Stop & Shop, Thanksgiving 2020 Grocery Store Hours In Chelmsford

CHELMSFORD, 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 Market Basket, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's in Acton will not be open. The Targets and Walmarts inside the commonwealth will also be closed.

But good news for Westford Whole Foods shoppers, they will be open extended hours the Wednesday before.

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:

• BJ's Wholesale: Closed, but open regular hours the day before.
• Costco: All stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Open 9 a.m. on Black Friday. And open 9:30am - 7 pm Saturday.
• Trader Joes: All stores closed on Thanksgiving. (8 a.m. to 9 p.m. other days)
• Market Basket: Closed Thanksgiving.
• Shaws/Star Closed on Thanksgiving
• Stop and Shop: Closed Thanksgiving.
• 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.
• 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.
• Wegman's: Closed Thursday.
• Whole Foods: Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. CLOSED on Thanksgiving.
• British Delights on Powers Road in Westford, Closed Thursday, normal hours Wednesday.
• Donelan's Supermarket in Littleton, Closed Thursday, normal hours Wednesday.

OPEN on Thanksgiving:

• Walgreens and CVS will be open.
• Big Apple Market & Deli (Market only) on Littleton Rd. open at 6 a .m. and closing early at 3 p.m. 978-850-4124
• Cumberland Farms open
• Chelmsford Mart, on Dalton Road normal hours

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.