Thanksgiving — this year on Thursday, Nov. 27 — is a day of widespread closures. Government offices, banks, the Postal Service and most stores and other businesses are closed; supermarkets are usually open, but with reduced hours.

• Orange anise almond cookies for the holidays
• Magid: DIY holiday cards & projects plus safe shopping
• Taste-Off: Supermarket apple pies you should — and shouldn’t — bring to holiday meals
• This Thanksgiving, weed smokers are grateful for ‘Green Wednesday’
• This East Bay garden has transformed into an immense cactus light show

The following day is more of a mixed bag.

CLOSED on Friday, Nov. 28:

—State offices. It’s anofficial California holiday.

—Public schools.

—Local offices. Counties and cities generally follow the state’s lead and close for the day. This includes most publiclibraries.

OPEN:

—Banks. Hours may be shortened.

—U.S. Postal Service. Normal delivery, and post offices will be open.

—Other federal government agencies.It is not a federal holiday.

—Stock markets. NYSE and Nasdaq will close early, at 10 a.m. Pacific time.

—Most retailers.Some will open very early — including Target and Best Buy at 6 a.m., Kohl’s at 5 a.m.

— BART will run on its regular weekday schedule.Caltrain will follow amodified schedule.