Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 falls on Monday, January 19, 2026. Federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to plan and celebrate this important holiday.
📅 Monday January 19, 2026
🗓️ Day 19 of 2026
📍 Week 4 of 2026
🇺🇸 Federal holiday
👨👩👧👦 Family celebration
🎉 National observance
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 Complete Guide
🗓️ Date & Information
- Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Day of Year: 19 of 365
- Week Number: 4
- Quarter: Q1 2026
- Federal Holiday: Yes
- Business Day: No (federal offices closed)
🎉 Traditions & Celebrations
- Community service and volunteer work
- Educational programs about civil rights
- Reading and discussing Dr. King's speeches
- Peaceful marches and demonstrations
- School programs and assemblies
- Interfaith and community unity events
📋 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 Planning Guide
📅 2 Weeks Before
- Organize community service projects
- Plan educational activities for children
- Check local event schedules
- Make reservations if needed
- Confirm guest lists and invitations
📅 1 Week Before
- Visit civil rights museums or monuments
- Read 'I Have a Dream' speech together
- Confirm all arrangements
- Prepare decorations
- Review celebration timeline
📅 Day Before
- Participate in local MLK Day events
- Support civil rights organizations
- Prepare any special foods
- Set up decorations
- Get everything ready for celebration
📅 Holiday Day
- Enjoy the holiday celebration
- Participate in traditions
- Spend time with family and friends
- Take photos and create memories
- Reflect on the holiday's meaning
📜 Historical Background
History of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday in 1983 and first observed nationwide in 1986. It honors Dr. King's birthday (January 15, 1929) and his contributions to civil rights.
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrated?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on January 19 in 2026, falling on a Monday. This makes it a long weekend.
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States. Federal offices, banks, and many businesses are closed. Some states and localities may have additional observances.
🎯 Activities and Ideas
👨👩👧👦 Family Activities
- Plan family gatherings and meals
- Create holiday traditions
- Teach children about the holiday's meaning
- Take family photos
- Share stories and memories
🏘️ Community Events
- Attend local parades and festivals
- Participate in community service
- Visit historical sites and museums
- Join neighborhood celebrations
- Support local businesses and events
🎨 Creative Activities
- Create holiday decorations
- Make themed crafts and art
- Write cards or letters
- Document the celebration
- Start new family traditions