4 min readNew DelhiJan 20, 2025 07:40 PM IST
First published on: Jan 20, 2025 at 07:40 PM IST
Martin Luther King Jr Day, observed annually on the third Monday of January, will fall on January 20, 2025. This day honours the civil rights leader’s legacy and the transformative impact of his work on racial equality and justice in the United States. While Dr. King’s actual birthday is January 15, the federal holiday is celebrated on a different date due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which former US President Lyndon B Johnson signed into law in 1968 to make many federal holidays fall on Mondays.
This year, the holiday coincides with Donald Trump’s inauguration day as he takes oath as the 47th US President and assumes his second term.
Introduced just days after Dr King’s assassination in 1968, the legislation to make MLK Day a federal holiday took 15 years to become law in 1983, and the first national observance followed in 1986. By 1999, all 50 states officially recognised the holiday.
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday?
Martin Luther King Jr Day is a federally recognised holiday, ensuring the closure of most government offices and nonessential services. Libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) branches, and other local agencies will also be closed. Essential services such as law enforcement and emergency operations will continue as usual.
Is the stock market open or closed on MLK Day?
Financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, will remain closed on Martin Luther King Jr Day. Banking services such as Wells Fargo, Citibank, and TD Bank branches will also shut down for the day. However, ATMs and online banking platforms will continue to operate for essential transactions.
Are schools closed on MLK Day?
Most schools across the United States will observe MLK Day as a holiday. Many districts encourage students to participate in community service activities or engage in programs that educate them about Dr King’s legacy.
Is there mail on MLK Day?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not deliver or process mail on January 20, 2025, as it is a federal holiday. FedEx and UPS will have modified operations, with limited services available. UPS Express Critical services and select FedEx specialty services, such as Freight and Office, will remain active, but most domestic ground and air shipping will be paused.
Is UPS open on MLK Day 2025?
UPS will operate in a limited capacity on MLK Day. While most domestic ground and air services will be closed, UPS Express Critical services will remain available to meet urgent shipping needs. Some UPS Store locations may also operate on reduced hours, so it’s advisable to check with your local branch before visiting.
Are retailers open on MLK Day?
Target, Walmart and Kroger, major US retailers, will remain open on MLK Day. Wholesale retailers Costco and Sam’s Club will remain open. Most restaurants are likely to remain open and offer dine-in services.
Additionally, the US National Park Service offers free entry to all national parks on MLK Day.
About Martin Luther King Jr
Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King Jr rose to prominence as the voice of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s in the US. His iconic “I Have a Dream” speech envisioned a nation where individuals would be judged by the content of their character rather than the colour of their skin.
His activism extended beyond race relations, addressing issues such as poverty, labour rights, and opposition to war. King’s efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, making him one of the youngest recipients at the time.
On April 4, 1968, Dr King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, while supporting striking sanitation workers.
Martin Luther King Jr. rose to prominence as the voice of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s. (Photo credit: X/@NobelPrize) 
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