It is Monday, January 19, 2026, and the United States is honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Since this is a federal holiday, millions of Americans have the day off from work and school. This makes it a popular day for catching up on errands, grocery shopping, or hitting the clearance sales.
However, federal holidays can be confusing. While some places shut down completely, others remain open with regular hours. The biggest question on everyone's mind is: Is Costco open today? And what about the Post Office, banks, or the stock market?
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about what is open and closed on MLK Day 2026.
Is Costco Open on MLK Day 2026?
YES. Costco warehouses are OPEN on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Costco is known for closing on major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. However, MLK Day is not one of their observed holidays.
- Hours: Most locations will operate during regular business hours (typically 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM).
- Services: The Tire Center, Pharmacy, and Food Court should also be open, though hours may vary slightly by location.
Pro Tip: Since many people are off work, Costco is expected to be busier than a usual Monday. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting right when they open or later in the evening.
Are Walmart and Target Open Today?
If you need more than just bulk goods, you are in luck. The two biggest retailers in the US are open for business.
Walmart
- Status: OPEN
- Hours: Regular hours apply (usually 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM).
- Pharmacy: Open, but may have reduced hours.
Target
- Status: OPEN
- Hours: Regular hours (typically 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
- Note: Target is currently running post-holiday clearance sales, so it is a great time to shop for home goods.
Grocery Stores: Who is Open?
Planning a family dinner? Most major grocery chains keep their doors open on MLK Day. Here is the list:
- Whole Foods Market: Open (Regular hours)
- Kroger: Open (Regular hours)
- Publix: Open (Regular hours)
- Trader Joe’s: Open (Regular hours)
- Aldi: Open (Check local store for limited hours)
- Sam’s Club: Open (Regular hours: 10 AM – 8 PM for Plus members, 8 AM start)
- Wegmans: Open
Verdict: Unless you shop at a very small, family-owned local market, you should have no trouble buying groceries today.
** pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens & Rite Aid**
If you need to pick up a prescription or buy cold medicine, here is the deal:
- CVS: Stores are OPEN, but the pharmacy counter inside might have reduced holiday hours.
- Walgreens: Most 24-hour locations remain OPEN. Non-24-hour stores will be open regular hours.
- Rite Aid: Open regular hours.
WHAT IS CLOSED TODAY? (Do Not Go Here!) 🛑
This is the most important section. Since Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a Federal Holiday, the government shuts down.
1. The Post Office (USPS)
- Status: CLOSED
- Mail Delivery: There will be NO regular mail delivery today.
- Amazon/UPS/FedEx: These private carriers WILL deliver packages, but they will not pick up from USPS drop boxes.
2. Banks and Financial Markets
- Status: CLOSED
- Details: Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank are closed. You cannot speak to a teller.
- ATMs: ATMs and Online Banking will work perfectly fine.
- Stock Market: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are CLOSED. No trading will happen today.
3. Government Offices
- DMV: Closed.
- Courts: Federal and State courts are closed.
- Public Libraries: Most public libraries are closed.
- Schools: Most public K-12 schools and universities are closed.
Restaurants: Where Can I Eat? 🍔
If you have the day off, you might want to grab a bite. The food industry does not take a break on MLK Day.
- Starbucks: OPEN. (Expect long lines as people grab coffee on their day off).
- McDonald’s: OPEN.
- Dunkin’: OPEN.
- Chick-fil-A: OPEN.
- Chipotle: OPEN.
Most sit-down restaurants like Olive Garden, Applebee’s, and Texas Roadhouse are also open and expecting a busy dinner rush.
Why Do We Celebrate MLK Day?
While the day off is nice, it is important to remember why this holiday exists.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year. It honors the birthday and legacy of Dr. King, the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement.
It is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. Many Americans use this day not just to shop, but to volunteer in their communities to encourage the "Beloved Community" that Dr. King dreamed of.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is trash picked up on MLK Day?
A: It depends on your city. In many places, trash pickup is delayed by one day for the rest of the week. Check your local sanitation department's website.
Q: Are state parks open?
A: Yes! Most state and national parks are open, and many offer free entry on MLK Day to encourage community engagement.
Q: Is the liquor store open?
A: This varies by state. In most states, liquor stores are private businesses and remain OPEN. However, in states like North Carolina or Utah where liquor stores are state-run, they may be CLOSED.
Conclusion
To summarize your Monday plans:
- Shopping (Costco, Walmart, Target): ✅ GO!
- Banking & Mail: ❌ STOP! Wait for Tuesday.
- Eating Out: ✅ GO!
Enjoy your day off, grab some deals at Target, stock up at Costco, and take a moment to reflect on the history of this important day
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