Donald Trump is given a presidential-style salute as he arrives in Washington

Donald Trump and his family hit the ground running in Washington DC, busying themselves with an array of events and appearances ahead of Trump's swearing in on Friday afternoon.

The family arrived in nation's capitol shortly after noon on Thursday, before making their way to the family's eponymous hotel in the district.

Then, after a brief appearance at a luncheon, it was off to Arlington National Cemetery, where Trump had the honor of laying the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns to remember the nation's fallen soldiers.

He was joined for that monumental event by his wife Melania and most of his family.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner attended with their oldest daughter Arabella; Donald Trump Jr and wife Vanessa attended with son Donald III and daughter Kai; Eric Trump attended with wife Lara; and Tiffany Trump attended with her boyfriend Ross Mechanic, who did not stand with the family during the ceremony.

Trump's son Barron did not attend the ceremony.

Upon landing in DC on Thursday, the president-elect's family exited the plane first after landing at Joint Base Andrews, with Donald's son Barron hesitantly leading the way.

Donald's 10-year-old son was then followed by Donald Jr. and his wife Vanessa with their five children. Eric Trump exited next with his wife Lara.

The Donald's two oldest sons are only down for the weekend before they head back to New York City and get to work running the Trump organisation whole their father is in office.