WASHINGTON (AP) — While most Americans will catch glimpses of President Barack Obama's second inauguration festivities from their living room TVs or on the Internet, a privileged set of celebrities and special interests will get up close — in exclusive soirees just blocks from the ceremonies.

The parties are a January tradition, where high-powered lobbying shops and law firms open up their offices for clients, legislators and government officials, affording opportunities to renew ties and lay the groundwork for lobbying and deal-making. The gatherings in Pennsylvania Avenue suites offer unrivaled peeks from the balcony as the commander in chief's caravan rolls by, supplemented by high-priced hotel rooms, gala balls and invitation-only parties.

As the A-listers streamed in Monday, Washington's political world braced for a scaled-back version of the festivities of four years ago, when more than 1.5 million people packed the National Mall. Lobbying shops got fewer ticket requests from corporate clients and office parties shrank to appeal to smaller crowds.