What's Open on Thanksgiving 2026 in Alamogordo
Published 12 November 2026
By Debbie Mauro
Last updated 12 November 2026. I'll keep adding hours as stores and offices post them, so check back the week of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026, and only a few places in Alamogordo plan to be open: the James Sewell Ice Rink in Cloudcroft, plus Denny's and IHOP, which say they will be open. There is no trash pickup on Thanksgiving, so Thursday routes move to Wednesday, November 25. Most everything else is closed, including both Walmart stores, Home Depot, Lowe's, Hobby Lobby, the library, the post office, the MVD, the Space Museum and White Sands National Park.
What's open on Thanksgiving Day?
These places have said they plan to be open on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
| Place | Thanksgiving, Nov. 26 | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| James Sewell Ice Rink | Open, sessions at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. | Holiday tickets are $30 plus a $0.75 fee |
| Denny's | The chain says most locations are open | Call to confirm local hours |
| IHOP | The chain says it will be open | Hours vary by location, so call ahead |
Skating up the mountain is a fun way to walk off the turkey. The rink is about 30 minutes from Alamogordo, and my post on winter driving from Alamogordo to Cloudcroft has tips for the drive.
Is there trash pickup on Thanksgiving in Alamogordo?
No. The city's holiday trash schedule says there is no residential pickup on Thursday, November 26. If your pickup day is Thursday, put your cart out for Wednesday, November 25 instead. Friday routes stay on their regular day.
What's closed in Alamogordo on Thanksgiving Day?
Most of Alamogordo takes the day off. These places have confirmed they are closed on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
| Place | Thanksgiving, Nov. 26 | Friday, Nov. 27 |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart Supercenter | Closed | Open |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | Closed | Open |
| The Home Depot | Closed | Opens 6 a.m. |
| Lowe's | Closed | Not posted yet |
| Hobby Lobby | Closed | 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Alamogordo Public Library | Closed | Closed (also closed Saturday) |
| Alamogordo Recreation Center | Closed | Closed (also closed Saturday) |
| New Mexico MVD | Closed | Closed |
| Post office (USPS) | Closed, no mail delivery | Open |
| Banks | Closed for the federal holiday | Open |
| NMSU Alamogordo | Campus closed | Campus closed |
| New Mexico Museum of Space History | Closed | Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Toy Train Depot | Closed | Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| White Sands National Park | Closed | Open 7 a.m. to sunset |
| Holloman Commissary | Closed | Regular hours |
| D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro | Closed | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
Alamogordo Public Schools are out for Fall Break all week, November 23 to 27. Friday, November 27 is also a state holiday in New Mexico, which is why the MVD and other state offices stay closed that day too.
What hasn't posted Thanksgiving hours yet?
These places had not posted 2026 holiday hours when I checked, so call before you go:
- Albertsons, 1300 E. 10th St. Grocery stores often run shorter holiday hours, so check before you count on a last minute pickup.
- Walgreens, 955 N. White Sands Blvd.
- Dollar General stores around town.
- Alameda Park Zoo. Its regular schedule only lists Christmas and New Year's Day as closures, but call to confirm.
Gas stations and convenience stores usually stay open, but hours vary.
What should I plan ahead for?
Do your grocery shopping early, since both Walmart stores are closed on Thursday. Mail packages before Wednesday if they need to move, and handle any MVD business before Wednesday too, because the MVD is closed Thursday and Friday.
If you or someone you know could use a free meal or food box, my Thanksgiving meal help guide lists giveaways and community dinners around town. If the kids need something to do during Fall Break, the city's Turkey Week day camp runs Monday through Wednesday.
What does this mean for people moving to Alamogordo?
If you're arriving around the holiday, plan for a quiet couple of days. Utility offices, the MVD and the library won't be open to help you get settled until the following week. My guide to setting up utilities in Alamogordo can help you get a head start before the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do in Alamogordo on Thanksgiving Day?
The James Sewell Ice Rink in Cloudcroft is open with four skating sessions. Denny's and IHOP say they plan to be open, but call your local restaurant to confirm hours.
Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving 2026 in Alamogordo?
No. Both Alamogordo Walmart stores are closed on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and reopen on Friday.
Is there trash pickup on Thanksgiving in Alamogordo?
No. Thursday routes are picked up on Wednesday, November 25, and Friday routes stay on their regular day.
Is the MVD open the day after Thanksgiving?
No. New Mexico state offices, including the MVD, are closed on both Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27.
Is White Sands National Park open on Thanksgiving?
No. The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day and reopens on Friday, November 27, from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Hours come from each store's, agency's and attraction's own website, plus Lowe's holiday status as reported by Yahoo Shopping, as of November 12, 2026. Holiday hours can change, so call ahead before you go.