Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year. For 2025, that means MLK Day fell on January 20th. This day is designated to honor the legacy of Dr. King and his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Knowing whether “today” is a holiday like MLK Day impacts various services and schedules, such as mail delivery, banking, and the stock market.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is closed on MLK Day, which means no mail delivery or pickup occurs on that day. This is important to consider when expecting important mail or needing to send out packages. The USPS recognizes MLK Day as one of eleven federal holidays where services are suspended.
Are banks open today? Since MLK Day is a federal holiday, most banks are closed. This includes major institutions like Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo. Transactions typically do not post on bank holidays, so planning ahead for financial needs is essential. While most banks follow the Federal Reserve’s holiday schedule, it’s always wise to check with your local branch to confirm their hours of operation.
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), along with other major stock markets in the United States, is closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This closure is in line with the observance of federal holidays by financial markets. In 2025, the NYSE was closed for MLK Day on January 20th, reopening for normal trading on January 21st.
What if today is not MLK day but another potentially significant date? It’s helpful to know which other days are recognized as federal holidays in the United States. 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, understanding whether the stock market is open “today” is crucial for investors. The NYSE and other markets have scheduled closures throughout the year, including holidays and occasional unscheduled closures due to significant events. In 2025, the NYSE also closed for the National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. Additionally, the markets often close early on certain days, such as the day before or after a major holiday. Consulting the official NYSE calendar is the best way to confirm today’s trading schedule. Knowing whether “today” is a holiday impacting market closures is vital for timely investment decisions.
