Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025
Celebrating a Legacy of Justice and Equality
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025?
Monday, January 20, 2025
What is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of America's most influential civil rights leader. This federal holiday celebrates Dr. King's unwavering commitment to racial equality, social justice, and his nonviolent approach to creating meaningful change in society.
Federal Recognition
Signed into law in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, making it the first federal holiday honoring an African American.
Annual Observance
Celebrated on the third Monday of January, near Dr. King's birthday on January 15th. First observed in 1986.
Day of Service
Often called a "Day On, Not a Day Off," encouraging Americans to volunteer and serve their communities in Dr. King's honor.
Global Impact
Recognized worldwide as a symbol of peaceful protest and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality.
Upcoming MLK Day Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Monday, January 20 |
| 2026 | Monday, January 19 |
| 2027 | Monday, January 18 |
| 2028 | Monday, January 17 |
| 2029 | Monday, January 15 |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is always observed on the third Monday of January.
Traditions & Historical Facts
Celebrations
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Day of Service activities promoting community engagement and volunteering
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Memorial marches and peace walks across the nation
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Educational programs and civil rights history exhibitions
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Candlelight vigils and interfaith religious services
Historical Significance
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First observed as a federal holiday in 1986 after years of advocacy
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Signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983
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First holiday honoring an African American and modern civil rights leader
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Took 15 years of campaigning to establish the federal holiday
Legacy Impact
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Over 1,000 streets named after Dr. King across the United States
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More than 100 countries study Dr. King's methods of nonviolent resistance
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Millions participate annually in Day of Service projects
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Inspired civil rights movements worldwide
Educational Impact
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Schools nationwide incorporate civil rights curriculum
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Youth leadership programs inspired by Dr. King's message
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Documentary screenings and historical presentations
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Interactive museum exhibits and educational workshops
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States. It is one of eleven official federal holidays observed nationwide.
Key details:
- All federal government offices are closed
- Federal employees receive paid time off
- Most state and local government offices observe the holiday
- Officially observed on the third Monday of January each year
Are banks closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Yes, most banks are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As a federal holiday, nearly all banking institutions observe this day.
What's closed:
- All Federal Reserve locations
- Most retail bank branches
- Most credit union locations
Note: Online banking services and ATMs remain available 24/7.
Is the stock market open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
No, the stock market is closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All major U.S. stock exchanges observe this federal holiday.
Closed markets include:
- New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
- NASDAQ
- Bond markets
- Most international exchanges remain open
Is there mail delivery on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
No, there is no regular mail delivery on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The United States Postal Service (USPS) observes this federal holiday.
Service status:
- No regular mail delivery
- Post offices are closed
- Priority Express Mail continues
- Mail processing resumes the next business day
Is Costco open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Yes, Costco is open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Most locations operate with regular business hours.
What to know:
- Regular operating hours apply
- Special holiday sales may be available
- Pharmacy hours may vary
- Check local store hours to confirm
Are schools closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Yes, most schools are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This includes public schools, colleges, and universities nationwide.
Closure details:
- Public K-12 schools are closed
- Most private schools observe the holiday
- Colleges and universities suspend classes
- Many schools hold special MLK Day events before or after the holiday
Is the DMV open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
No, DMV offices are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As state government agencies, they observe all federal holidays.
Important information:
- All DMV locations are closed
- Online services remain available
- Deadlines falling on the holiday are typically extended to the next business day
- Regular operations resume the following day
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day always on a Monday?
Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is always observed on the third Monday in January. This was established by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
Key information:
- Always falls on the third Monday of January
- Part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968
- Creates a three-day weekend for federal employees
- The actual date varies between January 15-21 each year
When was Martin Luther King Jr. Day established?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday in 1983 when President Ronald Reagan signed it into law, and it was first observed in 1986.
Historical timeline:
- Legislation was first introduced in 1968
- Signed into law by President Reagan on November 2, 1983
- First officially observed on January 20, 1986
- Last federal holiday added to the calendar in the 20th century
- All 50 states recognized the holiday by 2000
Words of Wisdom
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"
I Have a Dream Speech
1963