BOSTON – Need to run to the store for a last-minute Thanksgiving dinner ingredient? Or hoping to get an early start on Black Friday shopping? Here’s what’s open and closed on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts, and some background about the “blue laws” that regulate the holiday.
What are “blue laws” in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is one of just three states that prohibit most stores from opening on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas thanks to “blue laws.” According to the Massachusetts Historical Society, blue laws were established by colonial governments of the 1600s to make sure people went to church on Sundays and observed the Sabbath.
They’re called blue laws because blue was a color associated with high morality.
What stores are closed on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts?
As noted above, most retail stores are prevented from opening on Thanksgiving, but more and more chains are deciding to give their employees a day off. Framingham-based TJX will close all TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods stores on Thanksgiving.
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Other big-name stores found in Massachusetts like Target, Walmart, Costco, Best Buy, Kohl’s, and Macy’s are keeping locations closed nationwide for the holiday.
Are supermarkets and grocery stores open on Thanksgiving?
Large supermarkets and grocery store chains in Massachusetts will be closed on Thanksgiving. That includes Market Basket, Stop & Shop, Big Y, Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Price Chopper, Star Market and Hannaford.
Small food stores that employ three people or fewer are exempt from the blue laws.
Are pharmacies open on Thanksgiving?
Stores with pharmacies are allowed to open, so you can go to CVS if you need to pick something up on Thanksgiving Day. Store hours may be shortened for the holiday, however.
Walgreens said most of its locations will be closed, except for 24-hour stores with pharmacies.
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Can restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts?
Yes, restaurants are allowed to open on Thanksgiving. For coffee lovers that includes Dunkin’ and Starbucks as well, though hours may be limited.
Are liquor stores open on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts?
While restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol on Thanksgiving, liquor stores are required to close for the holiday in Massachusetts.
Are gas stations open on Thanksgiving?
Yes, gas stations are open for Thanksgiving in Massachusetts.
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Neal Riley
Neal J. Riley is a digital producer for CBS Boston. He has been with WBZ-TV since 2014. His work has appeared in The Boston Globe and The San Francisco Chronicle. Neal is a graduate of Boston University.
“No Kings” rallies are scheduled in Boston and across Massachusetts on Saturday and are expected to draw large crowds, organizers said.
Organized by the ACLU of Massachusetts, Indivisible Mass Coalition, and Mass 50501, the event is a mass mobilization in protest of the Trump administration.
The No Kings theme was created by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
“The Trump administration is trying to shred the Constitution; the No Kings movement is an unequivocal statement that we, the people, will not let that happen. This will be the third global No Kings Day, and it’s not just about protesting what’s wrong—it’s about building something better. We intend to show our power, build our power, and power a democracy that advances freedom, equality, justice, and dignity for all,” organizers wrote.
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The rally, one of thousands scheduled across the country this weekend, is planned for the Boston Common from 2 to 4 p.m. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend Boston’s rally. Other events are scheduled in Pittsfield, Northampton, Lancaster, Worcester, Framingham, Methuen, Lexington, and towns in southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape. For a map of No Kings events near you, click here.
Speakers include elected officials Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Gov. Maura Healey, Sen. Ed Markey and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and civic leaders Hessann Farooqi Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, Darlene Lombos, president of the Greater Boston Labor Council, Carol Rose, executive director of ACLU of Massachusetts, Jessica Tang, president of the American Federation of Teachers of Massachusetts, and others. It will be moderated by Rahsaan Hall, president and CEO of Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.
There will also be performances by the Dropkick Murphys, Boston Area Brigade of Activist Musicians, BVOCAL Chorus, and Jimmy Tingle.
A previous No Kings rally in October drew massive crowds estimated in the tens of thousands.
NBC10 Boston
NBC10 Boston
An aerial view of the crowd at Boston’s “No Kings” rally on the Common on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
ALLSTON, MASS. (WHDH) – Boston police are searching for a gunman who opened fire in Allston Thursday and left one person hurt.
Police responded to a radio call for a person shot in the area of Brighton Avenue at approximately 6:46 p.m. When officers arrived, they said they found a male “juvenile” suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim’s age has not been released.
Boston police said the shooter fled the scene and remains at large. No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Boston police.
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This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.
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