This holiday season, diners and shoppers will need a backup plan. Olive Garden is closing all 900 locations on Thanksgiving and Christmas, giving staff time with family. And it’s not alone—major retailers are following suit, shuttering stores nationwide. From Best Buy to TJ Maxx, the trend is clear: Thanksgiving is for people, not just profits. Even with closures, most locations will return to regular hours the next day. Here’s what to know before planning your festive feast or shopping spree.
Olive Garden’s Holiday Shutdown
Olive Garden is taking a bold step by closing all 900 restaurants for 24 hours on both Thanksgiving and Christmas. The decision gives employees the opportunity to spend the holidays with loved ones. Diners will need to plan ahead to avoid disappointment. The move highlights the chain’s focus on team member well-being over maximum sales.
Early Closures Possible on Holiday Eves
Restaurants may also close early on Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve. Management discretion decides these hours based on daily business. Diners are advised to check directly with local restaurants. It’s a small adjustment for families who want a festive meal without surprises.
Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Overseas Locations Vary
Holiday hours in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and international locations may differ. Some stores may remain open, while others follow the full closure schedule. This ensures local considerations are respected while maintaining employee time off. Customers traveling or ordering in advance should double-check hours.
Return to Normal After Holidays
Regular hours resume immediately after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Olive Garden is keeping the rest of the holiday season consistent. This makes it easy for diners to plan visits once the main holidays pass. Planning ahead is key for a stress-free festive season.
TJ Maxx and Retailers Join the Trend
TJ Maxx will close all 1,340 stores on Thanksgiving, joining a growing list of retailers. Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense are following the same schedule. The closures give associates time to celebrate, signaling a shift in retail priorities. Customers should expect stores to reopen the following day.
Hobby Lobby Shuts Nationwide Stores
Hobby Lobby is closing all 1,000 locations on both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Stores will reopen the day after Thanksgiving with extended hours for Black Friday. This continues the chain’s long-standing tradition of Sunday closures and employee-focused policies.
Other Big Retail Closures
Major chains like Best Buy, Costco, Kohl’s, Walmart, Target, Sephora, Petco, and REI will also close for Thanksgiving. Even specialty stores like American Girl, Sur La Table, and Paragon Sports are joining the trend. The widespread closures mark a shift from early Black Friday chaos to family-first holidays.
Black Friday Plans Adjusted
Many stores will reopen immediately after Thanksgiving with extended hours. Shoppers can expect early access on Black Friday without compromising the holiday itself. Retailers are balancing the need for sales with employee well-being. It’s a win-win for staff and cautious planners.
Holiday Hours for Regular Days
Aside from closures, stores will maintain standard hours. Hobby Lobby operates Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Sundays. Christmas Eve and Boxing Day typically see normal hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. This consistency helps shoppers plan post-holiday errands efficiently.
Wider Trend in Retail
The closures reflect a growing trend across U.S. retail: putting employees first during major holidays. Years of early Black Friday madness pushed companies to reconsider schedules. Giving staff a full day off is becoming the new standard. It’s a significant cultural shift in both dining and retail sectors.
Planning Ahead is Essential
Whether dining at Olive Garden or shopping, planning is key. Check local hours, anticipate closures, and adjust holiday meals and gift shopping accordingly. Many companies offer online ordering or pre-holiday pickup. Being proactive ensures a smoother, less stressful festive season.
Make Your Holiday Plans Early
This year, Thanksgiving and Christmas come with a twist: closures galore. From Olive Garden to major retailers, employees get time off, but customers need a plan. Did you already mark your calendar for a backup dinner or shopping day? Share which closures surprised you the most—and any tips for surviving the holiday rush.
