Thanksgiving can be a blur of meal prep, family, football, and travel, and it often starts long before dawn. Before you start basting turkeys or driving to relatives’ houses, the nation’s most ubiquitous coffee chain may be on your mind. Below is the latest guidance on Starbucks’ plans for Thanksgiving 2025, plus tips on how to make sure you get your caffeine fix.
When is Thanksgiving 2025?
In the United States, Thanksgiving is always observed on the fourth Thursday in November. In 2025, the holiday falls on Thursday, Nov. 27. Because Thanksgiving is a federal and state holiday, most government offices and many private businesses will be closed.
Is Starbucks Open on Thanksgiving?
- Most Starbucks cafés remain open. Media reports from USA TODAY and Delish note that the coffee company typically keeps the majority of its stores open on Thanksgiving. A Nov. 2024 story by USA TODAY states that “most Starbucks locations will remain open” on Thanksgiving, although hours vary by location and some stores might close. Delish’s holiday guide echoes this, explaining that most Starbucks locations will be open, but individual hours depend on “business and customer needs,” according to Starbucks.
- Store hours vary. Since Starbucks operates a mix of company-owned and licensed locations, hours can vary significantly. Stores inside airports, grocery chains, or big-box retailers often follow the host business’s hours, while stand‑alone cafés may open later or close early. We recommend checking the Starbucks Store Locator or mobile app for exact hours. Calling your local café is another reliable option.
- No official changes announced for 2025. As of September 2025, Starbucks has not issued a public statement altering its Thanksgiving policy. Past practices indicate that most cafés will operate with modified hours rather than closing completely. However, some stores may close if local demand is low or staffing is unavailable.
What’s different this year?
Starbucks is undergoing a major restructuring known as the “Back to Starbucks” transformation plan. In September 2025, CEO Brian Niccol informed employees that Starbucks will close about 1% of its locations in the U.S. and Canada and eliminate roughly 900 non‑retail jobs. As we previously reported, Starbucks expects to finish fiscal‑year 2025 with about 18,300 locations, down from 18,734 earlier in the year. These closures target cafés that no longer meet the company’s standards or don’t have a clear path to profitability. The reduction means some communities may not have a Starbucks nearby, so it is especially important to verify your local store’s status before heading out.
How to check your local Starbucks Thanksgiving hours
- Use the Store Locator or app: Visit the Starbucks website or open the Starbucks app and tap the “Stores” tab. Enter your ZIP code to view nearby locations and their holiday hours.
- Call the store directly: Phone numbers are listed in the app and online. Because schedules can change on short notice, calling is the most reliable way to confirm whether a specific café is open and when it closes.
- Watch for licensed‑store variations: Many Starbucks inside grocery stores, airports, or college campuses are operated by third‑party licensees. These cafés often follow the host business’s holiday schedule, so hours may differ from those of a stand‑alone Starbucks.
Tips for caffeine lovers on Thanksgiving
- Order ahead: Use mobile ordering to skip the line and ensure your drink is ready when you arrive. This is especially helpful on busy travel days.
- Go early: Even when cafés stay open, Thanksgiving hours are typically shorter. Aim for a morning pickup to avoid afternoon closures or supply shortages.
- Consider alternatives: If your local Starbucks is closed, nearby coffee chains like Dunkin’ or local cafés may be open.
- Brew at home: Stock up on Starbucks K‑Cups or whole beans ahead of time so you can make coffee at home if all else fails.
Bottom Line
Thanksgiving 2025 falls on Nov. 27, and most Starbucks locations are expected to be open with reduced or modified hours. Because Starbucks is closing hundreds of under‑performing cafés and reducing corporate staff, your nearest location may have changed since last year. To avoid disappointment on a busy holiday, double‑check your local store’s hours via the Store Locator, the Starbucks app, or a quick phone call.
