What Holiday Is on January 20, 2025? (MLK Day Explained)

January 20, 2025 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day), a federal holiday in the United States that honors the civil rights leader's legacy and contributions to American history.

If you're wondering what holiday falls on January 20, 2025, you're likely planning your calendar, checking if banks and schools will be closed, or simply curious about the significance of this date. January 20, 2025, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, one of the most important federal holidays in the United States.

What Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (commonly referred to as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. This holiday was established to honor his work in advancing civil rights through nonviolent protest and his dedication to racial equality.

The History of MLK Day

The push to create a federal holiday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. began shortly after his assassination on April 4, 1968. However, it wasn't until 1983 that Congress passed legislation making MLK Day a federal holiday, and it was first observed in 1986. The holiday was gradually adopted by all 50 states, with New Hampshire being the last state to recognize it in 2000.

The creation of this holiday was significant because it made Dr. King the first African American to have a national holiday named after him, recognizing his immense contribution to American society and the civil rights movement.

Why MLK Day Falls on January 20 in 2025

MLK Day is always observed on the third Monday of January, which means the date changes each year. In 2025, the third Monday of January falls on January 20.

The Third Monday Rule

MLK Day follows the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was passed in 1968 to move certain federal holidays to Mondays to create more three-day weekends. The act specifies that MLK Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year.

This means MLK Day can fall anywhere between January 15 (if January 15 is a Monday) and January 21 (if January 15 is a Sunday, making January 21 the third Monday). In 2025, since January 1, 2025, is a Wednesday, the third Monday is January 20.

When MLK Day Coincides with His Actual Birthday

Interestingly, MLK Day can sometimes fall on January 15, which is Dr. King's actual birthday. This happens when January 15 falls on a Monday. The most recent years when this occurred include 2024, 2018, 2007, and 2001. The next time MLK Day will fall on January 15 will be in 2029.

However, even when MLK Day doesn't fall on January 15, the holiday is intended to honor his birthday, which is why it's always observed in January.

Why January 20, 2025 Is Significant

January 20, 2025, marks the 39th observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday. This date is particularly noteworthy because:

It's a Federal Holiday: All federal government offices, banks, and post offices are closed.
Many States Observe It: All 50 states now recognize MLK Day as a state holiday.
It's a Day of Service: MLK Day is also designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to volunteer and engage in community service activities.

What Closes on MLK Day 2025?

Since MLK Day is a federal holiday, several institutions and services are closed on January 20, 2025:

Federal Government Offices: All federal agencies and offices are closed.
Banks: Most banks, including major institutions like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, are closed.
Post Office: The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not deliver mail, and post offices are closed.
Stock Markets: The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are closed.
Public Schools: Most public schools are closed, though this can vary by district.
Courts: Federal courts are closed; state courts may also be closed depending on the state.

Some services remain open:

Retail Stores: Most retail stores, restaurants, and shopping centers remain open.
Private Businesses: Private businesses may choose to stay open or close based on company policy.
Public Transportation: Most public transportation systems operate on a regular or modified schedule.

The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He became a Baptist minister and emerged as a leader in the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Some of his most notable achievements include:

Leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956)
Delivering the famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington in 1963
Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964
Advocating for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolent resistance and his dedication to achieving equality through peaceful means continue to inspire people around the world.

MLK Day as a Day of Service

In 1994, Congress designated MLK Day as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to honor Dr. King's legacy through volunteer work and community engagement. Organizations across the country organize service projects, and millions of Americans participate in activities that address social issues, promote equality, and strengthen communities.

Popular MLK Day service activities include:

Volunteering at food banks and soup kitchens
Participating in community cleanup projects
Organizing blood drives
Tutoring and mentoring youth
Supporting organizations that promote civil rights and social justice

Planning Around MLK Day 2025

If you need to plan events, schedule meetings, or make travel arrangements around January 20, 2025, keep in mind that:

Many government services will be unavailable
Banking transactions may be delayed until the next business day
Mail delivery will not occur
School calendars are typically adjusted to include this holiday

For those looking to plan ahead, you can use our MLK Day countdown calculator to see how many days remain until MLK Day 2025, or check out our MLK Day date calculator to find MLK Day dates for any year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MLK Day Always January 20?

No, MLK Day is not always on January 20. It's observed on the third Monday of January each year, so the date can vary between January 15 and January 21. In 2025, it happens to fall on January 20.

Is MLK Day a Federal Holiday?

Yes, MLK Day is a federal holiday in the United States. It was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and first observed as a federal holiday in 1986.

Are Banks Closed on MLK Day?

Yes, most banks in the United States are closed on MLK Day because it's a federal holiday. This includes major banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank. Some online banking services may still be available, but physical branches will be closed.

Do Federal Employees Get MLK Day Off?

Yes, federal employees receive MLK Day as a paid holiday. Federal government offices are closed, and non-essential federal employees have the day off.

Is MLK Day Observed in All States?

Yes, all 50 states in the United States now observe MLK Day. New Hampshire was the last state to officially recognize the holiday in 2000.

What Happens If MLK Day Falls on a Weekend?

MLK Day is always observed on the third Monday of January, so it never falls on a weekend. This is intentional, as it's part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that moved holidays to Mondays to create three-day weekends.

Conclusion

January 20, 2025, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday that honors the legacy of one of America's most important civil rights leaders. Whether you're using this day for rest, reflection, or service, understanding the significance of this holiday helps us appreciate the progress made in civil rights and the work that still remains.

For more information about MLK Day dates and countdowns, visit our MLK Day calculators to plan ahead and stay informed about future observances of this important holiday.