Was it really just two weeks ago that we were shaking off the remnants of New Year’s Eve celebrations?
Good news for those of you who already need another day off. It’s MLK Day, meaning you may have a reprieve coming, depending on your office policies.
This is the 41st anniversary of MLK Day, a celebration of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s also a chance to catch your breath before the real march into 2024 gets underway.
If you’re planning to eschew rest and hope to get some personal business done today, though, you could run into a few obstacles. Government organizations, for the most part, will be closed, though pretty much any retailer you want to visit will welcome you through their doors.
Here's a look at what’s open and closed on MLK Day 2024 and a brief history of the holiday.
What is MLK Day?
MLK Day became a federal holiday in 1983. Designed to honor Martin Luther King Jr., it falls on the third Monday of every January. It was the first federal holiday in the U.S. to honor an African American, though some states took a bit longer to adopt it as a paid state holiday.
Are banks open on MLK Day?
They are not. Since MLK Day is a federal holiday, banks will be closed. You can, however, still use ATM machines and online banking to conduct most business with your financial institution.
Will there be any mail delivery on MLK Day?
Again, because of MLK Day’s status as a federal holiday, you will not be receiving anything from the U.S. Postal Service today. UPS and FedEx are both open, though, so if you’re expecting a package, it will likely arrive on time. All of the drop-off locations of both companies will have normal hours, as well.
Is the stock market open on MLK Day?
Save your trades for tomorrow. The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and bond markets are all closed. They'll reopen on Tuesday.
Are schools open on MLK Day?
There’s a reason your kids are smiling today. Most K-12 schools, colleges, and universities don't hold classes on this day.
Are government offices open on MLK Day?
In general, city, county, state and federal offices are closed, though there could be occasional exceptions in some municipalities.
Are national parks open on MLK Day?
They are. And it’s a good day to save some money if you’re planning on visiting. While they’re run by the government, national parks are open on MLK Day – and this happens to be one of five days this year where admission fees are waived.
Are libraries open on MLK Day?
No. You’ll have to wait a day or download that book you want to your Kindle.
Which stores are closed on MLK Day?
Basically, none of them are.
Most retailers choose to stay open on MLK Day, offering clearance sales. Everyone from Walmart to Target to Home Depot to Walgreens and CVS will be open, though some, perhaps, will have adjusted hours.
Similarly, big grocery chains, such as Harris Teeter, Kroger, and Whole Foods, as well as restaurants, will also be open. Some small businesses could be closed on the holiday.
