Are Banks Open Today? Your Essential Guide to Thanksgiving Holiday Hours and Black Friday Openings

As families across the United States gear up for Thanksgiving festivities, a common question arises: “Are banks open today?” Beyond the delicious turkey and festive gatherings, this holiday week marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and brings significant changes to business hours nationwide. From financial institutions to major retailers and government services, many operations will observe special schedules.

Whether you’re finalizing last-minute plans, checking your finances, or strategizing your Black Friday shopping spree, understanding what’s open and closed is crucial. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the holiday weekend with ease, including banking schedules, retail hours, and critical travel insights from experts.

Banks & Financial Markets: What to Expect

For those asking “are banks open today” on Thanksgiving, the answer is a resounding no. Most financial institutions, including all major banks in the U.S., will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th. This closure extends to the U.S. stock markets, which will also halt trading for the holiday.

• Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov 28th): Banks are closed. U.S. stock markets are closed.
• Black Friday (Friday, Nov 29th): While banks typically reopen for normal business hours, it’s always wise to check with your specific bank for any altered schedules. The stock markets will reopen but operate on a shortened trading day, usually concluding at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.

Government & Essential Services: Closures and Limited Operations

Beyond banks, many other public and private services will observe Thanksgiving Day closures:

• Government Offices: Federal, state, and local government offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
• Post Offices: U.S. Post Offices will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery or pickup services. For holiday scheduling, refer to the USPS official holiday calendar.
• Courts & Schools: Most courts and educational institutions will be closed for both Thanksgiving Day and often extend through Black Friday for a long holiday weekend.
• Shipping Services (FedEx & UPS): Standard pickup and delivery services will not be available on Thanksgiving. Some critical services may be offered at select locations, but it’s best to confirm directly with your carrier.

Retailer Hours: From Thanksgiving Closures to Black Friday Frenzy

While many retailers have shifted away from opening on Thanksgiving Day itself, Black Friday remains the biggest shopping day of the year. Here’s a look at some major store schedules:

• Walmart: Closed on Thanksgiving. Most stores will open early on Black Friday, typically around 6 a.m. local time.
• Target: Closed on Thanksgiving. Doors usually open early on Black Friday, around 6 a.m. local time.
• Macy’s: Closed on Thanksgiving. Expect extended hours on Black Friday, often from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Kohl’s: Closed on Thanksgiving. Many locations will open as early as 5 a.m. on Black Friday.
• Costco: Closed on Thanksgiving. Reopens on Black Friday for regular hours.
• CVS: Many stores will close early on Thanksgiving. Pharmacy hours may vary significantly. It’s highly recommended to call your local store or check their website for specific hours.
• Walgreens: Most Walgreens stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, though some 24-hour locations may remain open. Verify with your local store for details.
• Grocery Stores: Most national grocery chains will be open on Thanksgiving for those last-minute meal essentials, but many will operate on reduced hours. Always check your local store’s schedule beforehand.

Thanksgiving Travel Forecast: On the Road and in the Air

The long Thanksgiving weekend is consistently one of the busiest travel periods of the year. With most schools and many businesses closed, millions hit the road, rails, or skies. According to AAA, this year is set to break records for holiday travel.

AAA projects a significant increase in travelers, with millions journeying at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period. A vast majority of these travelers will opt for car travel, making highways particularly congested. Gas prices are relatively stable compared to previous years, hovering around $3 per gallon for regular gasoline nationally, according to AAA’s travel insights.

Air travel is also expected to see a noticeable increase, though potential flight delays or cancellations could impact actual numbers. For those opting for other modes of transport, such as buses, trains, or cruise ships, an even higher percentage increase is anticipated.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Holiday

With so many closures and altered schedules, planning ahead is key to a smooth Thanksgiving weekend. Confirm hours for any specific bank, store, or service you plan to use. If you’re traveling, give yourself ample time and check traffic and flight statuses regularly.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and may your holiday season begin without a hitch!