As Americans gear up for the Thanksgiving holiday and the start of the festive shopping season, it's important to know what will be open and closed during this time. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
Government Buildings
Government offices, post offices, courts, and schools will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Banks and Stock Market
U.S. stock markets and banks will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, with markets reopening on Friday for a shortened trading day.
Package Delivery
Standard FedEx and UPS services will not be available on Thanksgiving, except for critical services at select locations.
Retailers
While Walmart, Target, Macy's, Kohl's, and Costco will be closed on Thanksgiving, most will open early on Black Friday with special hours. CVS and Walgreens will also have adjusted hours.
Grocery Stores
Most national grocery store chains will be open on Thanksgiving for any last-minute needs, but many will close early. It's advisable to check with your local store for specific details.
Travel
With schools closed for the holiday, Thanksgiving weekend is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods of the year. AAA projects a record 79.9 million travelers will journey 50 miles or more from home during this period, marking an increase from previous years.
This year's forecast includes the Tuesday before and the Monday after Thanksgiving to capture the full extent of holiday travel. The surge in travelers is a positive sign of recovery and a return to normalcy compared to the previous year.
