Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a US federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January. In 2025, MLK Day fell on January 20th. This day honours Dr. King’s legacy and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Knowing if “today” is a holiday like MLK Day affects services and schedules, such as mail, banking, and the stock market.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) closes on MLK Day, meaning no mail delivery or pickup. This is important when expecting mail or sending parcels. The USPS recognises MLK Day as one of eleven federal holidays where services are suspended.
Are banks open today? Most US banks close on MLK Day, a federal holiday. This includes major banks like Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo. Transactions don’t usually post on bank holidays, so planning ahead is essential. While most banks follow the Federal Reserve’s holiday schedule, check with your local branch to confirm their hours.
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and other major US stock markets, close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This closure aligns with the observance of federal holidays by financial markets. In 2025, the NYSE closed for MLK Day on January 20th, reopening on January 21st.
What if today isn’t MLK Day but another significant date? It’s helpful to know other US federal holidays. These include New Year’s Day, Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Some institutions may also observe holidays like Good Friday or Election Day.
Beyond federal holidays, knowing if the stock market is open “today” is crucial for investors. The NYSE and other markets have scheduled closures, including holidays and unscheduled closures due to major events. In 2025, the NYSE also closed for the National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. Markets often close early on certain days, such as before or after a major holiday. Check the official NYSE calendar to confirm today’s trading schedule. Knowing if “today” is a market holiday is vital for timely investment decisions.