Martin Luther King Jr Day, a federal holiday in the United States, will be observed on Monday, January 19, 2026. It is celebrated every year on the third Monday in January to honour the birthday and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, the civil-rights leader renowned for his role in advancing racial equality through nonviolent activism.
The day is not only a public holiday but is also designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to engage in community service and volunteer activities in Dr King’s memory.
What will be shut down on MLK Day?
As it is a federal holiday, many public services and government functions will shut down or operate on holiday schedules. Federal, state and local government offices will remain closed and most non-essential public services will pause operations for the day.
Will banks and courts be open?
Banks and courts follow the federal holiday calendar. This means that major banks, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, PNC, and others, will not be open on January 19, since it’s officially recognized as a bank holiday. Similarly, federal and state courts will be closed on MLK Day, according to USA Today.
Another key service affected is mail delivery. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will be closed, so no mail will be delivered, and post office locations will not be open on the holiday. Private carriers’ services will vary: UPS may typically halt most deliveries, while FedEx will continue to operate and deliver packages as usual.
What will remain open?
However, the federal holiday does not mean everything shuts down. Many major retailers and grocery stores will remain open, including chains like Target, Walmart, Macy’s and others, giving shoppers the chance to run regular errands or take advantage of holiday sales. In addition, restaurants, pharmacies and private businesses often keep normal hours, though some may choose modified schedules, USA Today reported.