When is it?
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025 in United States?
A federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Local date
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Time zone · America/New_York
How it's calculated
Third Monday in January
Updated through 2025
History & Origins
The Story Behind Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the civil rights leader born on January 15, 1929. First observed in 1986, it was established after a 15-year campaign following King's assassination in 1968. It's the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service.
Traditions & Celebrations
How Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Celebrated
The day is marked by community service projects, educational programs, and civil rights commemorations. Many attend marches and speeches. Schools teach about King's legacy and the civil rights movement. Some businesses close while others encourage volunteer work.
Date Calculation
How the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Date is Determined
MLK Day is the third Monday of January, falling between January 15-21. This was chosen to be close to King's actual birthday of January 15.