By: Mario Mancini

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani unveiled plans Sunday for his New Year’s Day inauguration, promising an event unlike any recent swearing-in in New York City, as amNY reported.

The festivities will combine the traditional City Hall ceremony with a massive public block party along the iconic Canyon of Heroes, stretching from Liberty to Murray Streets. While 4,000 ticketed guests will attend the formal swearing-in on the City Hall steps, the block party is open to tens of thousands of New Yorkers who register through Mamdani’s transition website at transition2025.com/inauguration, amNY noted.

The Canyon of Heroes has historically celebrated championship teams and notable figures with ticker-tape parades, and Mamdani’s team said the block party aims to allow as many residents as possible “to take part in ushering in a new era for New York City.”

“This inauguration is a celebration of the movement we built, the mandate we won, and the city we are prepared to lead,” Mamdani said in a statement, per amNY. “Working New Yorkers are at the heart of our agenda, and we invite them to join us as we welcome this new era of politics to City Hall.”

The official ceremony kicks off at 1 p.m. on Jan. 1, during which Mamdani will be formally installed as the city’s 111th mayor. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and City Comptroller-elect Mark Levine will also be sworn in during the event, amNY reported.

The program promises a mix of music, live performances, interfaith elements, and remarks from all three officials, creating a festive atmosphere designed to engage a wide spectrum of the city’s residents. amNY noted that the transition team emphasized the inclusion of cultural and civic elements to reflect the diverse communities of New York City.

Attendance requires prior RSVP on the transition website. Guests are advised to arrive between 11 a.m. and noon to secure optimal viewing locations. The primary entrance is at Liberty Street and Broadway, while ADA-accessible entry is available at Barclay Street and Broadway, according to amNY.

While the block party will provide a lively public space, there will be no food sales on-site due to safety concerns. Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks or patronize nearby shops. For security reasons, strollers, coolers, chairs, blankets, umbrellas, and portable bathrooms will not be permitted, amNY reported.

The event marks a departure from typical inaugurations by emphasizing public access and interaction, signaling Mamdani’s intention to center his administration around community engagement. The combination of formal swearing-in and open-air festivities along one of Manhattan’s most historic parade routes is expected to draw unprecedented crowds, setting the tone for the mayor-elect’s approach to governance.