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Are schools closed on Martin Luther King Day? Here's what you need to know
Martin Luther King Day, observed on the third Monday in January, honors the civil rights leader. Many schools, government offices, and banks will be closed.
Martin Luther King Day, which will be the second federal holiday of the year 2026, is celebrated all across the US on every third Monday in January.
On this day, Martin Luther King Jr. is honored for his profound efforts in the fight for civil rights and the elimination of racial inequality in the nation. Given that it is a holiday, several Americans are wondering about whether schools, government offices, and shopping centers will remain open.
“In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Nebraska Department of Education will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026. Thank you for your understanding as we honor this federal holiday,” the department stated in an official statement on its X page.
Are schools open on Martin Luther King Day?
Many educational institutions, libraries, and community centers in various cities throughout the US will not provide regular classes or services during this holiday. Instead, they encourage families to engage in special events or personal activities to benefit the community on this day.
As per the Illinois State Board of Education, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not classified as a “legal school holiday.” However, the board allows districts the option to commemorate it. In such instances, the district designates it as a “Not in Attendance” day, stating that no students are participating in learning as decided by the local school board.
According to the calendar of Chicago Public Schools for the 2025-26 academic year, the district recognizes this day as a holiday, resulting in no school activities being held.
In order to know whether your state or school will be closed for this holiday, it is advisable to closely monitor school bulletins and the social media channels of each state regarding the cancellation of services and classes that could disrupt the usual schedule.
What will be closed on MLK Day?
As a federal holiday, all non-essential government offices and banks will be closed this Monday, which includes:
Courts
Public schools
Public libraries
The car department
Sanitation and garbage collection services.
Banks (such as Bank of America, Citibank, U.S. Bank, Santander Bank, etc.)
Convenience stores, along with restaurants, pharmacies, and shopping malls, will remain open on Martin Luther King Day. However, certain establishments may operate under special hours for this holiday. Consequently, it is advisable to verify the social media pages of your preferred supermarket, restaurant, or convenience store prior to heading out.
