Is Inauguration Day a federal holiday? Why this year is different – NBC Chicago

NOTE: Details on how to watch special coverage of the inauguration live can be found here.

Inauguration Day will mark a defining moment for Americans, but is the day considered a federal holiday?

The answer is complicated this year.

While Trump’s return to the White House marks an unprecedented political comeback on the heels of four turbulent years outside the Oval Office, Inauguration Day also marks a rare, fortuitous event.

That’s because this inauguration day coincides with this year’s celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights icon on the third Monday in January.

Inauguration Day and MLK Day will be held on the same day for just the second time, with President Bill Clinton’s second inauguration taking place on MLK Day in January 1997.

In addition to that, Inauguration Day itself is also a federal holiday, but only for workers in the DC area, according to the US Office of Personnel Management.

“Federal employees in the Washington, DC area are entitled to a holiday on the day a president is inaugurated on January 20 for every four years after 1965,” the office stated.

With the historic day just over two weeks away, here’s what you need to know:

When is the new president sworn in?

The 60th presidential inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Monday, January 20.

With the inauguration, Trump is expected to become just the second president to serve non-consecutive terms, with Grover Cleveland winning the elections in 1884 and 1892. Cleveland served as the nation’s 22nd and 24th president.

What time is the inauguration?

The dedication ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. CT or 12:00 PM ET.

According to the Washington Department of Tourism, the typical time of day is for security checkpoints to open at 5 a.m. CT, followed by music and then opening remarks.

Live special coverage of the day’s events begins at 9:00 a.m. CT.

How can you watch live?

NBC Chicago and NBC News will offer live special coverage of the day’s events beginning at 9 CT on TV and via our 24/7 streaming channel here.

You can also watch a number of events live on NBC Chicago’s YouTube channel.

Full schedule of events

Trump Vance’s inaugural committee released the following schedule of inaugural events on Monday:

Saturday 18 January 2025

• President’s Reception and Fireworks at Trump Sterling
• Cabinet reception and deputy chairman’s dinner

Sunday 19 January 2025

• Arlington National Cemetery Ceremony
  Wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Make America Great Again Victory Rally
  President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks
• Dinner by candlelight
  President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks

Monday 20 January 2025

• John’s church service
• Tea at the White House
• Entry ceremony
  US Capitol
• Farewell to the former chairman and deputy chairman
• US Capitol graduation ceremony
• President’s signing ceremony
• JCCIC congress lunch
• The President’s Review of the Troops
• Presidential parade
  Pennsylvania Ave
• Oval Office Signing Ceremony at the White House
• Commander-in-Chief Ball
  President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks
• Liberty Inaugural Ball
  President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks
• Starlight Ball
  President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks

Tuesday 21 January 2025

• National prayer service