When is Martin Luther King Day 2026? Date, meaning, what’s open

TL;DR:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 19, 2026.
It is a U.S. federal holiday, the third Monday in January each year.
Federal offices and many banks close, essential services continue.
Schools and local services vary by district or city.
Mark the day with learning and community service opportunities.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2026 is on Monday, January 19, 2026. The holiday is set by U.S. law as the third Monday in January each year, honoring Dr. King’s life and civil rights legacy. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management lists it on the federal calendar, and many public and private institutions follow that schedule.

How the date is set

Congress created the holiday in 1983. It took effect at the federal level in 1986. Rather than using Dr. King’s actual birthday, January 15, the law observes the holiday on the third Monday in January. This keeps a consistent long weekend for schools, businesses, and the public. Calendars for 2026 show that the third Monday falls on January 19.

What closes and what stays open on January 19, 2026

Closed: Most federal offices, many state and local government offices, and most bank branches.
Likely closed or modified: Post offices and regular USPS mail delivery, many courts, many libraries, and many public schools.
Open with possible changes: Retail stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and attractions often open with holiday hours. Private workplaces decide their own schedules.

Always check local notices. School districts and city services publish updates a week or two before the holiday.

Quick reference table

Service or place	Jan 19, 2026 status	Notes
Federal agencies	Closed	Federal holiday schedule
State and local offices	Often closed	Varies by state and city
USPS post offices	Closed	No regular mail delivery
Banks/credit unions	Often closed	Some ATMs and online services available
UPS/FedEx/Amazon	Mixed	Check carrier service alerts
Schools	Mixed	District decision
Retail, dining, attractions	Mostly open	Holiday hours common
Public transit	Reduced or Sunday service	City transit websites post advisories

Ways to observe the day

MLK Day is also called a Day of Service in the United States. Many communities organize volunteer projects. You can:

Join a neighborhood cleanup or food bank shift.
Donate blood or supplies to local shelters.
Attend a lecture, film screening, or museum program about the civil rights movement.
Read Dr. King’s speeches, such as “I Have a Dream” and “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” and discuss them with friends or family.
Support a local nonprofit that advances equality and voting access.

Brief background

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led major nonviolent campaigns against segregation and for voting rights in the 1950s and 1960s. His work helped spur the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The federal holiday, first observed in 1986, recognizes his vision of justice and service. Many cities hold parades, marches, teach-ins, and volunteer events during the holiday weekend.

For readers outside the United States

MLK Day is a U.S. federal holiday. If you live outside the U.S., you will not see nationwide closures. However, U.S. embassies and consulates often observe the federal calendar, which can affect consular services on January 19, 2026. U.S.-based financial markets and firms may also adjust international operations for the day.

Planning tips

Travel: Expect typical winter conditions in much of the U.S. Airports operate, but some government-run services may be reduced.
Shopping: Many retailers run holiday weekend sales.
Banking: Plan cash or in-branch needs ahead of time. Online and ATM services remain available.
Mail and parcels: If timing is tight, ship early or choose services that operate on federal holidays.
Events: Popular parades and volunteer projects can fill up. Register in advance.

Why it matters

Knowing the exact date helps you plan work, school, travel, and mail. More important, the day invites reflection and action. Dr. King called people to serve others and to build fairer communities. Even small acts of service on January 19, 2026 move that goal forward.

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