On January 18, 2026, the nation prepares to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, set for January 19, a federal holiday commemorating the achievements of the influential civil rights leader. As a reminder, Dr. King was born on January 15, and his legacy includes iconic moments such as his renowned “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the March on Washington in 1963. King’s dedication to promoting racial equality and social justice has left a lasting impact, despite his tragic assassination in 1968.
While many institutions including banks, post offices, and public schools will close in observance of this important holiday, local businesses have different schedules. For example, Costco will be open on MLK Day in 2026, allowing those who wish to shop the opportunity to do so. In contrast, Costco typically shuts its doors on a select few federal holidays, including New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Other businesses also adapting their hours include popular retail and grocery stores such as Target, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s, which will remain open for customers. On the other hand, the stock market will be closed, and significant disruptions will affect postal services with no mail delivery on this day. Many major banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Citibank will also observe the holiday by shutting down operations.
As communities come together to acknowledge the significance of Dr. King’s contributions, many are encouraged to participate in events celebrating his legacy, reflecting on the ongoing journey toward social justice and equality.