Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States, observed nationwide on the third Monday in January to honor Dr. King’s life and civil rights legacy. It is also widely treated as a “day of service,” encouraging volunteering and community involvement rather than just a day off work or school.

What kind of holiday is it?

  • It is an official federal holiday, established by U.S. law in 1983 and first observed nationwide in 1986.
  • The date is a floating holiday, always on the third Monday in January, near King’s January 15 birthday.
  • Federal offices, many banks, and most government institutions close, while some private employers and schools may or may not close depending on local policy.

Purpose and meaning

  • The day honors Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister and key leader of the civil rights movement, who advocated nonviolent resistance against racial segregation and injustice.
  • People are encouraged to reflect on racial equality, justice, and nonviolent social change, making it a socially and historically commemorative holiday.

“Day of Service” aspect

  • MLK Day is promoted as a National Day of Service, where people volunteer in their communities—clean‑ups, food drives, tutoring, and other projects.
  • This service focus connects directly to King’s emphasis on serving others and building a more just and compassionate society.

How it fits among U.S. holidays

  • Like Presidents’ Day or Memorial Day, MLK Day is a nationwide federal observance focused on a major historical figure and a core national value (civil rights).
  • Unlike primarily festive holidays, it is more reflective, educational, and activism‑oriented, often marked by marches, speeches, and teach‑ins on civil rights and equality.

TL;DR: MLK Day is a U.S. federal, commemorative “day of service” holiday that closes federal government offices and honors Dr. King’s civil rights legacy through reflection, education, and community volunteering.