Thanksgiving Closes Most Businesses, Casinos Are an Exception
Posted on: November 26, 2025, 09:52h.
Last updated on: November 26, 2025, 09:52h.
- Las Vegas is once again a top destination for Thanksgiving
- AAA projects a record number of Americans will travel this holiday
- Casino buffets offer Thanksgiving at an array of price points
Nearly 82 million Americans are forecasted to hit the road or friendly skies this Thanksgiving, a 1.6 million increase compared to last year. The holiday travel period is defined as Tuesday, Nov. 25, through Monday, Dec. 1.
While most businesses close for Thanksgiving, casinos are an exception. Gaming properties across the country remain open as usual, with the 24/7 establishments running 365 days a year.
Casinos bucking the trend of closing for holidays are why many such resorts are popular spots for those who don’t celebrate with their families or friends. It’s led to AAA once again naming Las Vegas as a top Thanksgiving destination for more than a decade.
AAA’s Top Thanksgiving Destinations
AAA, the not-for-profit national member association best known for its 24/7 roadside assistance, says this Thanksgiving will likely set a new overall record for the number of Americans traveling at least 50 miles.
Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”
For many, the meetup point is Las Vegas. The casino capital is a Top 10 AAA Thanksgiving destination, along with Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Los Angeles, Tampa, New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Atlanta.
Hertz reports that Las Vegas has the third-highest demand for rental cars behind only Orlando and Atlanta.
Las Vegas is attractive for many reasons. While many towns and cities shut down for the holiday, Southern Nevada’s casino resorts remain open and bustling. From the casino floors to the restaurants and buffets, Vegas provides easy, stress-free holiday planning.
Las Vegas Thanksgiving Deals
Planning a last-minute Thanksgiving in Las Vegas? You’re in luck, as plenty of casino hotel rooms remain available, with rates rather cheap.
Virgin Las Vegas, Linq, Horseshoe, Golden Nugget, and Rio are all below $100 a night, inclusive of resort fees. For more luxurious stays, Aria is just $160 a night, Fontainebleau is $205, Wynn Encore is $230, Bellagio is $254, and The Venetian is $256.
Casinos across town will serve an array of Thanksgiving buffets and specials.
For the cost-conscious, South Point’s Coronado Café is serving up a three-course traditional Thanksgiving feast with freshly carved roast turkey and all the fixings, plus a complimentary cocktail or glass of wine, for just $17.95. For a more premium Thanksgiving meal with specialty items like crab, lobster, and prime rib, The Buffet at Wynn and Bacchanal at Caesars Palace run about $100 a person.
The Palms A-Y-C-E Buffet is a more mid-priced option, with a turkey and lobster on the menu tomorrow for $79.99. However, the Palms Thanksgiving deal, which includes seating for 90 minutes and runs from 10 am until 10 pm, is sold out. A waitlist is available by calling the casino.
Last Comment ( 1 )
At the soon-to-open (?) Happy Valley Casino near Penn State University, the casino floor will resemble a deserted ghost town on Thanksgiving Day in 2026. The current Dealer School applicants in State College that don't read this particular story will all wish they had. In Central Pennsylvania, folks don't get rich twice. The casino patrons won't return like moths to a flame after their retirement accounts are gone and their credit cards have been maxed out. The 24/7 table game dealers and slot machine attendants at the Happy Valley Casino will not hesitate to lament on every holiday, "Tell me again how much fun we're having."