McDonald’s answers major customer question for Thanksgiving 2025 | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

Fast food has become a defining part of American culture, and McDonald’s remains the leader in the category. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that appeal to nearly every palate, the chain has won the hearts of thousands of fans and remained a daily destination for loyal customers for more than 85 years.

So, when the possibility of a McDonald’s closure comes up, especially during the holidays, it’s no surprise that a little panic and uncontrollable cravings can set in.

As many families gather across the country, businesses often temporarily close their locations to allow employees to celebrate or take a day off. Other essential companies may reduce their hours or remain open, which can make it a bit challenging to know which ones will be operating.

Fortunately, there’s no need to guess this year. McDonald’s has officially shared its Thanksgiving plans, providing customers with all the information they need to know.

McDonald’s reveals its 2025 Thanksgiving plans.

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Is McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving 2025?

McDonald’s (MCD) has long been one of the most reliable fast-food chains when it comes to holiday hours, and Thanksgiving is no exception because all U.S. restaurants will be open nationwide on Thanksgiving Day 2025.

While the fast-food giant will be open during the holiday, hours may vary since most of its restaurants are franchised. However, as the world’s largest fast-food chain, operating over 40,000 locations in more than 100 countries, finding a nearby open location won’t be difficult.

To avoid any surprises, customers are encouraged to check the McDonald’s restaurant locator on its website to confirm their local store’s schedule.

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For those hosting Thanksgiving gatherings who want to avoid spending the entire day in the kitchen, McDonald’s could be a creative and more budget-friendly alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving meal.

While it may not replace a home-cooked feast, if you keep an open mind, its menu could replace most classic dishes.

McDonald’s creative substitutes for Thanksgiving dishes:

Chicken McNuggets instead of turkey
World Famous Fries in place of mashed potatoes
Apple slices as a fruit salad substitute
Iconic baked apple pie (or the seasonal Pumpkin & Creme pie, where available) instead of traditional pumpkin pie
Sweet ‘N Sour sauce in place of the cranberry sauce no one eats

McDonald’s 2025 holiday menu

Although fall hasn’t ended yet, McDonald’s has already released part of its winter holiday lineup for 2025. Returning favorites include the beloved Holiday Pie and McRib, which are now available for a limited time at all restaurants nationwide.

This year, McDonald’s (MCD) has also partnered with Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch to debut “The Grinch Meal,” a new limited-time bundle inspired by the classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” movie.

The Grinch Meal includes:

New Dill Pickle McShaker Fries
A choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets
A medium drink
A pair of holiday-themed Grinch socks in one of four designs
Grinch-themed Happy Meal packaging

The Grinch Meal will be available at participating McDonald’s U.S. locations starting December 2.

But that’s not all for this year’s holidays. McDonald’s has also launched an exclusive winter merchandise collection just in time for the gift-giving season, featuring apparel, accessories, beanies, socks, slippers, mugs, Christmas décor, and even branded gift wrap, now available through its Smilemakers and Golden Arches Unlimited online stores.