Whole Foods, Thanksgiving 2020 Grocery Store Hours In Newton

NEWTON, MA — While Thanksgiving Day feasts are likely to be smaller in scope in 2020 because of the pandemic, that doesn't mean we're less likely to forget the cranberry sauce.

But, even without concern about the pandemic, the commonwealth isn't the best place for last-second Thanksgiving grocery shopping. State laws restrict nearly all retailers from opening on the holiday, meaning your options are limited if you forgot the cranberry sauce.

Massachusetts is one of just three states — along with Maine and Rhode Island — with such laws that are aimed at allowing employees to spend time with family during the holiday.

That reprieve doesn't last long, of course. Many retailers open in the wee hours of Black Friday, some as early as just after midnight.

So what's open Thursday to pick up that last minute sauce?

Places like Stop & Shop, Star Market, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's will not be open. The Targets and Walmarts inside the commonwealth will also be closed.

Target and Walmart have previously been open in other states on the holiday, but announced that in response to the coronavirus pandemic, they would be closed across the U.S. because of the pandemic.

In a statement released on its website, Target said the company's goal is to "make the holiday shopping experience simple, safe, and stress-free."

Your best bet may be small convenience stores or drugstore chains like Rite-Aid, Walgreens and CVS. Though be warned: Pharmacies are closed on Thursday, too.

And then there's always supporting a local restaurant, something that has become even more important amid the pandemic. Restaurant hours are at the discretion of owners, so call ahead.

And speaking of calling ahead, even stores that are open could have limited hours, so break out the cell phone and give your local market a call before you go, too.

And next year, don't forget the cranberry sauce.

CLOSED on Thanksgiving:

• Whole Foods: Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. CLOSED on Thanksgiving.
• Trader Joes: All stores closed on Thanksgiving. (8 a.m. to 9 p.m. other days)
• Market Basket in Waltham: Closed Thanksgiving.
• Costco in Waltham: All stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Open 9 a.m. on Black Friday. And open 9:30am - 7 pm Saturday.
• Walmart: Stores will be open regular hours Wednesday (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.), and then closed Thanksgiving Day: Stores reopen at 12 a.m. and stay open til 10 p.m.
• Target: Regular hours Wednesday (8 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Then Closed on Thanksgiving. Stores re-open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday and are open til 11 p.m.
• Shaws/Star Closed on Thanksgiving
• Stop and Shop: Closed Thanksgiving.
• Wegman's: Closed Thursday.
• Russo's in Watertown: Closed Thursday.
• Walnut Market: Closed

OPEN on Thanksgiving:

• Walgreens and CVS will be open.
• Waban Market: Call for hours 617-332-4100 (10 Windsor Road)
• 7-Eleven (612 Washington St) hours may vary, call ahead: 617-964-0289

Black Friday?

If you're looking to get an early start on that holiday shopping in Newton: Anthropologie is opening an hour earlier (9 a.m.) and Athleta will be opening at 8 a.m. on Black Friday this year at the Shops of Chestnut Hill Square. At The Street will be open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Sunday throughout the holidays, but some of its retailers have further extended hours, so be sure to call for details.

Are you a local shop open on Thanksgiving? Email us at Jenna.Fisher@Patch.com or post a comment below this article to let us know you'll be open.