With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is the time to plan your holiday menu—and figure out where to shop for the most budget-friendly feast.
With grocery prices on the rise, finding the best deals for your Thanksgiving dinner can make a significant difference. We compared Thanksgiving dinner options at five major grocery chains across the U.S. to help you find the best value for your gathering.
Top Grocery Stores for Thanksgiving Deals
This year, Aldi, Costco, Target, Sam’s Club, and Walmart are all offering special Thanksgiving meal deals. Each store provides a different combination of price and serving size, so whether you’re hosting a large family or a smaller crowd, you can find the right fit for your budget.
Here’s a breakdown of what each store offers for 2024:
- Aldi: Serves 10 for $47
- Costco: Serves 8 for $179.99 (available online only)
- Target: Serves 4 for $20
- Sam’s Club: Serves 10 for $100
- Walmart: Serves 8 for $52
Best Overall Thanksgiving Dinner Deal: Aldi
Aldi takes the top spot for affordability, offering a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people at just $47—which breaks down to $4.70 per person.
Aldi’s Thanksgiving dinner includes all the classic fixings, featuring a Butterball turkey, dinner rolls, stuffing mix, and essential ingredients for mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. This impressive lineup provides everything you need for a traditional holiday meal at an unbeatable price.
Best Option for Small Gatherings: Target
If you’re hosting a smaller group, Target’s Thanksgiving dinner for four costs just $20—or $5 per person. This deal includes a 10-pound frozen turkey, gravy, stuffing mix, potatoes, canned cranberry sauce, and the ingredients for a green bean casserole. Target’s meal kit offers excellent value for a more intimate gathering without sacrificing any of the holiday essentials.
Best Ready-to-Serve Options: Costco and Sam’s Club
For those seeking convenience, Costco and Sam’s Club offer pricier options that come with a big perk: heat-and-serve dishes. Although these meals cost more, they include fully prepared items, so there’s minimal cooking involved.
- Costco: For $179.99, Costco’s Thanksgiving meal serves 8 people and is available exclusively online. This meal includes ready-to-heat dishes, making it an excellent choice if you’re short on time but still want a quality meal.
- Sam’s Club: At $100, Sam’s Club’s Thanksgiving meal serves 10 people and also comes with heat-and-serve options. It’s ideal for those who want to minimize cooking time without compromising on variety and taste.
A Solid Budget Option: Walmart
Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal for 8 people comes in at $52. While not the absolute lowest-priced option, it provides a balanced choice between cost and convenience. Walmart’s meal includes a turkey, sides, and all the essentials to ensure a complete Thanksgiving experience at an affordable price.
Tips for Thanksgiving Shopping Success
To make the most of these deals, consider placing your Thanksgiving order early. Most stores offer online ordering with scheduled pickup, allowing you to secure your turkey and sides ahead of time and avoid last-minute stress.
For those shopping close to Thanksgiving, it’s wise to call your local store to confirm availability and ensure they have everything you need.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you prioritize cost, convenience, or a blend of both, each of these grocery stores offers something unique for Thanksgiving. Aldi is the go-to choice for large gatherings on a budget, while Target provides a great small-meal option.
For those willing to invest in a more hands-off approach, Costco and Sam’s Club offer fully prepared options. Walmart balances affordability and convenience, making it a reliable middle-ground choice.
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