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Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays in the United States, and many people search for McDonald’s Thanksgiving hours to plan a quick meal before family gatherings or holiday travel.
Whether you need breakfast in the morning, a coffee break, or a fast lunch, knowing is McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving Day can save time and stress.
The answer is not always the same for every location. McDonald’s operates both corporate-owned and franchise restaurants, which means Thanksgiving hours vary by location.
This guide explains opening and closing times, breakfast availability, drive-thru service, and how to check McDonald’s hours on Thanksgiving near you.
Is McDonald’s Open on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, McDonald’s is open on Thanksgiving Day at many U.S. locations, but not all restaurants follow the same schedule. Some McDonald’s locations operate with reduced holiday hours, while a few may close completely.
If you’re asking is McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving, the safest answer is:
👉 Most locations are open, but hours vary.
Airport McDonald’s, highway rest stops, and major city locations are more likely to stay open compared to small-town or mall-based stores.
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Hours (Opening & Closing Times)
McDonald’s Thanksgiving hours usually start earlier in the morning and end earlier in the day compared to normal operating hours.
Typical Thanksgiving schedule:
- Opening: 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Closing: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
These times are estimates. Franchise owners decide their own holiday schedules, which is why McDonald Thanksgiving hours can differ even within the same city.
If you’re planning a visit later in the day, always confirm McDonald hours on Thanksgiving in advance.
What Time Does McDonald’s Close on Thanksgiving?
One of the most searched questions is what time does McDonald’s close on Thanksgiving.
Most locations close earlier than usual, often between:
- 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Some busy locations may stay open into the evening, but many close before dinner time so staff can spend the holiday with family.
If you’re asking what time does McDonald’s close on Thanksgiving, checking your local restaurant is the only way to get an exact answer.
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Breakfast Hours
Does McDonald’s Serve Breakfast on Thanksgiving?
Yes, McDonald’s Thanksgiving breakfast is available at many locations. Breakfast is often the most reliable meal service on Thanksgiving Day.
Most restaurants serve breakfast during their regular morning hours:
- 5:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Some locations extend breakfast until 11:00 AM
Breakfast service may end earlier if the restaurant closes early for the holiday.
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Breakfast Menu
Popular breakfast items available on Thanksgiving morning include:
- Egg McMuffin
- Sausage McMuffin
- Hotcakes
- Hash Browns
- Breakfast Burritos
- McCafé Coffee
Menu availability can vary by location, especially at stores with limited staff.
Are All McDonald’s Locations Open on Thanksgiving?
No, not all McDonald’s locations are open on Thanksgiving. This is because most restaurants are franchise-owned.
Why Some McDonald’s Close on Thanksgiving
- Franchise owner decisions
- Staffing availability
- Local demand
- Location type (mall, food court, college campus)
If you’re wondering is McDonald’s closed on Thanksgiving, the answer depends on your local store.
McDonald’s Drive-Thru Hours on Thanksgiving
McDonald’s drive-thru service is often more likely to remain open on Thanksgiving compared to dine-in areas.
Many locations:
- Open drive-thru early
- Close drive-thru later than dine-in
- Offer limited menu options
If you want the best chance of getting food, the drive-thru is usually the safest option on Thanksgiving Day.
Is McDonald’s Open 24 Hours on Thanksgiving?
Some people assume 24-hour McDonald’s locations stay open all day on holidays. In reality, 24-hour McDonald’s may still adjust Thanksgiving hours.
Even if a location is normally open 24 hours:
- It may close early on Thanksgiving
- Overnight hours may be limited
- Breakfast timing still follows standard rules
So while some 24-hour stores remain open, there is no guarantee.
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Hours Near Me (How to Check)
To find McDonald’s Thanksgiving hours near me, use one of these reliable methods:
- McDonald’s Store Locator
Search by ZIP code or city to see holiday hours. - McDonald’s Mobile App
Shows real-time hours, menu availability, and mobile ordering status. - Google Maps
Search “McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving” for live updates. - Call the Restaurant Directly
Best option for confirming early closing times.
These methods ensure you don’t arrive at a closed location.
Why McDonald’s Thanksgiving Hours Vary by Location
Several factors influence McDonald’s Thanksgiving hours:
- Franchise vs corporate ownership
- City vs rural demand
- Proximity to highways or airports
- Staffing levels
- Local holiday traffic
Because of these variables, McDonald Thanksgiving hours are never identical nationwide.
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Hours in Major U.S. Cities (2026)
This table shows typical McDonald’s Thanksgiving hours in major U.S. cities. Always confirm specific opening and closing times using the McDonald’s store locator, mobile app, or Google Maps before heading out.
| City | Expected Opening Time (Thanksgiving) | Expected Closing Time (Thanksgiving) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 5:00 AM | 4:00 PM | High-traffic metro, many locations open; some may close earlier |
| Los Angeles, CA | 5:00 AM | 5:00 PM | Busy city locations & drive-thrus often have extended hours |
| Chicago, IL | 5:00 AM | 3:00 PM | Urban outlets usually open early, close mid-afternoon |
| Houston, TX | 5:00 AM | 5:00 PM | Busy suburban and freeway McDonald’s stay open longer |
| Phoenix, AZ | 5:00 AM | 4:00 PM | Many drive-thru locations remain open late |
| Philadelphia, PA | 5:00 AM | 4:00 PM | Typical mid-day closures, especially at small locations |
| San Antonio, TX | 5:00 AM | 5:00 PM | Highway & airport locations often extend hours |
| San Diego, CA | 5:00 AM | 5:00 PM | Tourist areas may stay open later |
| Dallas, TX | 5:00 AM | 5:30 PM | Extended hours common at high-traffic locations |
| San Jose, CA | 5:00 AM | 4:00 PM | Mall & corporate locations may close earlier |
| Miami, FL | 5:00 AM | 4:30 PM | Coastal & travel locations often open early |
| Atlanta, GA | 5:00 AM | 4:00 PM | Many locations close by mid-afternoon |
| Boston, MA | 5:00 AM | 4:00 PM | Typical holiday timing for Northeast |
| Seattle, WA | 5:00 AM | 3:30 PM | Some locations close earlier than peers |
| Denver, CO | 5:00 AM | 4:30 PM | Suburban & airport locations may open early |
Tips for Visiting McDonald’s on Thanksgiving Day
- Go early in the morning
- Choose drive-thru locations
- Expect limited menu options
- Avoid late afternoon visits
- Check hours before leaving
If you’re traveling, airport and highway McDonald’s are your best bet.
How McDonald’s Thanksgiving Hours Compare to Other Days
Compared to regular days, Thanksgiving hours are shorter. For a full yearly overview, visit our McDonald’s Holiday Hours guide. You can also check McDonald’s Hours for daily opening and closing times throughout the year.
People also ask
Is McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, many locations are open, but hours vary.
Is McDonald’s closed on Thanksgiving?
Some locations may close, especially mall or campus stores.
What time does McDonald’s close on Thanksgiving?
Most locations close between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Does McDonald’s serve breakfast on Thanksgiving?
Yes, breakfast is usually available in the morning.
Are McDonald’s drive-thrus open on Thanksgiving?
Many drive-thrus remain open longer than dine-in.
How can I find McDonald’s Thanksgiving hours near me?
Use the McDonald’s app, store locator, Google Maps, or call the restaurant.
Final Words
McDonald’s Thanksgiving hours vary by location, but most U.S. restaurants remain open with reduced schedules. Breakfast is usually available in the morning, while afternoon and evening hours may be limited.
Drive-thru service offers the best chance of ordering food on Thanksgiving Day.
To avoid disappointment, always confirm local hours in advance. For complete Breakfast scheduling, visit our McDonald’s Breakfast Hours page, and for daily schedules, check McDonald’s Hours.
