What every chain does on Thanksgiving
| Chain | Store | Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| CVS | Most CVS stores open with reduced hours, 9:00am–6:00pm typical | Most pharmacy counters closed; 24-hour pharmacies open with reduced staffing |
| Walgreens | Most Walgreens open with reduced hours, 9:00am–6:00pm typical | Pharmacy counter closed at most locations; 24-hour pharmacies remain open |
| Rite Aid | Reduced hours, typically 9:00am–6:00pm | Reduced hours, typically 10:00am–5:00pm |
| Walmart Pharmacy | Walmart Supercenters closed on Thanksgiving Day | Pharmacy closed all day |
| Costco Pharmacy | Closed | Closed |
| Kroger Pharmacy | Most Kroger stores close at 4:00pm Thanksgiving Day | Pharmacy closed all day |
| Publix Pharmacy | Closed | Closed |
Why Thanksgiving pharmacy hours change
Thanksgiving is the second-largest closure day. Most pharmacy counters are closed; some 24-hour drugstores keep front-store hours but the pharmacy itself is dark. Chain pharmacies build their holiday calendar around two factors: federal holiday observance for staffing premiums, and corporate policy on which holidays the entire workforce gets the day off. Costco, Publix, and Walmart all close on the largest closure holidays out of corporate policy. CVS and Walgreens keep their 24-hour pharmacies open year-round, which is why those two chains dominate the "open on Christmas" search results in major metros.
Holiday hours rarely match the front-store hours one-to-one. Even when the store is open, the pharmacy counter requires a licensed pharmacist on duty, and that staffing is the most expensive line item to fill on a holiday. Expect the pharmacy counter to open later and close earlier than the front store on every holiday this site covers.
Thanksgiving prescription pickup tips
- Refill 48 hours ahead. Holiday week always runs slow.
- Check the chain app for your specific store's holiday status — chain-wide policies don't always apply to franchised or licensed locations.
- Identify your nearest 24-hour pharmacy in advance: Walgreens 24-hour, CVS 24-hour.
- If your prescription is at a closed chain, any open pharmacy can transfer it in minutes.