Is Kroger Open on Thanksgiving 2025?

Do Kroger Employees Work on Thanksgiving?

Yes — many Kroger employees do work on Thanksgiving Day, but not all. Here’s how it typically works across the company:

Store Staff (Frontline Employees)

• Most Kroger stores operate on limited shifts during Thanksgiving morning and early afternoon.
• Cashiers, baggers, produce, bakery, and deli staff are usually scheduled in rotation, meaning not every team member works every year.
• Shifts are shorter than normal, and holiday pay (often time-and-a-half) is typically offered for those who work on Thanksgiving.
• Many store managers aim to close by 3–4 PM so employees can enjoy dinner with their families.

Back Office & Corporate Staff

• Corporate offices, administrative teams, and regional management departments are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
• These employees generally receive a paid holiday and resume regular work on Black Friday or the next business day.
  
  

Warehouse & Distribution Centers

• Some distribution and logistics centers operate on a reduced schedule, depending on delivery needs.
• Teams responsible for post-Thanksgiving restocking may work partial shifts or overnight hours leading into Black Friday.

Pharmacy & Online Support

• Kroger Pharmacy locations are usually closed or have very limited hours.
• Customer support and digital help desks for online orders may remain available with skeleton crews for urgent inquiries.
  
  

Kroger Thanksgiving Pay Policy (General Overview)

Kroger has traditionally provided holiday pay for hourly associates who work on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day.

• Eligible employees typically receive 1.5x their normal hourly rate for hours worked on Thanksgiving.
• Eligibility can depend on employment status (full-time vs. part-time) and union agreements (if applicable).
• Store management teams generally volunteer or rotate shifts to ensure fairness.

This policy may vary by region or Kroger division, so employees should check with their store manager or HR department for local details.

What to Buy at Kroger on Thanksgiving Morning

If you’re heading to Kroger early on Thanksgiving Day, here are a few essentials you can still find:

• Fresh turkeys, hams, and roasts
• Stuffing, vegetables, and sauces
• Baking supplies, pies, and desserts
• Drinks, snacks, and ice
• Floral centerpieces and candles for your dinner table

Many Kroger stores also offer pre-made holiday meals and ready-to-heat sides, perfect for quick fixes or smaller gatherings.

Kroger Thanksgiving Deals and Digital Coupons

Kroger’s Thanksgiving Weekly Ad usually features strong discounts on seasonal favorites like:

• Butterball turkeys
  
  
• Sweet potatoes and canned goods
  
  
• Pies and whipped cream
  
  
• Drinks and desserts
  
  

You can check current deals through Kroger’s Weekly Ad section or clip digital coupons through your Kroger account.

Every purchase you make also earns Fuel Points, even on Thanksgiving Day.

Final Thoughts

So, to summarize, Kroger will be open on Thanksgiving Day 2025, but for limited hours, typically from 6 AM to 4 PM.

If you’re planning a grocery run, go early. After closing, stores will reopen the next morning for Black Friday deals and normal operations.

And for Kroger employees, holiday shifts are shorter and often come with time-and-a-half pay, while corporate offices remain closed.

It’s Kroger’s way of balancing customer convenience with employee appreciation during the holiday season.

To see how Kroger operates on other holidays, visit our full guide: Kroger Holiday Hours 2025.