Comprehensive guide to attending January 1 swearing-in ceremonies, registration details, and public viewing areas along Broadway
New Yorkers planning to participate in Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration have multiple options for witnessing this historic moment, though advance registration is required for most in-person viewing. The ceremonies will span from just before midnight on December 31 through mid-afternoon on January 1, with both private and public elements reflecting Mamdani’s commitment to accessible governance.
The Timeline of Ceremonies
The official swearing-in occurs just before midnight on January 1 at the Old City Hall subway station in Lower Manhattan, a private ceremony with family and Attorney General Letitia James. Later that morning, public events will begin with the City Hall ceremony scheduled for 1 p.m. on the steps of City Hall. Spectators are encouraged to arrive between 11 a.m. and noon for optimal viewing positions. The block party in the Canyon of Heroes will run from approximately 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving New Yorkers a full afternoon to celebrate.
Where to Watch: Key Locations
Those attending in person should plan to position themselves at one of two primary viewing areas: Liberty Street and Church Street, or Liberty Street and Nassau Street. These locations offer clear sightlines to the City Hall steps where the ceremony will occur. Additional viewing opportunities will be available at a separate block party near City Hall Plaza itself, which will feature large jumbotrons for live viewing.
The Old City Hall Station Context
The Long-abandoned Old City Hall subway station sits beneath City Hall Park, just south of the current Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station on the 6 line. While this location is not open to the general public (it is reserved for the private midnight ceremony), the New York Transit Museum offers guided tours for those interested in viewing the historic station. The public can also glimpse it by riding the downtown 6 train and observing it through windows as the train loops through the station before heading back uptown.
Registration Requirements
New Yorkers must register online in advance to attend either the in-person block party or to receive a livestream link for remote viewing. Registration covers entire households rather than individuals, making it more accessible for families. The registration process is straightforward and available through the official inauguration website. For those unable to attend in person, a free livestream will provide complete coverage of the City Hall ceremony.
What to Expect
The public inauguration will feature formal remarks, musical performances, and opportunities for celebration throughout the afternoon. Senator Bernie Sanders will administer the oath at the City Hall ceremony, followed by what the transition team is calling an “Inauguration of a New Era” with various speakers and entertainers. The atmosphere is expected to be festive yet respectful of the historical significance of the event.
Transit and Practical Information
Attendees should plan to use public transportation, as parking will be limited in Lower Manhattan. The MTA subway system will be the primary way most people access the viewing areas. Advance planning for transit is advised given the expected crowds.
Official Resources for Complete Details
For comprehensive information on registration and logistics, the Luma Events registration site contains all registration links and details. The official transition team website provides official announcements and ceremony details. Information about the historic Old City Hall station and its significance is available through the New York Transit Museum’s dedicated webpage. For transit planning and schedules, the MTA’s official website provides real-time service information and trip planning tools. The inaugural celebrations represent an unprecedented effort to make a major city ceremonial event accessible to the broadest possible public audience, reflecting Mamdani’s governing philosophy.
