Forgot Something for Thanksgiving Dinner? Here’s a Guide to Grocery Stores Open in California
Find out which grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving in California, their hours, and tips for a stress-free last-minute shopping trip

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, family, and feasting. But even with careful planning, it’s easy to forget an essential ingredient or two for your Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Thankfully, several grocery stores in California are open on Thanksgiving, though most operate on reduced hours. Whether you’re in Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, or Roseville, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you find a store for those last-minute Thanksgiving needs.
Stores Open on Thanksgiving
Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh stores in Elk Grove, Roseville, and Citrus Heights are ready to help you out. They’ll be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. For online shoppers, the last pickup and delivery window is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., so plan accordingly.
Save Mart
Save Mart stores will be closing a little earlier than usual for the holiday. You can shop there until 6 p.m., so be sure to grab what you need before then.
FoodMaxx
Similar to Save Mart, FoodMaxx will also be open until 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving. This gives you plenty of time in the morning and early afternoon to pick up any forgotten items.
Lucky
Lucky supermarkets are following the same holiday schedule as Save Mart and FoodMaxx, closing their doors at 6 p.m.. Stop by early to avoid the holiday rush.
Smart & Final
Smart & Final stores are opening bright and early at 6 a.m. and will remain open until 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. If you’re an early riser, this might be a great option for a quick trip.
Sprouts Farmers Market
If fresh, organic, and health-conscious groceries are what you need, Sprouts has you covered. They’ll open at 7 a.m. and close earlier than most stores, at 2 p.m., so don’t wait too long to head over.
Raley’s and Bel Air
Both Raley’s and its partner store Bel Air will be open but will close their doors at 3 p.m.. This is perfect if you realize midday that you need something extra for your dinner preparations.
Winco
Winco shoppers can make last-minute runs until 2:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving. They’ll reopen the next day at 7 a.m., so any late-night grocery emergencies will have to wait until Friday.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods stores will operate on a limited schedule, opening at 7 a.m. and closing early at 1 p.m. This is a great choice for specialty items, but you’ll need to get there quickly.
Stores Closed on Thanksgiving
While many stores are open for limited hours, some major retailers are closing completely for Thanksgiving to allow their employees to celebrate the holiday. Here’s a list of stores that will not be open:
- Sacramento Food Co-Op
- Trader Joe’s
- Target
- Walmart
- Sam’s Club
- Costco
If you frequent any of these stores, plan ahead and stock up on everything you need before Thanksgiving.
Tips for Last-Minute Grocery Shopping
Check Store Hours Before Heading Out
Hours may vary depending on location, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the store’s website to confirm their holiday schedule.
Make a List of Essentials
Focus on the items you absolutely need to avoid aimlessly wandering through the store. This will save you time and reduce stress.
Shop Early in the Day
Many stores close earlier than usual on Thanksgiving, so aim to shop in the morning or early afternoon.
Consider Substitutes
If a store is out of stock on something, be flexible and think of alternatives. For example, if they’re out of pumpkin pie, a pecan pie might still delight your guests.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a busy day, and it’s easy to forget something crucial for your dinner spread. Luckily, many grocery stores in California are open to help you out, even if they’re operating on reduced hours. From Amazon Fresh to Sprouts, there are options to suit your needs, whether you need fresh produce, pantry staples, or specialty items.
Just remember to double-check store hours and head out early to avoid the rush. And if your go-to store is closed, take it as an opportunity to get creative with what you already have at home. After all, Thanksgiving is about being thankful, even for the little things.
Happy Thanksgiving, and happy shopping!
Disclaimer
This content has been created by an AI language model and is intended to provide general information. While we strive to deliver accurate and reliable content, it may not always reflect the latest developments or expert opinions. The content should not be considered as professional or personalized advice. We encourage you to seek professional guidance and verify the information independently before making decisions based on this content.
This information is sourced from abc10
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