WASHINGTON — Vice President-elect Mike Pence heralded inauguration eve as “a momentous day before a historic day” in a surprise appearance at a press briefing Thursday.

“Wrapping up this transition on schedule and under budget,” Pence bragged, claiming the transition team would return 20 percent of the taxpayer-funded budget to the federal government.

Pence claimed the transition had made great strides — and would be ready on “day one” to govern. He also noted that all cabinet officials have been named by President-elect Donald Trump to their positions.

“We look forward to seeing you tomorrow. It’s going to be a very humbling and moving day,” he said.

Despite Pence’s brief opening remarks, the press conference — the transition team’s first on-camera briefing, save Trump’s own last week at Trump Tower — served mainly as a prep session for incoming White House press secretary Sean Spicer.

Spicer previewed Friday’s inaugural address, saying it will be “less of an agenda and more of a philosophical document” laying out Trump’s guiding view.

He also announced 50 Obama appointees have been asked to stay on and serve in the Trump administration.

Spicer blasted Senate Democrats, particularly Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), for holding up cabinet appointees on Capitol Hill.

Spicer also defended Trump’s Wednesday night visit to his own Washington hotel, where he stopped by briefly for dinner.

“He’s going to his own hotel? I think that’s pretty smart,” said Spicer, who was asked about Trump’s business interests colliding with his coming governmental duties.

“It’s a stunning hotel. I encourage you to go there if you haven’t been,” he said.