What is the schedule for Inauguration Day? Here are today’s key events

Inauguration Day is two weeks away and with it a much-anticipated presidential transition.

President-elect Donald Trump has already been busy preparing his administration for a second term, having already named most of his Cabinet nominees and several other White House positions. While some — like Matt Gaetz, who was originally hired as attorney general before being forced out amid controversies surrounding past sexual misconduct investigations — haven’t worked out, others have made big promises since being elected.

Trump himself has promised several first-day plans, including hitting Mexico, Canada and China with import tariffs and pardon the January 6 rioters.

None of this will happen until the pomp and pageantry of the Inauguration Day ceremonies are over. Here’s what we know so far about what to expect on Inauguration Day.

When is Inauguration Day?

The inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump will take place on Monday, January 20.

This coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, making it a national holiday for the first time since 1997.

What time is the 60th presidential inauguration ceremony?

The day kicks off with the opening ceremony, which takes place at 12 A.M.

Where are the Inauguration Day ceremonies held?

Inauguration Day events will be held on the west front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, according to Joint Congress Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).

Inauguration Day 2025 schedule

While the JCCIC has not yet released a schedule or the names of specific speakers, musical artists or other guests, they have laid out today’s big beats.

• President’s Room Signing Ceremony

• Presidential parade and reception

According to previous inaugurations, the day usually begins with a procession to the capital, where the outgoing president typically accompanies the president-elect, according to the JCCIC.

The vice president is then sworn in, followed by the president. This is the traditional ceremony where we often see the famous scene where the future officials place their hands on the Bible to take their vows. This is followed by the opening speech, where the newly elected address the country for the first time.

Then the former president and first lady make their honorary departure, which has been done by helicopter (weather permitting) since Gerald Ford’s departure in 1977.

The new president then goes to the President’s Room off the Senate Chamber in the US Capitol to take their first official actions. Accompanied by aides and members of Congress, they take this time to sign nominations, memoranda, proclamations, or executive orders.

Then the new president, vice president and guests will sit down to the traditional inaugural luncheon in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol. The luncheon program includes “speeches, gift presentations from the JCCIC and toasts to the new administration.”

When all this is done, the new president and vice president will go to the Capitol’s east front steps, where they will review military troops before leading a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, which will include a procession of ceremonial military regiments, citizens’ groups, marching bands and the Navy .

An inaugural ball is held later to further the festivities.

How to get tickets to the presidential inauguration?

According to USA.gov, tickets for inaugurations are limited and available by request only.

“Tickets are free and allow you to view the grounds of the US Capitol in person when the President and Vice President are sworn in on January 20, 2025,” That’s what USA.gov says.

“Tickets will be available from your members of Congress in the weeks leading up to the inauguration. Some members may begin accepting requests for tickets before then.

Each member of Congress will receive a limited allotment of tickets to share with constituents. To find and contact your members of Congress, use the search function on USA.gov.

Contributors: Lianna NormanUSA TODAY NETWORK; Fernando Cervantes Jr., Kinsey CrowleyUSA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What happens on Inauguration Day? Schedule of key events