Updated October 2026
It depends on your state. Some states ban retail liquor sales on Thanksgiving Day by law, including Texas, Minnesota and Massachusetts, and state-run stores such as Pennsylvania’s Fine Wine & Good Spirits and Virginia ABC close for the holiday. In many other states, private liquor stores may open but often keep shorter hours, and grocery and convenience stores may still sell beer and wine. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, so plan to buy on Wednesday if you are unsure.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest weeks of the year for wine, beer and spirits, and the rules change from one state line to the next. This guide covers the states where the law closes liquor stores, how state-run stores handle the holiday, what you can usually still buy at grocery and convenience stores, and how to avoid a last-minute scramble.
The short answer
Alcohol sales in the United States are governed mostly by state law and local rules. Federal regulations, such as the spirits labeling standards in 27 CFR Part 5 (for example, 27 CFR § 5.143 for whisky), control what goes on the bottle, not when a store may sell it. That is why the answer to “are liquor stores open on Thanksgiving?” changes by state, and sometimes by county or city.
- Closed by state law: several states prohibit retail liquor sales on Thanksgiving Day.
- Closed by the state retailer: in control states, the state-run stores often close for the holiday.
- Open, with shorter hours: in many license states, private stores may open but set their own holiday schedules.
States where liquor stores must close on Thanksgiving
Texas
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 105.01 says no person may sell, offer for sale or deliver liquor on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, or on Sunday. On other days, package stores may sell liquor only from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Beer and wine follow separate hours under § 105.05, so grocery and convenience stores can generally sell them during their normal permitted hours. Our guide to Texas beer sales hours has the details.
Minnesota
Minnesota Statutes § 340A.504, subdivision 4, bars off-sale liquor sales on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and after 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Minnesota liquor stores are therefore closed on Thanksgiving.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts General Laws chapter 138, section 33, says package store licensees may not sell or deliver alcoholic beverages on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day.
Other states and many local governments have their own holiday rules. If your state is not listed here, check your state alcohol agency’s website before you assume a store will be open.
State-run liquor stores and their holiday hours
In control states, the state itself runs the liquor stores or controls distribution, and it sets the holiday schedule.
- Pennsylvania: the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board says all Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026, and on Christmas Day.
- Virginia: Virginia ABC closed all stores on Thanksgiving in 2025 and announces its holiday schedule each November. Check the Virginia ABC media room for the 2026 hours.
- Other control states: states such as Utah, North Carolina and Ohio run or license their liquor outlets differently. Check the state agency or the local board for holiday hours.
Grocery, convenience and big-box stores: beer and wine
Even where liquor stores close, beer and wine are often still available. In Texas, for example, the Thanksgiving ban in § 105.01 applies to liquor, while beer and wine sold by grocery and convenience stores follow the separate hours in § 105.05. Many grocery chains open for at least part of Thanksgiving morning, and many convenience stores stay open on the holiday.
Whether a particular store sells spirits, wine or only beer depends on the state. Our guides to which states let Walmart sell liquor, Sam’s Club liquor sales, Circle K alcohol hours and Sheetz alcohol hours explain the patterns.
National chains
Large liquor and wine chains set holiday hours store by store, within each state’s law. Holiday schedules also change from year to year. The safest approach is to check your local store’s hours online or call ahead in the days before Thanksgiving. A store’s regular hours do not tell you its holiday hours.
Tips for Thanksgiving shopping
- Shop early in the week. The day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for alcohol retailers. Shopping on Monday or Tuesday avoids lines and empty shelves.
- Plan the menu first. Decide on wine and drinks before you shop. Our guides to the best wine for Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving cocktails and the best bourbon for Thanksgiving will help.
- Know your state’s rules. If you are traveling, the rules at your destination may differ from home. See our state guides for Oregon, Florida and Ohio.
- Bring ID. Holiday rushes do not change ID rules. Expect to be carded.
- Plan the ride home. If you are hosting, offer non-alcoholic options and make sure guests who drink have a safe way home. Never drive after drinking.
Frequently asked questions
Are liquor stores open on Thanksgiving Day 2026?
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Liquor stores are closed by law in states such as Texas, Minnesota and Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania’s state stores are closed. In many other states, private stores may open with holiday hours. Check your local store.
Can you buy beer on Thanksgiving?
In many states, yes. Grocery and convenience stores that sell beer can often do so on Thanksgiving during their permitted hours. In Texas, the Thanksgiving ban in § 105.01 covers liquor, not the beer and wine sold under § 105.05.
Are liquor stores open the day before Thanksgiving?
Generally, yes. It is usually one of the busiest days of the year, so expect crowds and shop earlier in the week if you can.
Are liquor stores open on Black Friday?
In most states, liquor stores return to normal hours the day after Thanksgiving. State rules for Sunday sales still apply over the holiday weekend.
Why are liquor stores closed on Thanksgiving in some states?
Some states wrote holiday closures into their alcohol laws, and state-run retailers often close on major holidays. Federal labeling rules in 27 CFR Part 5 do not set store hours.
Planning ahead for December too? See are liquor stores open on Christmas, or browse the Bar Basics hub.
Sources
- Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 105.01 (hours of sale for liquor; New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day) and § 105.05 (beer and wine hours)
- Minnesota Statutes § 340A.504, subdivision 4 (off-sale hours; Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Christmas Eve after 8 p.m.)
- Massachusetts General Laws chapter 138, section 33 (Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
- Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Fine Wine & Good Spirits holiday hours (closed Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026, and Christmas Day)
- Virginia ABC media room, 2025 holiday store hours (closed Thanksgiving)
- 27 CFR Part 5, labeling and advertising of distilled spirits (eCFR)