Martin Luther King Jr. Day
View the global Martin Luther King Jr Day guide
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a U.S. federal holiday associated with Dr. King’s life and the civil-rights movement. Its legal calendar rule is the third Monday in January.
Martin Luther King Jr Day
Holiday
United States
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Monday
Day
Jan
19
January 19, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr Day Date in United States
Date
January 19, 2026
Day
Monday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
Martin Luther King Jr Day Dates in United States
Martin Luther King Jr Day 2026
- Confirmed Official U.S. federal holiday schedule; OPM.
Martin Luther King Jr Day 2027
- Confirmed Official U.S. federal holiday schedule; OPM.
Martin Luther King Jr Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of Martin Luther King Jr Day
Congress established the federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. for the third Monday in January. It commemorates Dr. King’s life and leadership in the civil-rights movement.
Importance of Martin Luther King Jr Day
Federal-holiday status governs federal agencies and covered federal employees. It does not require every private employer, state, school, bank or business to close or provide paid leave.
How Martin Luther King Jr Day Is Celebrated in United States
Service projects, educational programmes and commemorative events focus on Dr. King’s work and legacy. Programmes are organized by agencies, institutions and communities rather than mandated by the holiday statute.
Office Impact
Most federal offices close on the OPM-listed day, subject to essential staffing. State, local and private offices follow their own laws, calendars and employer policies.
Bank Impact
Federal Reserve and bank schedules should be checked separately. Branch hours and payment settlement can change even when electronic services remain available.
School Impact
School calendars are determined by state and local systems and individual institutions; a federal holiday is not a universal national school-closure mandate.
Travel Information
The Monday rule creates a federal three-day weekend, but service and event impacts are local. Check agency and operator notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
The legal rule is the third Monday in January. OPM may list an earlier Friday or later Monday as the observed day for federal employees.
Must private employers close?
No. Federal law does not generally require private employers to provide holiday leave or holiday pay.
Are the legal and observed dates always the same?
No. A weekend fixed-date holiday can have an in-lieu weekday for most federal employees.