MIAMI, Florida - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1986 after President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983. By 2000, all states made MLK Day a state holiday, according to Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday which occurs on January 15. In 2026, the third Monday in January falls on Monday, January 19, 2026. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is also known by other names such as Civil Rights Day, King Day, King Day of Service, and MLK Day King Day of Service To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the federal government, many states, and some private companies encourage Americans to engage in citizen action and volunteer service on the King Holiday, according to Points of Light. Is The Stock Market Closed On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day? The U.S. stock market and commodity markets will be closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2026. This includes the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), and the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). The bond markets will also be closed, according to NYSE, Nasdaq, and SIFMA. RELATED STORIES: Is The Stock Market Closed On Martin Luther King Day? Are Banks Open Or Closed On MLK Day 2026? Is There Trash And Garbage Pickup On MLK Day? Is The Post Office Open On Martin Luther King Day? Is Costco Open On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2026?