Your Monday, January 19 Guide to Federal Holiday Closures and Retail Hours
NEW YORK — As the United States observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day today, January 19, 2026, many federal and private services are taking a pause. While it is a national day of service, it is also a federal holiday, meaning most government-run institutions are shuttered.
Here is the definitive guide to what you can expect today:
1. Post Office and Mail Delivery
USPS: The United States Postal Service is closed. There is no regular residential or business mail delivery today. Post Office retail lobbies are also closed.
UPS: Regular pickup and delivery services are suspended. Some UPS Store locations may be open with limited hours; call ahead.
FedEx: Most FedEx services are open, but some express shipments may have modified delivery times.
2. Banks and Financial Markets
Banks: Because MLK Day is a Federal Reserve holiday, most major branches—including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo—are closed. Online banking and ATMs remain fully functional.
Stock Market: Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are closed today. Trading will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan 20, at 9:30 AM ET.
Bond Markets: Closed.
3. Government Offices and Schools
Federal/State Offices: All non-essential government offices (DMV, Social Security, Courts) are closed.
Schools: Most public K-12 schools and universities are closed to observe the holiday.
National Parks: Most parks are open, but notably, the National Park Service has removed MLK Day from its "fee-free" list this year. Expect to pay standard entrance fees unless you are in California, where state parks remain free today by executive order.
4. What is OPEN? (Retail & Grocery)
Most major retailers and grocery chains are operating on normal or slightly modified holiday hours:
Open: Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, and Whole Foods.
Pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens are generally open.
Restaurants: Most national chains (Starbucks, McDonald's, etc.) are open.
