30.12.2025 21:10
New York's elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will begin his term on January 1, 2026, with an unconventional ceremony. Mamdani will take his oath in a special and private event held at a long-closed subway station located beneath City Hall Park, shortly after midnight.
New Year's in New York will witness an unconventional swearing-in ceremony. The city's elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will officially begin his term immediately after midnight on January 1, 2026, at a historic subway station located beneath City Hall Park that has been closed for years.
The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Old City Hall subway station, which hosted New York's first subway line. During the ceremony, Mamdani will take his oath from New York Attorney General Letitia James.
CLOSED STATION TO THE PUBLIC
In a statement regarding the choice of this symbolic location, Mamdani expressed that he wanted to emphasize New York's history and the city's past built on great ideals. He stated that he has taken on the responsibility of leading millions of New Yorkers into a "new era of opportunities" in the new year.
The station, which opened in 1904 and was closed to passenger use in 1945, is currently only used as a turnaround point for the 6 train and is not open to the public.
MEETING THE PUBLIC ON THE SAME DAY
After the private ceremony, Mamdani will meet the public at a large outdoor event to be held around City Hall Park. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the event.
OFFICIAL CEREMONY ON THURSDAY
Mamdani's public official swearing-in ceremony will take place on Thursday in front of City Hall. During this ceremony, the oath will be administered by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Officials have warned that temperatures on the day of the event could drop below freezing.