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MLK Day 2026: What’s Open, What’s Closed, and What’s Changed

The federal day of service includes government closures alongside an Interior policy ending free national park entry for the holiday.

Overview

  • On Monday, Jan. 19, federal offices and courts are closed, USPS post offices are shut and mail won’t run, and banks and U.S. stock markets are closed.
  • UPS suspends pickup and delivery services for the holiday, while FedEx operates on a modified schedule with limited services.
  • Most major retailers and grocers, including Walmart and Costco, plan to open on normal or near‑normal hours, though local schedules may vary.
  • The National Park Service will not waive entrance fees on MLK Day 2026 following a November 2025 Interior Department change removing the holiday from fee‑free days.
  • MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service, with events in cities such as Washington, D.C., and flags are not lowered as a general practice.