The second federal holiday of 2026 is here. Jan. 19 marks the day that Americans honor the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta. But the holiday is celebrated annually on the third Monday in January.
The holiday was approved as a federal holiday in 1983, and by 2000, all 50 states had made it a state government holiday.
“America is a more democratic nation, a more just nation, a more peaceful nation because Martin Luther King, Jr., became her preeminent nonviolent commander,” President Ronald Reagan said during the bill signing ceremony on Nov. 2, 1983, according to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
Many offices and businesses may be closed or will have a different schedule during the holiday.
Here is a list of what is open and closed. Check with local businesses for specific scheduling.
Closed:
- Schools (depending on state, district) (Today)
- Federal offices (CBS News)
- USPS (USA Today)
- FedEx deliveries (modified services)
- UPS (some stores may be open; check with local stores for hours)
- Banks (a majority of institutions are closed; USA Today)
- Stock markets (The Wall Street Journal)
Open:
- Grocery stores (CBS News)
- Restaurants (USA Today)
- Most retailers (USA Today)
- Movie theaters (USA Today)
- National Parks (Free admission on MLK Day, which had been in effect since 2011, has been discontinued)
- FedEx Office (USA Today)
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