Is the Post Office Open on MLK Day 2026? USPS, Bank, and Stock Market Hours (Jan 19)
The first long weekend of 2026 is finally here. Monday, January 19, 2026, marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) in the United States.
While a federal holiday sounds relaxing, it often creates confusion. Questions like “Is the post office open today?”, “Can I ship a package?”, or “Is the stock market closed?” are searched by millions every year.
Since MLK Day is a federal holiday, government offices shut down, but many private services continue operating. Here is your complete, city-agnostic guide to what is open and closed on Monday, Jan 19, 2026.
Shipping Guide: Will Mail Be Delivered?
This is the most searched question on MLK Day. If you are waiting for mail or planning to ship something, read carefully.
United States Postal Service (USPS)
Status: CLOSED
Because USPS is a federal agency, it fully observes MLK Day.
- Mail Delivery: No regular mail delivery
- Post Office Locations: All retail counters closed
- Exceptions: Priority Mail Express® may be delivered in select metro areas, but standard letters and packages will not move
UPS and FedEx
Status: OPEN
Private shipping companies operate normally on MLK Day.
- UPS: Pickup and delivery available
- Note: UPS SurePost may be delayed as it depends on USPS for final delivery
- FedEx: FedEx Express and FedEx Ground operate as usual
Amazon Delivery
Status: OPEN
Amazon delivery services continue as normal. Prime orders are expected to arrive on schedule, though minor regional delays are possible.
Shipping Status Summary Table
| Service Provider | MLK Day Status (Jan 19) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USPS (Post Office) | CLOSED | No mail delivery |
| UPS | OPEN | Normal operations |
| FedEx | OPEN | Normal operations |
| Amazon | OPEN | Deliveries active |
Financial Markets: Is the Stock Market Open?
If you are planning to trade on Monday—don’t.
NYSE & Nasdaq
Status: CLOSED
Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will remain closed on Monday, January 19, 2026.
- No trading sessions
- Markets reopen Tuesday, January 20 at 9:30 AM ET
Bond Markets
Status: CLOSED
US bond markets follow SIFMA guidelines, which recommend a full closure on MLK Day.
Banking Hours: Are Banks Open on MLK Day?
Status: MOSTLY CLOSED
MLK Day is a Federal Reserve Bank holiday, meaning most major banks remain closed.
- Closed: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, most credit unions
- Open: ATMs, mobile banking apps, online transfers
⚠️ Important: Transactions made on Monday will process and clear on Tuesday.
Are Stores and Restaurants Open?
Unlike Christmas or Thanksgiving, MLK Day is a major retail day.
- Grocery Stores (Walmart, Kroger, Costco): OPEN
- Retail (Target, Best Buy, Macy’s): OPEN
- Restaurants (Starbucks, McDonald’s): OPEN
Pro Tip: MLK Day weekend often features winter clearance sales up to 40–50% off, making it a great shopping day.
What Else is Closed? (Government & Schools)
Since MLK Day honors a civil rights leader, most public institutions close.
- Schools: K-12 public schools & most universities closed
- DMV: Closed nationwide
- Courts: Federal & state courts closed
- Libraries: Most public libraries closed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1 Will garbage be picked up on MLK Day?
It depends on your city. In many locations, trash pickup is delayed by one day for the rest of the week. Check your local sanitation department website.
Q2 Is MLK Day a paid holiday?
- Government employees: Yes
- Private sector employees: Depends on company policy
Approximately 45% of US employers offer MLK Day as a paid holiday.
Conclusion
To summarize:
You can shop, eat out, and ship packages via UPS, FedEx, or Amazon without issues. However, banks, post offices, stock markets, and government offices will remain closed until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Planning to shop? Stay tuned for our next guide on the best MLK Day sales in 2026.
