What’s Open and Closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2020?

The third Monday in January is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In 2019, the federal holiday falls on Monday, January 21. Like on many other federal holidays, figuring out what is and isn’t open can be challenging. While federal government offices, except those that directly relate to public safety and security, are usually closed, every other organization has the right to decide. Here’s what you should know if you’re wondering what’s closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year.

Retail Stores

Major retail stores are open on Monday, January 20. By and large, retail chains open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Additionally, they tend to keep their usual store hours and may host special sales in recognition of the event.

Smaller retailers may or may not open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. If you were hoping to support a small business on January 20, you might want to confirm they are open in advance of making the trip.

Grocery Stores

Major grocery chain stores are open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The vast majority of grocery stores open on this federal holiday. In most cases, they maintain their typical opening and closing hours too.

Independent grocery stores may or may not open on Monday, January 20. Before you head to an independent grocer, call ahead to make sure they are open.

Drug Stores and Pharmacies

Chain drug stores and pharmacies are open on January 20. Most major pharmacies and drug stores maintain their usual hours on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Independent drug stores and pharmacies may or may not open. If you need to go to an independent location, call ahead to confirm they are open, especially if you are hoping to pick up a prescription.

Restaurants

Chain restaurants are open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place to grab a bite on Monday, January 20, as the vast majority of restaurants will be open. Additionally, they commonly maintain their usual operating hours.

In most cases, small, independent restaurants are open as well, as long as they usually open on Mondays. However, you may want to contact a local restaurant before heading over just to make sure.

Gas Stations and Convenience Stores

Gas stations and convenience stores are open on January 20. Travelers shouldn’t have any trouble getting gas or buying snacks while on the road on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as most locations will open according to their Monday business hours.

However, service centers at gas stations may or may not be open. If you need an oil change or similar services, call ahead to confirm they are available.

U.S. Stock Markets

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ close on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. You will not be able to complete trades during the holiday.

SIFMA, the bond market, also closes on January 20 for the holiday.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and Credit Unions are closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The vast majority of banks and credit unions will close for the holiday, along with most other financial institutions.

Public Libraries

Public libraries are closed on Monday, January 20. In most cases, you will not be able to check out books from your local library on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. However, if you need to turn in a book, drop boxes outside of the buildings should be accessible if they are usually available at the location.

Public and Private K-12 Schools

Public and private K-12 schools are closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In most cases, schools will close on Monday, January 20, and resume their usual class schedules on Tuesday, January 21.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges and universities are closed on Monday, January 20. Classes will not be in session on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. However, certain on-campus facilities, such as cafeterias, may be available, though students should check in advance to confirm availability.

National Parks

National Parks are open on Monday, January 20. Although the federal government operates many national parks, they actually remain open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Plus, you can actually get free entrance at over 100 parks on the holiday, giving you a fun way to celebrate the occasion and save some money on entertainment.

Garbage Services

Garbage services may or may not be rescheduled. Whether your usual trash pickup will run depends on your location. You may want to contact your service provider ahead of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to confirm if the day has been changed.

Similarly, local dumps may or may not be open. If you need to take items to a landfill, call ahead to confirm they are open on January 20.

Federal Government

Federal government offices are closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As with all federal holidays, offices are mostly closed on Monday, January 20. However, essential personnel may still be working, particularly if their roles support public safety and security.

State and Local Governments

State and local government offices are closed on Monday, January 20. Aside from public safety workers, state and local government agencies tend to close for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Mail Services

U.S. post offices are closed, but UPS and FedEx are open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Since the federal government runs post offices, they will close on Monday, January 20 for the holiday. However, UPS and FedEx both operate on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, so you can send packages and letters if you are open to using their services instead.

Do you have plans for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day? Tell us about them in the comments below.

Read More:

• Bank of America Holidays 2020
• Get into National Parks Fee Free on These Days in 2020
• Inspirational Quotes from Martin Luther King Junior That Can Help Your Finances

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Photo: Flickr: U.S. Embassy New Delhi