What’s open and closed on MLK Day 2025 in the Seattle area

Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day coincide Monday in a rare overlap.

MLK Day, approved as a federal holiday in 1983, is observed every third Monday in January to recognize the birthday of the influential reverend and Civil Rights leader.

Inauguration Day, since the 1933 passage of the 20th Amendment, is held on Jan. 20. Donald Trump will be the third president to take the oath of office on MLK Day, joining former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama who also did so for their second inauguration in 1997 and 2013, respectively.

Locally, the Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition’s annual MLK Day march kicks off at about 12:30 p.m. after a rally Monday at Garfield High School. And all sorts of community gatherings around the Seattle area, from walks to musical performances, will also honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Most schools, like Seattle Public Schools, and government offices will be closed, along with all branches of the Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System.

For those looking to brave cold temperatures, don’t forget today is also a free day at Washington state parks. No Discover Pass necessary.

Here’s what else you need to know about what’s open and closed on MLK Day in 2025:

Are banks closed on MLK Day? 

Most banks and credit unions, along with the stock markets, are closed Monday.

Is there trash pickup on MLK Day?

Some basic services, like garbage pickup, will operate on regular schedules, and Seattle’s transfer and recycling stations will be open.

Is the post office open on MLK Day?

All locations of the U.S. Postal Service and many other federal government offices will be closed on the federal holiday in observance.

Is mail delivered on MLK Day? 

With post offices closed, there are no home or business deliveries, according to the postal service.

Are FedEx and UPS open on MLK Day?

Most FedEx services will be available Monday, and FedEx office locations will be open, according to the company. Check with your local store for specific hours of operation.

UPS will not pick up or deliver packages Monday, and some store locations may have modified hours.

Is Costco open on MLK Day?

Yes! Costco is closed for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

If you do make a Costco run, check out what our critic and a sommelier rated 20 Costco wines for the holidays.