New York City will welcome a new leader as the calendar turns to 2026, with Democrat Zohran Mamdani set to become mayor in a series of unique inaugural events planned for New Year's Day.
A Dual Celebration for a New Era
The incoming mayor's team has organized two separate swearing-in ceremonies for Thursday, January 1, 2026, continuing a city tradition. The first will be an intimate, private affair with his family held just after midnight in the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station. This will be followed by a large public ceremony and block party in the afternoon outside City Hall.
This two-part approach mirrors the custom of recent mayors. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams took his initial oath in Times Square following the famous ball drop, while his predecessor, Bill de Blasio, was first sworn in at his Brooklyn home.
Symbolism in the Subway
Mamdani's choice of the Old City Hall station for the midnight ceremony is deeply symbolic. The station, a flagship of the city's original 1904 subway line famed for its tiled arches and vaulted ceilings, closed in 1945. Today, it is largely hidden from public view, accessible only on historical tours or by remaining on the downtown 6 train as it turns around.
In a statement, Mamdani's office said the location reflects his "commitment to the working people who keep our city running every day." The mayor-elect elaborated, calling the station a monument to a city that dared to build beautiful, transformative public works. "That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past," Mamdani said, promising it would guide his administration.
Administering this first oath will be New York Attorney General Letitia James, a noted political ally and prominent legal adversary of former President Donald Trump.
A Public Party with Political Stars
The celebrations will shift into full public view on Thursday afternoon with a second swearing-in on the steps of City Hall. This ceremony carries significant political weight, as the oath will be administered by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, whom Mamdani considers a political hero.
The event is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., with opening remarks from U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another key ally from New York. The public is invited to a massive block party along Broadway leading to City Hall, featuring performances, music, and interfaith elements, with thousands expected to attend.
Mamdani's transition has been guided by an eclectic inaugural committee that includes actor John Turturro, playwright Cole Escola, and writer Colson Whitehead, alongside advocates, small business owners, and campaign workers.
As the clock strikes midnight, Zohran Mamdani's historic term will begin, marking the start of a new chapter for New York City from the depths of its iconic transit system to the heart of its civic power.
