Are Liquor Stores Open on Thanksgiving? State-by-State Holiday Guide

Are Liquor Stores Open on Thanksgiving? State-by-State Guide for Holiday Shoppers

The days leading up to Thanksgiving can be hectic, especially when it comes to making sure your pantry—and bar—are fully stocked. After running through your final grocery checklist, you may realize you’ve overlooked a key ingredient for your Thanksgiving cocktail, or just want to offer a thoughtful wine bottle to your host. That’s when you’re faced with one crucial, often confusing question: Are liquor stores open on Thanksgiving? The answer is not straightforward and varies widely based on state laws, local rules, and whether the establishment is state-owned or privately operated.

Understanding the Rules: State and Local Control

In the United States, liquor laws are primarily regulated at the state and, in some cases, county or municipal level. This means:

• Some states have government-run liquor stores with set hours and operating days.
• Privately owned stores may set their own hours, but still must follow overall state closure mandates.
• Alcohol sales on major holidays, like Thanksgiving, are commonly restricted or outright banned in many states.
• In some locations, even if state law allows sales, local jurisdictions might impose stricter rules

Given these overlapping regulations, it’s important to always check with your specific retailer before heading out on or near Thanksgiving Day.

Liquor Store Operations on Thanksgiving: An Overview

The short answer to whether liquor stores are open on Thanksgiving is: it depends on where you live and the ownership of the store. Below, find the detailed state-by-state breakdown of typical Thanksgiving alcohol sales, noting that individual store hours can still differ. Always check with your local store or state alcohol control board for the latest updates.

States Where Liquor Stores Are Often Open on Thanksgiving

In the following states, state-run or state-regulated liquor stores are typically open on Thanksgiving, though there may be exceptions for local closures or private store choices:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana (note: some parishes restrict Thanksgiving sales)
• Maine
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon (some stores open, some closed)
• South Carolina
• Vermont
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Important Note: In these states, hours may differ by county, city, or ownership. Contact your local liquor store for precise opening times.

States Where Liquor Stores Are Often Closed on Thanksgiving

The following states typically require state-owned or state-licensed liquor stores to close on Thanksgiving:

• Alabama (beer & wine often available, but not liquor)
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Louisiana (in some parishes)
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Virginia

Again, privately owned stores might choose to open if local laws permit, but state stores and most retailers usually stay closed. Some states (like Pennsylvania) only allow private beer stores or wine outlets to open when state stores are shuttered.

Special Cases and Local Restrictions

• Some states (e.g. Louisiana) delegate the decision to counties or parishes, leading to significant variation even within the same state.
• Pennsylvania state-operated liquor stores close, but privately owned beer stores and some wine outlets may operate with limited hours.
• Oregon experiences a mix—some state-run outlets are open, private retailers may open or close at their discretion.

States with Varied Rules: Contact Local Stores

With so many rules, always:

• Call your preferred liquor store ahead of time during Thanksgiving week
• Check your state’s alcohol control board website for published holiday hours and exceptions
• Look up city or county ordinances for possible additional restrictions

Example Table: State Liquor Store Status on Thanksgiving

Why the Confusion? Understanding State Liquor Laws

The lack of uniformity in liquor laws stems from the U.S. system of alcohol regulation, which lets states—and sometimes counties or cities—set their own unique rules. This means:

• “Control states” have government-run stores and frequently close on federal holidays
• “Open states” allow private business sales, with looser holiday restrictions
• Many states enforce holiday-specific closures for liquor stores, but might still allow beer and wine sales through convenience or grocery stores

Additionally, even when state law permits liquor sales on Thanksgiving, the individual store owner can decide to close or keep limited holiday hours—especially for smaller, family-owned retailers.

Thanksgiving Alcohol Tips: Plan Ahead

• Shop Early: Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times for alcohol retailers. Buy your beverages ahead to avoid crowds, lines, and empty shelves.
• Use Online and Delivery Services: Many states now allow curbside pickup, local delivery, or ordering through national retailers.
• Check Store Policies: COVID-19 and other health guidelines may still affect business hours, entry limits, and contactless payment requirements.

Expert Tip

“Plan ahead and stay safe.” — Tim Holden, Chairman, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

Retailers and alcohol boards continue to advise shoppers to prepare in advance, choose mid-mornings or early afternoons if shopping in person, and be aware of special measures such as customer limits or delivery slowdowns in busy holiday periods.

COVID-19 Precautions and Store Policies

The pandemic has permanently changed some liquor store operations and holiday shopping habits. Common adaptations include:

• Strict sanitizing and mandatory mask usage
• Customer limits in store (for example, only 10–15 allowed at a time)
• Contact-free payment and delivery options
• Plexiglas barriers at registers
• Switching to curbside pickup or local delivery only, especially for independent merchants

Ordering online or opting for curbside pickup can reduce your exposure while helping you secure holiday libations on time.

Alternatives if Your Store Is Closed

• Check if beer and wine are available at grocery or convenience stores in your state
• Explore online retailers that ship within your state, especially for wine or specialty products
• Ask about local breweries or distilleries that may offer direct sales or pickup
• Plan festive Thanksgiving cocktails with what’s already in your home bar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are liquor stores open everywhere on Thanksgiving?

No. Liquor store openings on Thanksgiving Day depend on your state and local laws, and whether a store is state-owned or private. Even in states where sales are permitted, individual store owners may choose to close.

Can I buy beer or wine if liquor stores are closed?

In many states, beer and wine can still be purchased at grocery and convenience stores even when liquor stores are closed. However, some states restrict all alcohol sales on Thanksgiving.

How can I find out if my local store is open?

Call your preferred liquor store ahead of time, check their website, or visit your state’s alcohol control board online for up-to-date holiday hours.

Are there alternatives for getting alcohol if stores are closed?

Yes. Try online ordering (if legal in your state), local delivery services, or shop at grocery or specialty stores for beer and wine. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Why do rules vary so much from state to state?

Alcohol laws in the U.S. are determined at the state and local level, not federally. This creates a “patchwork quilt” of different regulations, closures, and exceptions.

Did COVID-19 change holiday liquor sales?

Yes, the pandemic led to new health and safety measures in stores, a surge in online and curbside orders, and sometimes shorter store hours. Always check with your store for their latest policies.

Final Holiday Shopping Tips

• Don’t assume all stores follow the same schedule—even within the same state.
• Be aware of earlier closing times in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
• Prepare for longer lines, reduced in-store capacity, and online delivery delays.
• Stock up ahead of the holiday: Whether you’re hosting or simply want a festive beverage, buying early saves time and stress.

Whether your Thanksgiving feast calls for craft beer, a bottle of vintage wine, or spirits for classic cocktails, getting informed and shopping ahead of time is the best strategy for a fun and stress-free holiday!