternative options like CVS or a 24-hour Walgreens.
Search Trends and User Intent: What People Are Looking For
Google search data reveals a spike in queries related to pharmacy hours in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. The most common search phrases include:
- Short-tail keywords:
- “Is CVS open on Thanksgiving 2025?”
- “Walgreens pharmacy hours Thanksgiving”
- “Pharmacies open near me Thanksgiving”
- “Where to get prescriptions on Thanksgiving”
- Long-tail keywords (high intent, lower competition):
- “Which CVS stores are open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 in [City]?”
- “Can I refill my prescription at Walgreens on Thanksgiving?”
- “24-hour pharmacies open Thanksgiving near me”
- “Grocery stores with pharmacies open Thanksgiving 2025”
- “How to get emergency medication on Thanksgiving”
These searches indicate that users are not just looking for general information—they want local, actionable answers. Optimizing for long-tail keywords with geographic modifiers (e.g., “CVS open Thanksgiving Chicago”) can help pharmacies and health websites rank higher in local search results.
Additionally, voice search queries are on the rise, with users asking questions like, “Alexa, what pharmacies are open on Thanksgiving near me?” Businesses that provide clear, concise answers to these questions in their online content are more likely to appear in voice search results and AI-generated overviews.
How to Prepare for Thanksgiving Pharmacy Needs
Avoid the last-minute rush with these proactive steps:
- Refill prescriptions early: Aim to pick up medications by Monday, November 24, to account for potential delays or stock issues.
- Check pharmacy hours online: Use official store locators for CVS, Walgreens, or your grocery chain. Avoid relying on third-party apps, which may not have up-to-date holiday hours.
- Ask about extended supplies: If you’re traveling, request a vacation override from your pharmacist to get a larger supply of medication before the holiday.
- Know your backup options: If your usual pharmacy is closed, identify the nearest 24-hour CVS or Walgreens. Save their address and phone number in your phone.
- Use mail-order or delivery services: Many pharmacies offer home delivery for prescriptions. CVS, for example, provides same-day delivery in some areas through services like Shipt.
- Have a plan for emergencies: If you or a family member requires urgent medication, know the location of the nearest emergency room or urgent care center that dispenses prescriptions.
- Stock up on OTC essentials: Keep a supply of pain relievers, antacids, bandages, and other common items at home to avoid last-minute trips.
For those managing chronic conditions, consider setting up automatic refills or using a pill organizer to ensure you don’t run out of medication during the holiday.
Industry Trends: The Future of Pharmacy Access
The pharmacy industry is evolving rapidly, with several trends shaping how consumers access medications in 2025 and beyond:
- Digital pharmacies: Online platforms like Amazon Pharmacy, Honeybee Health, and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs are gaining popularity for their convenience and transparent pricing. These services can be a lifesaver when local pharmacies are closed.
- Telepharmacy and telehealth: Virtual consultations with pharmacists and doctors are becoming more common, allowing patients to get prescriptions and medical advice remotely.
- Automated refills and reminders: Many pharmacies now offer app-based notifications for refills, reducing the risk of running out of medication.
- Retail pharmacy closures: Over 20,000 retail pharmacies have closed since 2010, disproportionately affecting rural and low-income areas. This trend underscores the importance of planning ahead for holiday needs.
- Personalized medicine: Advances in AI and data analytics are enabling pharmacies to tailor services to individual health needs, such as medication synchronization and adherence programs.
As the industry shifts, consumers must adapt by leveraging technology and alternative services to ensure uninterrupted access to medications, especially during holidays.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving 2025 presents unique challenges for anyone needing pharmacy services. While CVS remains the most widely available option, with most locations open (though often with reduced hours), Walgreens and grocery store pharmacies are largely closed. Planning ahead is the best way to avoid stress and ensure you have the medications and supplies you need. Use official store locators, refill prescriptions early, and explore digital or delivery alternatives if your local pharmacy is unavailable.
By staying informed and proactive, you can focus on enjoying the holiday with family and friends—without the worry of last-minute pharmacy runs. Safe travels and happy Thanksgiving!
