In a symbolic journey through New York City's rich history, Zohran Mamdani is set to become the city's first Muslim mayor with an extraordinary swearing-in ceremony that bridges past and present. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve 2025, Mamdani will take his initial oath of office in the legendary, decommissioned City Hall subway station - a location steeped in urban mythology and architectural wonder.

The ceremonial moment will be deeply personal and profoundly public, with two distinct swearing-in events planned. The first, a private family gathering in the historic underground station, will feature New York Attorney General Letitia James administering the oath. Mamdani will make history by placing his hand on Qurans, becoming the first New York City mayor to use Islam's holy text during his inauguration.

Later on New Year's Day, a more expansive public ceremony will unfold on the steps of City Hall, with political luminaries Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez playing prominent roles. Sanders will administer the afternoon oath, while Ocasio-Cortez will deliver opening remarks, underscoring Mamdani's connections to progressive political movements.

The public celebration will transform Broadway into a vibrant block party, with Mamdani's team anticipating thousands of attendees. Performances, music, and interfaith elements will characterize the event, reflecting the incoming mayor's commitment to cultural diversity and community engagement. His inaugural committee - an eclectic group including actor John Turturro, playwright Cole Escola, and writer Colson Whitehead - has carefully crafted an inclusive celebration.

Mamdani's choice of the old City Hall subway station carries deep symbolic significance. The location, designed as the flagship station of New York's first subway line but decommissioned in 1945, represents an era of ambitious infrastructure and public investment. By selecting this site, Mamdani signals his administration's commitment to "the working people who keep our city running every day," according to his office.

Interestingly, Mamdani's election has also revealed a fascinating historical footnote. City archivists have determined that he will actually be the 112th mayor of New York, not the 111th as previously believed, due to an overlooked 17th-century mayor who served two non-consecutive terms.

As he prepares to take office, Mamdani has been diligently preparing his incoming government, making key appointments in the final hours before his swearing-in. His historic election represents not just a personal milestone, but a significant moment of representation and potential transformation for New York City.