The Brief

• Inauguration Day is January 20, 2025. The official swearing-in ceremony begins at 12 p.m.
• The swearing-in ceremony is held at the U.S. Capitol building.
• About 50% of D.C. hotels are already booked for the week of the inauguration, and that number is expected to increase to 94-97%.

WASHINGTON – In less than a month, President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. D.C. is already buzzing ahead of the inauguration — one of the highlights the District sees every four years.

Hundreds of thousands are expected to pack D.C. on Jan. 20, 2025 for the historic event, which incidentally falls on next year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

About 50% of D.C. hotels are already booked for the week of the inauguration, and that number is expected to increase to 94-97%. Security plans are already being put in place as D.C. leaders say they are committed to the peaceful transfer of power. Police say they began preparing for Inauguration Day in mid-summer.

Here’s the schedule for the big day, according to the National Park Service and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 19: A view of the National Mall ahead of the inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 19, 2021 in Washington, DC. The inauguration will take place on January 20. (Photo by Susan Walsh-Pool/Getty Images)

Schedule for January 20, 2025

“Although Inaugural traditions have changed through the years, their fundamental premise remains unchanged and unwavering. The American Inaugural Ceremonies, with its speeches and attendant festivities, has represented both national renewal and continuity of leadership for the past two hundred years and will continue to do so into the future,” the JCCIC says.

Procession to the Capitol

The 60th Presidential Inauguration will take place at the United States Capitol on January 20, 2025. By tradition, the outgoing President accompanies the President-elect to the Capitol for the Swearing-In Ceremony.

Vice Presidential Swearing-In Ceremony 

The Vice President-elect will step forward on the Inaugural platform and repeat the oath of office.

Swearing-In Ceremony (12 pm ET)

The President-elect will step forward on the Inaugural platform and repeat the oath of office.

Inaugural Address

The President-elect will deliver an address following the Swearing-In Ceremony, as is custom. According to the JCCIC, speeches have ranged from from 8,445 words to just 135.

Honorary Departure

Following the Swearing-In Ceremonies on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, the outgoing President and First Lady leave the Capitol to begin their post-presidential lives.

Signing Ceremony

The first official actions taken by the newly sworn President of the United States occur in the President’s Room just off the Senate Chamber in the U.S. Capitol.

Inaugural Luncheon

A luncheon will be held at the U.S. Capitol for the new President, Vice President, and guests.

Pass in Review (Inaugural Parade)

After the conclusion of the inaugural ceremonies and the luncheon at the United States Capitol, the newly-sworn president and vice president will make their way to the East Front steps of the Capitol where they will review military troops before leading a procession of ceremonial military regiments, citizens’ groups, marching bands, and floats down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

The President, Vice President, their spouses, and special guests will then watch the parade as it passes in front of the Presidential Reviewing Stand.