US president-elect Donald Trump will move back into the White House on January 20 after an inauguration ceremony officially making him the country’s 47th president.

Trump’s election win over Kamala Harris was certified on January 6, and inauguration day is the final step before the former real estate mogul and reality TV star commences his second term in office.

The inauguration will include a formal swearing-in ceremony as well as musical performances, a celebratory parade and a number of formal balls.

What is inauguration?

The inauguration is the formal ceremony that marks the end of one president’s term of office and the start of their successor’s administration.

The ceremony is the most high-profile part of the transition of power between US leaders.

A key part of the inauguration involves the incoming president reciting the oath of office:

“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Vice-president elect JD Vance will also take an oath of office before he formally assumes his role.

What’s planned for inauguration day?

Trump’s second inauguration day will begin with a service at the historic Washington DC church St John’s Church on Lafayette Square. The service will be followed by tea at the White House.

Musical performances and opening remarks are scheduled to begin on the main event stage from 9.30am local time (1.30am AEDT) on the West Lawn of the US Capitol building.

The performances will be followed by the swearing-in of the president and vice president, and an inaugural address in which Trump will set out his goals for the next four years.

Trump will then make his way to the President’s Room of the Capitol building to sign key documents.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will host the new president at a formal lunch, followed by a parade from the Capitol building to the White House via Pennsylvania Avenue.

Trump will appear at three inaugural balls across Washington DC that evening – the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball.

Who will attend?

All living former US presidents will attend, including outgoing leader Joe Biden, Barack Obama and George Bush.

Democratic presidential candidate and outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris is also expected to be there, while former first lady Michelle Obama has said she will be unable to make it.

Australia will be represented at the inauguration by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd.

Most world leaders will not attend the event, instead represented by ambassadors or foreign ministers. 

Obama and Trump appeared to share a joke last week at Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Photo: AAP

A series of right-wing world leaders have been invited, including  Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentinian President Javier Milei, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and Hungarian President Viktor Orban.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has also been invited, but will need to ask permission to leave his home country after his passport was seized over his alleged role in an attempted coup.

Chinese Premier Xi Jinping was also invited but is not expected to attend.

Local and federal officials are expecting about 200,000 people to show up in Washington DC. Trump supporters and protesters could be among them.

Many US senators and House members also will attend, as well as guests of the incoming administration.

Who will perform?

Country singer and former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood will perform America the Beautiful during the ceremony.

“I love our country and am honoured to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said.

“I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

Lee Greenwood – a country singer and long-time friend of Trump – will also perform at the inauguration, as well as American opera singer Christopher Macchio.

Disco group The Village People will perform at Trump’s victory rally on Sunday and at one of the inaugural balls Monday.

Trump frequently played Village People songs YMCA and Macho Man at his rallies.

“We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear. However, we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics,” the band said on its Facebook page.

“Our song YMCA is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost,” it said.

Other performers scheduled for Trump’s Sunday rally and post inauguration balls include Kid Rock and country stars Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts and Gavin DeGraw.