Midtown Manhattan in New York City will witness a historic inauguration ceremony on Thursday, January 1, 2026, as mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is sworn into office in what is being described as the beginning of a “new era” for the largest city in the United States. The event will feature a large open-street celebration (Block Party) stretching across seven blocks of Broadway, between Liberty Street and Murray Street, near New York City Hall.
The event will be open to the public starting at 11:00 a.m. (New York time), with the official swearing-in ceremony scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. on the steps of City Hall. Mamdani will take the constitutional oath in the presence of elected officials and thousands of residents. The ceremony will also be broadcast on giant outdoor screens set up along the street.
Massive Public Participation
Mamdani’s transition committee expects more than 40,000 people to attend the street celebration, in addition to approximately 4,000 invited guests seated in the designated area in front of City Hall. This marks an unprecedented scale and level of public engagement for a New York City mayoral inauguration.
The program will include musical performances, artistic presentations, and interfaith segments, along with speeches by Mamdani and other officials, including New York City Comptroller-elect Mark Levine and Public Advocate and civil rights activist Jumaane Williams.
Political and Historical Significance
Zohran Mamdani has drawn widespread attention in the United States and internationally as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, and the first mayor of South Asian and African descent. His election followed a grassroots campaign powered by an estimated 100,000 volunteers.
Mamdani has framed the inauguration as “a celebration of the movement that made this victory possible and the mandate given by voters,” emphasizing that workers and working-class New Yorkers will be at the center of his agenda. His policy priorities include affordable housing, public transportation, and social justice.
How to Attend and Register
The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration (RSVP) is required through the official Transition 2025 website. Attendees are asked to complete a short online form at:transition2025.com/inauguration
Participants should keep the confirmation email they receive after registering.
Organizers recommend arriving at the main entrance at Liberty Street and Broadway between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to secure a good viewing spot near the stage and screens. An accessible entrance for people with disabilities will be available at Barclay Street and Broadway.
Security and Transportation Arrangements
The area surrounding New York City Hall will experience road closures, including sections of Broadway and nearby side streets. Parking and vehicle access will be restricted throughout the event. Some nearby subway lines will operate on modified schedules, and attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transportation and arrive early.
The inauguration comes amid local and international anticipation regarding the performance of the new city administration, as New York City continues to be seen as a testing ground for urban policy in the United States—particularly on housing, immigration, and relations with the Trump administration in Washington.