Sure, we’re only a little over two weeks into 2025, but many of us could use a break already.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers some people the chance to catch their breath. As the nation celebrates the civil rights leader, government organizations will largely be closed—though, of course, the inauguration of Donald Trump will occur and he’s expected to sign several executive orders once he is sworn in. If you’ve got shopping to do, though, it should be easy enough to complete.
Here’s a look at what’s open and closed on MLK Day 2025 and a brief history about the holiday.
What is MLK Day?
Designed to honor Martin Luther King Jr., MLK Day became a federal holiday in 1983. It falls on the third Monday of every January. (New Hampshire was the last state to adopt it as a paid state holiday in 1999, replacing the state’s optional Civil Rights Day.) It was the first federal holiday in the U.S. to honor an African American.
Are banks open on MLK Day?
They’re not. Because MLK Day is a federal holiday, banks will be closed. You can, however, still use ATM machines to get cash or put money into your account or conduct business online.
Will there be any mail delivery on MLK Day?
Not from the U.S. Postal Service. It, too, observes MLK Day as a federal holiday. However, UPS and FedEx will both remain open, so if you’re expecting a package, it will likely arrive on time, as long as there aren’t weather delays. In addition, all of the drop off locations of both companies will have normal hours.
Is the stock market open on MLK Day?
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and bond markets are all closed. They’ll reopen on Tuesday.
Are schools open on MLK Day?
Let the kids sleep in! Most K-12 schools, colleges, and universities don’t hold classes on this day.
Are government offices open on MLK Day?
City, county, state and federal offices are generally closed.
Are National Parks open on MLK Day?
They are—and you can get a really good deal today. While they’re run by the government, national parks are open on MLK Day – and this happens to be one of seven days this year when the ones that charge an entrance fee will waive that.
How about libraries? Are those open on MLK Day?
Sorry. Nope.
Which stores are closed on MLK Day?
Most retailers choose to stay open on MLK Day. It’s not a day stores rally around to lure shoppers, since people are still digging out from the holidays, but inventory clearance sales could be occurring. Everyone from Walmart to Target to Home Depot to Walgreens and CVS will likely be open, though perhaps with adjusted hours.
Similarly, big grocery chains, such as Harris Teeter, Kroger and Whole Foods, as well as restaurants will most likely be open. Some small businesses may be closed on the holiday.
