Thanksgiving 2025: What’s Open and Closed in the DC Region
Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Residents and visitors in the D.C. region should prepare for various closures and limited services on this holiday. Here’s what to expect regarding what’s open and closed in the D.C. area for Thanksgiving 2025.
Government and Schools
All federal, state, and local government offices in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia will be closed for the holiday. Most school systems in the D.C. area will also observe the day off, with a return to regular sessions on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Mail and Shipping Services
- The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver regular mail on Thanksgiving, offering only Priority Mail Express services.
- UPS and FedEx will have limited or modified services; check with specific carriers for their holiday schedules.
Banking Services
Major banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Truist, PNC, and Capital One, will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Customers should plan ahead for their banking needs.
Grocery Stores
Some grocery stores will remain open on Thanksgiving, but with reduced hours. Following are the stores that will operate:
- Whole Foods Market: Open with limited hours.
- Harris Teeter: Open until mid-afternoon.
- Food Lion: Open typically from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dollar General: Open with adjusted holiday hours.
- Family Dollar: Many stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Safeway: Open with modified hours.
However, major chains such as Walmart, Target, Costco, and Aldi will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Retail Stores
Most large retailers and department stores intend to remain closed throughout Thanksgiving Day. This encompasses stores like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and various shopping malls. Some smaller pharmacies and convenience stores might operate with limited hours.
Restaurants
Restaurant operations will vary widely across the D.C. area. While certain national chains may keep select locations open, many independent establishments are likely to close for the holiday. It’s advisable to verify with specific restaurants or check online reservation platforms.
Parking and Traffic Regulations
All parking enforcement in the D.C. area will be suspended on Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, December 28. The city’s Department of Transportation will also halt non-emergency construction and work zones during the holiday.
Transit Services
Transit schedules will alter for Thanksgiving Day:
- Metrorail: Runs on a weekend late-night schedule from approximately 6 a.m. to midnight.
- Metrobus: Will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Parking at Metro stations will generally be free on Thanksgiving. Maryland’s MARC train services will not be available on this day, with limited services resuming for Black Friday.
County-Specific Transit Updates
- Anne Arundel County: No bus service on Thanksgiving.
- Montgomery County: Ride On Bus operates on a Sunday schedule.
- Prince George’s County: TheBus will be closed on Thanksgiving.
- Virginia: VRE services will not be available.
Library and Recreation Centers
All public libraries and recreation centers across the D.C. area will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Specific early closing hours apply on the preceding Wednesday. Most libraries and community centers will resume normal operating hours on Friday, December 29, 2025.
With this information, residents and visitors to the D.C. region can better plan their Thanksgiving activities in 2025.