MLK Day 2026: What's Open and Closed

Martin Luther King Jr. Day arrives on Monday, January 19, 2026, bringing a federal holiday that impacts government operations, financial markets, and educational institutions across the United States. The day honors the civil rights leader's legacy while creating a pause in standard business activities.

While the holiday marks a day of service and reflection for many, it also creates a distinct schedule of closures and openings that affects daily life. Federal employees receive the day off, and the nation's financial markets observe the holiday, but the private sector largely continues operations.

Government offices across the federal system will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026. This includes all non-essential federal agencies and departments, from administrative offices to regulatory bodies. Federal employees will observe the holiday with a paid day off.

The closure extends to U.S. Postal Service operations, meaning no regular mail delivery will occur on this day. Post offices will be closed, and there will be no residential or business mail delivery. Package delivery services may operate on modified schedules depending on the carrier.

Essential federal services remain operational despite the holiday. Emergency services, including law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services, continue to operate 24/7. Military installations maintain essential personnel, and critical infrastructure monitoring remains active.

State and local government offices may follow different schedules. While many align with the federal holiday, some jurisdictions operate on their own calendars. Residents should verify with their specific local government offices for closure details.

The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will both suspend normal trading operations on Monday, January 19, 2026. The nation's major stock exchanges observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a full market holiday, closing their trading floors and electronic systems.

This closure affects all equity trading, including stocks, options, and other securities typically traded on these exchanges. Market participants, including institutional investors, retail traders, and brokerage firms, will not be able to execute trades through these primary exchanges during the holiday period.

Foreign exchange markets and bond markets also observe the holiday, though some international trading may continue on modified schedules. Financial institutions, including banks, typically close or operate on reduced hours, though this varies by institution and location.

The holiday represents one of the nine market holidays observed by U.S. equity markets annually. Traders and investors plan their strategies around these scheduled closures, which are announced well in advance by exchange authorities.

Public school districts nationwide typically close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, aligning with the federal holiday schedule. Most K-12 school systems have built the holiday into their academic calendars, giving students and staff the day off.

However, some school districts may operate on modified schedules or have unique calendar arrangements. Certain districts might use the day for teacher professional development or parent-teacher conferences, while others may have already scheduled makeup days for weather-related closures.

Higher education institutions, including universities and community colleges, generally close administrative offices and cancel regular classes. Many campuses remain open with reduced services, and some institutions may host special events or lectures commemorating Dr. King's legacy.

Private schools and charter schools follow their own academic calendars, which may or may not align with the federal holiday. Families should verify their specific school's schedule, as some private institutions may remain open or operate on alternative schedules.

Most businesses remain open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as it is not a mandatory holiday for the private sector. Retail stores, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues typically operate on regular or modified holiday hours to accommodate customers.

Major retail chains often use the federal holiday as an opportunity for sales and promotions, remaining open with extended hours. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores generally maintain regular operations, though some may adjust staffing levels.

The service industry, including hotels, transportation services, and healthcare facilities, operates continuously regardless of federal holidays. Hospitals, urgent care centers, and emergency medical services remain fully staffed and operational.

Corporate offices in the private sector may close or operate on reduced staffing, depending on company policy. Many businesses give employees the day off as a benefit, while others remain open with skeleton crews. Employees should check with their employers regarding holiday schedules.

The 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day creates a predictable pattern of closures and openings across the nation's infrastructure. Federal employees, stock market participants, and many students will have the day off, while the private sector largely continues normal operations.

Planning ahead remains essential for anyone needing to conduct business with government agencies, access financial services, or coordinate with educational institutions. The holiday serves as both a day of remembrance and a practical reminder of the nation's operational rhythms.

For those with errands or appointments, checking specific business hours in advance is recommended, as some establishments may operate on reduced schedules even if they remain open. The holiday represents a unique intersection of civic observance and practical scheduling that affects millions of Americans each year.