Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed every third Monday in January, and many Americans plan errands, family outings, and retail visits around the long weekend. One question that comes up each year among arts and crafts shoppers is is hobby lobby open on mlk day, especially those who count on the store for project supplies, seasonal décor, or home crafting goods. For 2026, Hobby Lobby stores nationwide are expected to follow their typical holiday operating schedule, remaining open on Monday, January 19, allowing shoppers and crafters to visit just like any other regular Monday.
In this guide, we’ll explain Hobby Lobby’s hours on MLK Day, common holiday patterns for the store, how holiday observances affect its schedule, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Standard Hobby Lobby Operating Hours
Hobby Lobby is known for its consistent weekly schedule. Stores are typically open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, providing a broad window for customers to shop for craft supplies, seasonal décor, fabric, framing, party goods, and more. Across the United States, locations maintain these hours throughout most of the year, except for Sundays and certain major holidays. Hobby Lobby’s schedule creates a reliable pattern for members and regular customers planning visits around work or weekend activities.
Holiday Hours: What Changes for Special Days
Hobby Lobby’s holiday operating schedule distinguishes between days when the store remains open and days when it is closed entirely. Unlike some retailers that close on federal holidays, Hobby Lobby stays open for most holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Stores do remain closed on a few key days each year, such as Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. These closures follow longstanding traditions and seasonal observances. For other federal holidays like Presidents Day, Independence Day, and Juneteenth, stores typically operate with normal or slightly reduced hours, allowing customers to shop without interruption.
Hobby Lobby on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026
On Monday, January 19, 2026, which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, most Hobby Lobby stores across the country are scheduled to open and serve customers during their regular hours, typically 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Since MLK Day is not associated with store closures at Hobby Lobby, customers can expect a standard shopping experience similar to any regular Monday. This schedule applies to both standalone locations and general retail outlets, though minor variations may occur depending on the region. Checking your local store’s hours or calling ahead ensures you won’t encounter unexpected changes.
Why Hobby Lobby Stays Open on MLK Day
Unlike banks, federal agencies, and some service providers that close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, private retailers like Hobby Lobby are not required to observe the holiday with a closure. Many retail businesses see the holiday as a normal business day, allowing them to serve customers who have the day off from work. This is particularly true for Hobby Lobby, where shoppers often use long weekends to start or complete craft projects, decorate homes, or shop for personal events. Keeping stores open on MLK Day ensures that regular customers and holiday project planners can access stores without interruption.
Seasonal and Special Holiday Adjustments
Hobby Lobby occasionally adjusts its operating hours around other holidays and busy shopping periods. For example, on Black Friday, stores often open earlier and close later to accommodate high customer demand. On holidays such as Memorial Day or Labor Day, store hours may be slightly reduced. For MLK Day, however, there is no indication that hours will be shortened. The company treats the holiday like a regular Monday in terms of store availability, reflecting its priority to provide consistent access to shoppers.
Planning Your Shopping Trip on MLK Day
MLK Day falls early in the year, and many people use the long weekend to tackle seasonal projects, organize events, or pick up supplies for school or hobby activities. If you plan to visit Hobby Lobby on January 19, it is a good idea to head out earlier in the day to avoid potential crowds. Shopping shortly after stores open provides first access to freshly stocked displays and seasonal items. Early morning shopping also allows for a more relaxed browsing experience before peak customer traffic begins later in the day.
What You Can Expect Inside Hobby Lobby on the Holiday
When Hobby Lobby is open on MLK Day, customers can expect the full range of merchandise to be available, including arts and crafts supplies, home décor, floral, fabric, framing, party goods, seasonal items, and more. Store aisles are typically arranged to showcase new and seasonal products prominently, making it easier to find what you need for creative projects. Staff members are generally available to help locate products or answer questions about inventory and promotions, maintaining a consistent level of customer service even on holidays.
Holiday Crowds and Traffic Patterns
Because MLK Day is a day off for many Americans, some retailers see higher customer traffic. Hobby Lobby is no exception, and while the store remains open, shoppers may encounter larger crowds than on a typical Monday. Planning your visit during off-peak hours can make your trip more efficient. Mid-morning and early afternoon hours are often less busy compared to late afternoon or early evening, when shoppers finishing work or weekend plans are more likely to visit.
Other Retailers and MLK Day Operations
While Hobby Lobby stays open on MLK Day, many federal services, including banks and post offices, will be closed. This creates a unique situation where retail operations like Hobby Lobby, grocery stores, and other big-box stores continue normally, while government-related functions pause. Many private retailers remain open during MLK Day, allowing customers to complete errands and shopping trips without disruption. This makes MLK Day a convenient time for personal and seasonal shopping.
Hobby Lobby’s Holiday Closure Policies
Although Hobby Lobby stays open for most federal holidays, there are exceptions. Stores are closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, reflecting company traditions and values. Outside of these closures, most other holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, are treated as normal business days with regular hours. This policy ensures that customers can access Hobby Lobby stores consistently throughout the year.
Practical Tips Before You Go
To make the most of your MLK Day trip to Hobby Lobby, prepare a list of needed items ahead of time. Reviewing seasonal trends, particularly for Valentine’s Day or spring crafting supplies, may help you focus your visit and avoid multiple trips. Arriving shortly after opening gives you access to newly stocked shelves before crowds build. Checking online inventories or calling your local store for specific items can save time and ensure that the products you need are available.
Final Thoughts on Hobby Lobby and MLK Day
When asking is hobby lobby open on mlk day, the reliable answer for 2026 is yes. Most Hobby Lobby stores across the United States will welcome customers during their usual weekly hours on Monday, January 19. Shoppers can plan holiday errands, craft project shopping, or décor purchases without concern about unexpected closures. Hobby Lobby’s consistent holiday schedule makes it easier to plan creative projects and seasonal crafts throughout the year.
Will you be visiting Hobby Lobby on Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year? Share your projects or finds and let fellow crafters know your plans.