Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on January 19, 2026, marking the second federal holiday of the year and offering Americans an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the influential civil rights leader. The holiday falls on the third Monday of January, creating the first three-day weekend of the year.
On this day, all federal, state, and municipal offices will be closed, as well as public schools, providing a day off for most federal and private sector workers. However, it’s important to note that there may be exceptions in private schooling.
Financial markets will also observe the holiday, with the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and bond markets all closed on January 19. Similarly, banks will close for the day, aligning with the Federal Reserve’s holiday schedule. Although ATMs will typically remain available for transactions, online banking services will be inactive.
The United States Post Office will not deliver regular mail on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but Priority Mail Express services will still operate. Customers can also utilize USPS.com for various services, such as ordering stamps and scheduling package pickups.
FedEx plans to run a modified schedule on January 19, whereas UPS will not provide standard pickup or delivery services but will offer their Express Critical service.
Public libraries will observe the holiday and remain closed, along with Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices throughout the state.
On the retail front, most grocery stores, including major chains like Wegmans, Tops, Costco, Aldi, Target, and Walmart, will be open for business. It’s advisable for shoppers to verify the operating hours of specific stores in advance.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as a reminder of King’s profound impact on civil rights in America. He is commemorated as the only non-president to be honored with a federal holiday, a testament to the significant strides he made in the fight against segregation and racism. His legacy includes pivotal moments such as the Montgomery bus boycott, the founding of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the March on Washington in 1963.
Following Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there are nine more designated federal holidays in 2026, further encouraging reflection and celebration of American history and values throughout the year.