Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a significant federal holiday in the United States, celebrated annually on the third Monday of January. The holiday was established to honor the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and is marked by various events and tributes across the country.
Stock Market Closure on MLK Day 2026
On January 19, 2026, U.S. stock markets, including the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This closure is in accordance with federal holiday scheduling established in 1983 when President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law.
Significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as a reminder of the civil rights movement and its impact on American society. President Reagan emphasized the importance of remembering King’s contributions and the just cause he fought for during his remarks upon signing the bill.
Stock Market Holiday Schedule for 2026
In addition to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, U.S. stock markets will be closed on several other occasions in 2026. The schedule is as follows:
- Presidents Day: Monday, February 16
- Good Friday: Friday, April 3
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
- Juneteenth: Friday, June 19
- Independence Day: Friday, July 3
- Labor Day: Monday, September 7
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26 (markets will close at 1 p.m. ET on November 25)
- Christmas: Friday, December 25 (markets will close at 1 p.m. ET on December 24)
After Martin Luther King Jr. Day, trading will resume on Tuesday, January 20, and continue without interruption until February 16, when the next holiday occurs.
For further updates on market schedules and significant holidays, continue to check back with El-Balad.
