Americans mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, honoring the civil rights leader’s life and legacy on the federal holiday held on the third Monday in January.
The observance, which this year lands on January 19, is the only federal holiday “designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities,” according to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Former President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law on November 2, 1983, with the first nationwide observance in 1986. Adoption varied by state, with Texas recognizing it in 1991 and all 50 states following by 2000, the National Constitution Center noted, amid debates in places like Arizona and South Carolina.
The Trump administration has introduced changes affecting two federal holidays in 2026, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In November 2025, the Department of the Interior announced changes to “fee-free days” for national parks and other federal lands managed by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Previously, these days waived entrance fees on select federal holidays and commemorative dates.
For 2026, the list emphasizes U.S. patriotism, removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, so visitors must pay full entry fees. Flag Day, which coincides with President Trump’s birthday, was added, while Veterans Day is the sole holdover from the 2025 list.
On the holiday itself, many services and businesses have adjusted operations.
The U.S. Postal Service suspended mail delivery and closed retail locations, resuming Tuesday, January 20. Banks closed in observance, as the Federal Reserve System recognizes the day. Stock and bond markets also shuttered, with trading set to resume on Tuesday.
Government offices joined banks and post offices in closing for the day.
Most retail and grocery chains remained open.
Costco operates as usual, not listing the holiday among its closures; customers can verify local hours online. Target confirmed regular business hours to CBS News. McDonald’s locations are open, though hours may vary. Chick-fil-A told CBS News its sites will operate, advising customers to use the app or contact them directly.
Grocery stores, including Aldi, Whole Foods, H-E-B, Kroger, Tom Thumb, and Walmart, all plan regular hours.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, celebrations spanned the weekend. The Black Academy of Arts and Letters hosted its 43rd annual Black Music and Civil Rights Movement Concert as a tribute to King on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.
Monday’s events include Dallas’ 44th annual parade starting at 10:30 a.m. along its original route. Fort Worth’s parade begins at 11 a.m. from 9th and Commerce streets, ending at Main and Third streets in Sundance Plaza. The Cowboys of Color Rodeo, described as the world’s largest multicultural rodeo, starts at 2 p.m. at Dickies Arena, honoring both King and founder Cleo Hearn, who died in November.
