If you need a Thanksgiving turkey, a whole prepared meal, or a restaurant table in St. Paul, MN, this local guide covers options for Thursday, November 26, 2026 — on the east side of the Twin Cities, not in Minneapolis. Hours and order cutoffs change quickly, so call ahead to confirm hours before you go.
Where to buy a Thanksgiving turkey in St. Paul
Cub has St. Paul and East Metro stores and sells holiday turkeys. Lunds & Byerlys and Kowalski’s Markets also serve St. Paul shoppers and are local favorites for a fresh bird. Whole Foods Market in the Twin Cities is a backup if you want a particular size or a natural brand.
Plan portions with our guide to how much turkey per person, then decide fresh vs. frozen and give a frozen bird enough time — see how long to thaw a turkey. You can also order a turkey online if getting to a store is hard. Most grocery stores close on Thanksgiving or keep shorter hours; check which stores are open on Thanksgiving and shop before Thursday. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether the size you want is still in stock.
Where to order a prepared Thanksgiving meal
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s November 6, 2026 guide lists take-home Thanksgiving dinners at Cub, meal and pie orders at Kowalski’s, and full turkey dinners at Lunds & Byerlys, with Lunds pickup described for November 24 and 25 at select stores while supplies last. Confirm pickup at your St. Paul-area store because not every location offers every package. Whole Foods Market catering is another metro pickup option.
For a wider look at grocery and restaurant takeout programs, see where to order a prepared Thanksgiving dinner. Order early — holiday meals often sell out — and ask whether the food comes hot or cold. Most trays need oven time at home. Call ahead to confirm the cutoff, pickup window, and menu.
Restaurants that may be open on Thanksgiving
Some St. Paul restaurants, hotel dining rooms, and diners serve a Thanksgiving menu, but the list changes every year. St. Paul hotel dining rooms and neighborhood restaurants may serve a Thanksgiving menu; confirm 2026 service directly rather than assuming a Minneapolis listing applies across the river. OpenTable’s Thanksgiving listings for the area are a useful starting point for reservations. Book early if you can, then call ahead to confirm hours, the holiday menu, and whether a children’s plate is available. This page does not list prices or reservation times because those details shift.
For more hosting help, see how to host Thanksgiving and browse other city guides in Where to Buy Thanksgiving Dinner Near You.
Helpful kitchen tools
- TempPro TP19H 1-Second Digital Meat Thermometer — Use an instant-read thermometer so leftover turkey and reheated sides reach a safe serving temperature.
- Everyday White 16-Inch Porcelain Turkey Platter — A plain white platter is useful if you are transferring a store-bought bird or carving at the table.
- Stasher Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags, 4-Pack — Pack leftover turkey and sides without a stack of disposable bags.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a Thanksgiving turkey in St. Paul?
Start with the local and regional grocers named above in St. Paul, MN. Ask the meat counter about fresh-bird special orders, and buy a frozen turkey early enough to thaw it safely. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Can I order a whole prepared Thanksgiving meal in St. Paul?
Yes — the prepared-meal programs named above are the ones we could verify for the St. Paul area. Availability varies by store, and most meals are picked up cold. Call ahead to confirm the order cutoff.
What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in St. Paul?
Several restaurants and hotel dining rooms in and around St. Paul have announced Thanksgiving service for 2026, but hours are not guaranteed until you confirm. Call ahead to confirm hours before you travel.
When should I order or shop?
Shop for a frozen turkey several days before November 26 so it can thaw in the refrigerator. Prepared-meal deadlines are often a few days before the holiday and can close earlier if a store sells out. Restaurant reservations fill up early in the week.