The Best and Worst Times to Shop for Thanksgiving

Shopping for Thanksgiving is one of the most time-consuming tasks. It can also be extremely stressful if you go at the wrong time.

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about gratitude—not stress in crowded grocery aisles. But every year, millions of people wait until the last minute and end up paying more, waiting longer, and feeling overwhelmed.

The good news? With a little planning and insight into how retail cycles work, you can shop smarter—not harder.

Whether you’re cooking a full feast or just picking up a pie, timing your trip can save you time, money, and your sanity.

Planning your Thanksgiving shopping in advance is the best way to make sure it runs smoothly. Below, you’ll discover when the best and worst times to shop for this popular holiday are. This should help you to plan better and have the least stressful shopping experience.

When Is the Best Time to Physically Go Shopping?

Recent studies and real-world data highlight the most efficient windows to shop for your holiday feast:

According to the findings, it is best to shop for everything you need at 8 a.m on the Monday before Thanksgiving. Specifically, you’ll want to head to the store at an hour before closing time for the quietest shopping experience.

The best time to go will also depend upon the type of shopping you are doing. For example, if you’re heading to the liquor store, you’ll want to shop on the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving at 10pm. If you are heading to the bakery, 7pm is the quietest time.

What Times Should You Avoid?

Unsurprisingly, it has been revealed that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest. You will particularly want to avoid traveling to the store on the Wednesday between 5pm and 6pm. Also, the Saturday before Thanksgiving between 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. is peak chaos! Tuesday and Wednesday mid-mornings through evenings — High-traffic hours that lead to longer lines

If you are heading to the liquor store, the worst time to go is 5pm on Wednesday. For trips to the bakery, you’ll want to avoid going around 2pm on the Wednesday. Similarly, shopping centers tend to be busiest around 4pm the day before.

You’ll also find traffic is bad between 3pm and 4pm on the Wednesday. So, if you are looking to travel to loved ones, it’s best to set off on Thanksgiving at around 6am.

Times Depend upon State

The times mentioned above are general national guidelines. However, the best and worst times to shop will also depend upon the state you live in.

In Miami, Florida, it’s best to avoid traveling for Thanksgiving at 8am. You’ll also want to avoid traveling back on the Sunday at 3pm, instead opting for a 6am start where it is quietest.

If you live in Minneapolis, the worst time to travel is Wednesday at 4pm and the worst time to come back is Friday at 3pm. Paying attention to state specific timings is important if you want to benefit from the quietest times.

These are the best and worst shopping times to be aware of when you’re trying to ease the stress of Thanksgiving. Ideally, you’ll want to get everything you need in as early as possible. If you can do the shopping the weekend before or early in the week, you’ll find it much quieter and less stressful.

If you plan to travel to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the whole week of Thanksgiving should be avoided. Tourists flock to the area for the outlet mall shopping, even though everything could be found online cheaper (and even in your local area), rather than clogging the limited area with more cars and people.

How Online Shopping Has Changed Thanksgiving Prep

Thanksgiving grocery shopping doesn’t look like it did a decade ago. With the rise of online grocery delivery and curbside pickup, more people are skipping the crowded aisles—and it’s reshaping the holiday rhythm.

1. Earlier Ordering, Less Panic

Platforms like Instacart have revealed that many shoppers are now placing their turkey and essentials orders 4–5 days before Thanksgiving, rather than scrambling at the last minute. That means the “rush” has shifted earlier—and the shelves may start looking sparse sooner than expected.

2. Click-and-Collect Grows in Popularity

Many families now blend online and in-person shopping. They’ll order pantry items for delivery, then swing by the store closer to the holiday for fresh produce and last-minute needs. This hybrid approach offers convenience while keeping costs and stress down.

3. Record Online Holiday Spending

Thanksgiving Day online shopping hit over $6 billion in 2023 alone, proving that the holiday isn’t just about food—it’s a major retail moment. Many grocery chains now offer early holiday deals exclusively through their apps or websites, so being digitally prepared can pay off.

4. Delivery Slots Can Vanish Quickly

With more people using grocery apps, competition for delivery windows can be fierce. If you’re planning to order online, lock in your spot early. Many services let you schedule up to a week in advance.

Quick Tips:

• Don’t wait—place online grocery orders by the Sunday or Monday before Thanksgiving.
• Use app alerts to catch early bird sales or restock notifications.
• If you’re combining online and in-store shopping, go early in the day to avoid long pickup wait times.

Plan ahead so you can avoid shopping on Thanksgiving Day. When stores see consistent demand, it reinforces the need to stay open—and that means more employees spending the holiday away from their families. Ironically, many shoppers express sympathy by saying, “I can’t believe you have to work today,” without realizing they’re part of the reason those employees are there.

You don’t have to let the holiday hustle wear you down. A few strategic shopping moves can free up more time for what really matters—being present, enjoying your family, and actually tasting your food.

The more intentional you are with your planning, the more peaceful your holidays will feel.

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