Private ceremony at abandoned subway station at midnight, followed by historic public inauguration with Bernie Sanders at 1 p.m.
Zohran Mamdani’s path to the mayoralty culminates in two distinct swearing-in ceremonies on January 1, reflecting his vision of an inclusive, publicly engaged administration. The first, at midnight, will be a private affair at the historic Old City Hall subway station with family and Attorney General Letitia James. The second, beginning at 1 p.m., will be a sprawling public celebration featuring Senator Bernie Sanders and an expansive block party in the Canyon of Heroes. Together, these ceremonies mark a significant departure from traditional mayoral inaugurations.
The Midnight Moment Underground
The private ceremony at Old City Hall station represents a quiet, reflective moment before the public demands of the office begin in earnest. Attorney General James will administer the oath, making the transfer of power official as the New Year arrives. Mamdani has emphasized that this location was chosen specifically for its historical significance. The station operated from 1904 until 1945, when it served as one of the original 28 stations on the newly constructed subway system. Its architectural beauty and the bold public vision that created the entire system make it an appropriate setting for Mamdani’s vision of government.
Public Ceremony at City Hall
Later that day, thousands of New Yorkers will gather on the steps of City Hall as Senator Bernie Sanders administers the oath for the second time. Sanders, a Brooklyn native and longtime progressive political figure, represents the ideological framework that has shaped Mamdani’s campaign. The connection between Mamdani and Sanders runs deep, as both have advocated for working-class politics and bold public investment.
The Canyon of Heroes Block Party
Following the City Hall ceremony, a public block party will unfold in the historic Canyon of Heroes, the same location where countless ticker-tape parades have celebrated New York’s heroes and achievements. This year, the space will celebrate the inauguration of a new mayor and the beginning of what organizers are calling the “Inauguration of a New Era.” Unlike previous mayoral inaugurations, which were limited to about 4,000 ticketed guests in City Hall Plaza, this event is designed for broad public participation. The block party will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., allowing New Yorkers from all walks of life to participate.
Public Access and Registration
Unlike exclusive, invite-only inaugural events of the past, Mamdani’s team has made participation available to any New Yorker willing to register in advance. The transition team website provides information on how to register for both the in-person block party and livestream viewing of the City Hall ceremony. This approach aligns with Mamdani’s campaign message of making government more accessible and accountable to working New Yorkers.
Symbols and Messaging
The timing and location of both ceremonies carry symbolic weight. The midnight moment at Old City Hall connects Mamdani’s vision to the Progressive Era when the subway was built. The daytime public ceremony ensures millions of New Yorkers can participate in witnessing their new mayor take office. The involvement of Senator Sanders sends a clear message about the ideological direction of the administration.
Looking Forward
For those interested in the detailed logistics and registration, the official Luma Events registration site contains all necessary information. Additional details on transit access and viewing areas are available through the official transition team website. For information on the historic City Hall location itself, the NYC Parks department offers historical context. More on the significance of the Canyon of Heroes can be found through NYC Planning resources on the city’s ceremonial route. The two-ceremony approach reflects a mayor elected on a platform of bringing government closer to ordinary New Yorkers while honoring the city’s history of bold public achievement.
