How Many Days Until Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
MLK Day is the third Monday of January, close to Dr. King's birthday on January 15.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the civil rights leader. It became a federal holiday in 1986 and is also observed as a national day of service.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day dates by year
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 19, 2026 | Monday |
| 2027 | January 18, 2027 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 17, 2028 | Monday |
| 2029 | January 15, 2029 | Monday |
| 2030 | January 21, 2030 | Monday |
| 2031 | January 20, 2031 | Monday |
| 2032 | January 19, 2032 | Monday |
How MLK Day became a holiday
A bill for the holiday was introduced just days after King's assassination in 1968, but it took 15 years to pass. Stevie Wonder's song "Happy Birthday" helped build support, and President Reagan signed it in 1983. It was first observed in 1986.
The holiday falls on the third Monday of January, close to King's birthday on January 15. All 50 states have observed it since 2000.
Planning time off around Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 falls on a Monday, giving a three-day weekend wherever it's a day off. Roads, flights and hotels tend to be busier around those dates, so book early.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2027 falls on a Monday, giving a three-day weekend wherever it's a day off. Roads, flights and hotels tend to be busier around those dates, so book early.
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