What is closed on MLK Day in Illinois? What to know for the holiday

Monday’s holiday will mark a number of closures across Illinois as the United States honors and celebrates civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The federal holiday, which began under a bill signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, is the only one designated as a national day of service, urging Americans to give back in reflection of King’s legacy. Many schools and businesses close to give residents the opportunity to do just that.

Here’s a look at what’s closed to help you plan ahead.

Banks

Because Monday is a federal holiday, banks will be closed.

Public Libraries

Branches of the Chicago Public Library, along with many other public libraries across the state, will be closed Monday.

Mail and Package Delivery

Mail won’t be delivered as U.S. post offices will be closed on Monday.

While post offices won’t be open, FedEx will continue deliveries, though some locations have “modified hours.”

UPS does not do pickup or delivery service on the holiday, and many locations are closed, according to the company. 

Are schools closed on Monday?

While not deemed a “legal school holiday,” the Illinois State Board of Education has said school districts can choose to celebrate it.

If that’s the case, the district considers it a “Not in Attendance” day, which means “no students are engaged in learning as determined by the local school board.

According to Chicago Public Schools’ calendar for 2025-26, the district does observe the day as a holiday, meaning schools are closed to both teachers and students.

For students in districts where class will be in session, a recently passed law allows excused absences in exchange for engaging in a civic activity. According to House Bill 5488, which took effect Jan. 1, 2023, that any public middle or high school student will be permitted at least one “day-long excused absence from school to engage in a civic event.”

Stock Market

Both the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are closed Monday, Jan. 19. Regular trading hours are expected to resume on Tuesday.

DMVs and State Offices

According to the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, MLK Day is a state holiday, and as a result, state government offices will be closed. That includes driver services facilities operated by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

City of Chicago offices will be closed on Monday, according to a list of holidays posted on the city’s website. The same will also be true for government offices in suburban Cook County.

What’s open?

While most government facilities won’t be open, the same can’t be said for restaurants, grocery stores and retail establishments.

Major chain stores such as Target, Costco, Walmart, The Home Depot, Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s will remain open.

Many museums and cultural centers across the state also remain open, and some are even offering free admission for Illinois residents.

As part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s “Free Winter Weekdays,” the museum will be free on Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Illinois residents.

The Chicago History Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Chicago Botanic Garden will also have free admission days on Monday.