Today, Monday, January 19, 2026, the United States celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This federal holiday honors the civil rights leader’s incredible legacy, but it also means a shift in regular business hours and services. If you’re wondering, “Is the bank open?” or “Will I get my mail today?” we’ve got you covered.
While MLK Day is a federal holiday, it doesn’t mean everything is locked up. Most retailers and restaurants stay open to accommodate shoppers and those taking a “Day of Service.” Here is the exhaustive list of what is operating today and what is observing the holiday.
Retailers and Grocery Stores (Mostly OPEN)
For most major retailers, MLK Day 2026 is business as usual. Many national chains are operating on regular Monday hours.
- Target: Open regular hours.
- Walmart: Open regular hours (typically 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM).
- Costco: OPEN. Unlike other major holidays like New Year’s Day or Christmas, Costco does not close for MLK Day.
- Home Depot & Lowe’s: Open regular hours.
- Best Buy: Open regular hours.
- Grocery Chains: Aldi, Whole Foods, Kroger, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Stop & Shop are all confirmed to be open today. Note that some pharmacy counters within these stores may have reduced hours.
- Pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens are open, though local pharmacy window hours may vary.
Government Offices and Services (CLOSED)
As a federal holiday, all non-essential government services are suspended today.
- U.S. Postal Service (USPS): CLOSED. There will be no regular residential or business mail delivery today. Priority Mail Express is typically the only service that remains active.
- Government Offices: Federal, state, and local city offices (including the DMV and Social Security offices) are closed.
- Courts: All federal and most state courts are closed today.
- Public Libraries: Most public library systems are closed in observance of the holiday.
Financial Institutions and Markets (CLOSED)
If you were planning on visiting a bank branch, you may need to wait until tomorrow.
- Banks: Most major institutions, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, are closed. However, online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs remain fully functional for transfers and withdrawals.
- Stock Markets: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are closed today. Trading will resume on Tuesday, January 20.
- Bond Markets: Closed.
Restaurants and Fast Food (OPEN)
Hungry? Most restaurants are open today, including major fast-food chains.
- McDonald’s: Open (hours may vary by franchise).
- Chick-fil-A: Open regular hours.
- Starbucks: Open (check your local app for specific store hours).
- Casual Dining: Chains like Applebee’s, Olive Garden, and Chili’s are operating normally.
Shipping and Delivery Services (MODIFIED)
While the post office is closed, private carriers are still moving.
- UPS: Most services are closed, but UPS Express Critical is available. Some UPS Store locations may be closed or have limited hours.
- FedEx: Most services are operational, though FedEx Express and FedEx Ground may have modified service in certain regions. Check the FedEx holiday schedule for your specific zip code.
Why Do We Observe MLK Day?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. It encourages Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. If you have the day off, consider checking local listings for “MLK Day of Service” events near you.
Pro-Tip: Since many people have the day off, local parks and museums may be more crowded than usual. Notably, all National Parks offer Free Entry today in honor of Dr. King’s legacy!