Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day), observed on Monday, January 19, 2026, commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a central figure in the American civil rights movement. While the day is marked by closures of government offices, banks, and mail services, most retailers, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurant chains remain open, though some may operate on adjusted holiday hours.
What’s Open on MLK Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of January each year, close to the birthday of Dr. King on January 15. It became a federal holiday in 1983 and was first celebrated in the nation in 1986, though some states did not fully recognize it until years later.
However, unlike other holidays like Christmas Day or Thanksgiving, the MLK Day is usually regarded as a half-closure holiday. Federal offices, courts, schools, banks, and the U.S. Postal Service are typically closed. However, many private businesses remain open, making the holiday a popular day for shopping, dining out, and running errands.
Retailers and Grocers
Most major national retailers and grocery chains remain open on MLK Day, often treating it as a regular business day or offering holiday sales. Store hours may vary in smaller cities. Here are some major chains that are typically open on MLK Day:
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Macy’s
- Best Buy
- Dollar Tree and Dollar General
- Kroger and its regional banners
- Publix
- Whole Foods Market
- H-E-B
- Sprouts Farmers Market
Pharmacy Chains
Pharmacies remain essential on holidays, particularly when many other services are closed. Here are the major chains that continue operating on MLK Day:
- CVS Pharmacy
- Walgreens
- Rite Aid
- Duane Reade
- Walmart Pharmacy and grocery-store pharmacy counters
Restaurant Chains
MLK Day is not traditionally associated with restaurant closures. Most outlets and diners remain open on this federal holiday, as many see increased traffic due to school and office closures.
Fast food and quick service outlets:
- McDonald’s
- Starbucks
- Burger King
- Taco Bell
- Chick-fil-A
- Subway
- Domino’s
Casual dining spots:
- Applebee’s
- Olive Garden
- Chili’s
- IHOP
- Denny’s
Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as both a day of remembrance and a reflection of the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice in the United States. Hours may change depending on the location; customers are encouraged to check local store listings or official websites before heading out.
