Countdown
Days until Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed annually on the third Monday of January as a federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader's legacy. Watch the live countdown to the next observance.
Time remaining
4 months, 21 days remaining (142 total days).
Anchor date: Monday, January 20, 2025 · next occurrence resolved automatically
MLK Day is in 0 years, 4 months, and 21 days (142 total days) — next date Monday, January 18, 2027.
Quick facts
- Rule
- Third Monday in January
- Federal holiday
- Yes (signed into law in 1983)
- National Day of Service
- Designated as a federal day of volunteering and service
- Birthdate honored
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (born January 15, 1929)
- First observed
- January 20, 1986 (observed in all 50 states by 2000)
How we calculate
Remaining time targets the next occurrence of this date (fixed calendar day or holiday rule), then breaks the gap into years, months, days, and a live HMS clock.
Anchor ISO: 2025-01-20
· recurrence: mlk-day · day-level anchors use a noon local interpretation to avoid DST edge flips.
Timeline
- 1968 Legislation for a federal holiday first introduced following Dr. King's assassination.
- 1983 President Ronald Reagan signs federal legislation creating Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- 1986 First national federal observance held on January 20, 1986.
- Each Jan Observed nationwide as a day of community service, reflection, and civil rights events.
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FAQ
When is MLK Day celebrated?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is always celebrated on the third Monday in January.
Is MLK Day a federal holiday?
Yes, it is an official US federal holiday; banks, federal offices, and most schools are closed.
Why is MLK Day a Day of Service?
In 1994, Congress designated the holiday as a National Day of Service to encourage volunteer work and community empowerment.
How does the live countdown calculate?
The countdown automatically targets the third Monday of January for the upcoming calendar year.