The federal government closes on the third Monday of January each year to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be commemorated once again on Monday with events taking place nationwide.

The Civil Rights leader, renowned for his nonviolent efforts to eradicate segregation and racism, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He is the only non-president to have a federal holiday dedicated to him. Each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the federal government observes a closure, and people across the United States engage in a day of service.

Here’s everything you need to know about Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including its establishment as a federal holiday.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025

When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

The federal government observes this holiday on the third Monday of January to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. This year, it falls on January 20. The holiday is scheduled close to King’s birthday, which is January 15, 1929. However, the holiday, which coincidentally aligns with his birthday in 2024, seldom falls on the actual date. This is due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, signed into law by former President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, which moved many federal holidays to Mondays.

It’s interesting to note the alignment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with presidential inaugurations, particularly Donald Trump’s second inauguration. This overlap highlights a significant moment in American history, as King’s legacy of civil rights and social justice contrasts with the political landscape surrounding each inauguration.

The occurrence of MLK Day coinciding with an inauguration is indeed rare, with previous instances during Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013 and Bill Clinton’s second inauguration in 1997. These moments provide an opportunity for reflection on the progress made in civil rights and the ongoing challenges that remain.

As citizens observe MLK Day, they are reminded of the values King stood for—equality, justice, and service to others—while also considering the implications of the political climate and leadership at the time of each inauguration. This convergence of events can serve as a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve King’s vision for America.

Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?

Martin Luther King Jr. was an American civil rights leader and social activist who played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, he was a Baptist minister and a prominent advocate for nonviolent resistance to racial segregation and discrimination.

King is best known for his leadership in the struggle for civil rights for African Americans, which included organizing and participating in significant events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Birmingham Campaign, and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. His efforts were instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

King’s philosophy was heavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolent protest, and he emphasized love, equality, and justice. He received numerous awards for his work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Tragically, he was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, but his legacy continues to inspire movements for civil rights and social justice worldwide. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed in the United States as a federal holiday in his honor, celebrating his contributions to civil rights and social change.

What’s open and closed on MLK Day and Inauguration Day 2025?

This Monday brings a rare occurrence as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday, coincides with Donald Trump’s second inauguration. This overlap raises questions about the operational status of businesses and services on January 20.

Typically, these two events do not occur simultaneously. However, Inauguration Day is constitutionally mandated to take place on January 20, as outlined in the 20th Amendment. In contrast, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January, which aligns with January 20 this year.

Here’s what you need to know about what will be open or closed on Monday.

Will the Post Office be open and will mail be delivered on MLK Day and Inauguration Day?
As Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, the U.S. Post Office will close all retail locations, and there will be no residential or business mail delivery on Monday.

However, the USPS has stated that Priority Mail Express services will still be available on January 20. Regular mail delivery will resume on January 21.

Are banks open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day?
Most banks will be closed on January 20, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a holiday recognized by the Federal Reserve System. However, ATMs will still be accessible for those needing to withdraw cash or make deposits.

Is Costco open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Yes, Costco locations will be open on January 20, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not one of the seven holidays the warehouse chain observes.

Is Target open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Target has announced that its stores will be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day during regular business hours. Since hours may differ by location, the retailer advises customers to use the “find a store” feature on Target.com to verify the hours of their local store.

Are McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
McDonald’s will have its locations open on January 20, although hours may vary, so customers should check the store locator for local timings.

Chick-fil-A also states that its restaurants will be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but recommends checking local hours via its store locator prior to visiting.

Starbucks indicates that store hours can change on holidays. Customers can verify the hours of their local shops by visiting the Starbucks website.

Are grocery stores open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Most grocery stores will be open on January 20. Publix and Kroger have confirmed to CBS MoneyWatch that their locations will operate on regular hours that day.

Check out the schedule for the inauguration ceremony of Trump’s presidential swearing-in in 2025.