When is Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2024: What’s Open? Grocery Stores or TV Shows?

Are you a last-minute shopper on Thanksgiving? Check out what stores and restaurants are serving up goodies on Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving is a special time for families across the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. It’s a day dedicated to gratitude, turkey, and, of course, pumpkin pies! Amid the feasting and festivities, many forget about their shopping needs. For those who find themselves in a pickle—whether it's a missing ingredient for the stuffing or a burnt turkey—knowing which stores are open on Thanksgiving Day is essential for ensuring that the celebration goes off without a hitch.

While some big retailers like Walmart and Target opt to keep their doors closed on Thanksgiving, there are plenty of other places that keep the lights on. Grocery giants and fast-food establishments like H-E-B, CVS, and Walgreens are ready to help those in need, operating on selective hours. This means if you've run out of cranberry sauce or simply want to grab a quick bite while visiting family, help is never too far away. It's imperative, however, to double-check the operation hours to avoid any disappointing drives!

In a delightful twist, there are tales that sprout from people experiencing Thanksgiving for the first time. For instance, AJC reporter Rosie Manins shared her story of moving from New Zealand to Atlanta and falling in love with the flavors and traditions surrounding her very first Thanksgiving turkey. Just imagine the cultural differences as she navigated through the aromas of hearty stuffing and rich gravy while desperately trying to figure out how to carve that oversized bird!

Thanksgiving might not be celebrated in Nigeria, but can you imagine if we mixed it with our jollof and egusi soup? Now that’s a fusion feast I’m ready for! If you’re planning to raid the stores this Thanksgiving, be sure to do it around your turkey timelines so you get home and settle in for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade or a good ol' football match.

And just to spice things up, did you know that the first Thanksgiving in 1621 lasted three days? Guests feasted on more than just turkey—with venison, waterfowl, and seafood being some of the delicacies on the table. Additionally, Thanksgiving's date was fixed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 to extend the shopping season before Christmas. Now that’s what I call making Thanksgiving work for you!