Thanksgiving 2020: What's Open, Closed In NYC

Nick Garber
·2 min read

NEW YORK CITY — If you need to make a last-minute grocery run or venture to another neighborhood on Thanksgiving Day this year, don't fear — many essential businesses and services remain open, even during the pandemic.

But some places that stayed open in past years — especially big retailers — are instead planning to shut their doors this Thursday in an effort to stay safe.

Here's a full look at what's open and closed on Thanksgiving Day in New York City.

Subways & Buses

The MTA subway and bus systems typically run on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, meaning service is more limited than usual. Some bus routes don't run at all Sundays, and riders should use the MTA's trip planner to check.

The agency also strongly urged riders to avoid travel if possible this Thanksgiving, hoping to slow the virus's spread in New York City.

“With COVID-19 cases dramatically increasing around the country, we are encouraging the public to restrict travel this Thanksgiving during this once-in-a-hundred-year public health crisis,” MTA CEO Patrick J. Foye said in a statement.

Trash & Recycling

The Department of Sanitation won't be collecting garbage, recycling or organics on Thanksgiving Day. If your trash and organics are normally picked up on Thursdays, you can put them out after 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving for pickup on Friday.

There's also no street cleaning on Thanksgiving, so don't worry about alternate-side parking rules.

Public Buildings

All city, state and federal government buildings are closed Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is a postal holiday, post offices are closed and mail won't be delivered on Thursday.

Supermarkets & Department Stores

Several supermarkets are open part of Thanksgiving Day for your last-minute shopping needs. And some departments open on Thursday evening to get a head start on Black Friday shopping.

Here's a list of some major stores and their Thanksgiving hours.

Groceries:

  • Fairway Market: Stores will be open but may close Thursday evening, rather than at midnight.

  • Fresh Direct: Open regular hours but delivery orders must be placed in advance. See the reservation schedule here.

  • Key Food: Stores will be open but may have reduced hours — call your local store to check.

  • Trader Joe's: All stores closed on Thanksgiving.

  • Whole Foods: Most Whole Foods will be open on Thanksgiving but will close early.

Pharmacies:

  • Duane Reade: Stores open on Thanksgiving Day.

  • Walgreens: Stores open on Thanksgiving Day.

  • CVS: Most stores open on Thanksgiving Day, but some with reduced hours.

  • Rite Aid: Some stores open Thanksgiving Day. COVID-19 testing will be temporarily unavailable Thursday and Friday.

Department stores:

Given the reality of the pandemic, many retailers that remained open in the past will instead by closed this year, including:

This article originally appeared on the New York City Patch