Thanksgiving is almost here, and if you're like most Americans, you're probably wondering what's actually open when you realize you forgot the cranberry sauce. Let's break down what's operating and what's taking a well-deserved break on Thursday, November 27.

The Thanksgiving Shutdown: What's Closed

If you're planning to hit the bank, mail a package, or check your portfolio, you're out of luck. Federal and financial institutions are taking the day off. That means banks are closed, post offices are dark, and both the NYSE and Nasdaq will pause trading for the holiday.

Shipping isn't happening either. United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) and FedEx Corp. (FDX) are suspending standard pickup and delivery services, so don't expect that package to arrive on Thursday.

The retail landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, with major chains now closing on Thanksgiving to give workers time with their families. Walmart Inc. (WMT), Target Corp. (TGT), Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST), Macy's Inc. (M), and Kohl's Corp. (KSS) will all keep their doors shut on Thanksgiving Day. It's a notable departure from the creeping retail hours that once threatened to swallow the holiday entirely.

Your Last-Minute Shopping Options

Not everything shuts down, though. If you need to make an emergency grocery run because someone forgot a key ingredient, several chains have your back. Kroger Co. (KR), Whole Foods, and Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM) will be open, though expect reduced hours. Call ahead to confirm your local store's schedule.

Need medicine? Select pharmacy locations from CVS Health Corp. (CVS) and Walgreens will operate on Thanksgiving, but here's the catch: the store might be open while the pharmacy counter is closed. Definitely verify local hours before making the trip.

The Story Behind the Turkey

Before we get too caught up in retail schedules, it's worth remembering what we're actually celebrating. Thanksgiving traces its roots to a 1621 harvest feast shared between English colonists (the Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag people in Plymouth. What began as a harvest festival and religious observance has evolved over centuries into a secular national holiday centered on gratitude, family gatherings, and an absurdly large meal.

Black Friday Brings the Rush

If you thought Thanksgiving was quiet, Black Friday on November 28 flips the script entirely. Banks and post offices return to normal operating hours, ready to handle the post-holiday rush.

The stock market opens but operates on a shortened schedule, closing early at 1 p.m. ET. Traders get a half-day to either capitalize on or recover from their turkey comas.

Retail goes into overdrive. Major players like Walmart and Target will throw open their doors at 6 a.m., kicking off the official shopping season with aggressive deals designed to get people through the doors. It's the retail equivalent of the starting gun at a marathon, except everyone's running toward discounted televisions.

The key to a smooth Thanksgiving weekend is simple: plan ahead, double-check local hours, and maybe buy that cranberry sauce on Wednesday.