NEW YORK (TIP): Mayor-elect Eric Adams announced Wednesday, December 29 afternoon that he will hold his swearing-in ceremony at the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, shortly after the stroke of midnight when the ball drops and rings in the new year.

“Times Square has long been synonymous with the New Year — a place of excitement, renewal, and hope for the future. These are the same themes that animated my campaign and will inform my mayoralty, as I prepare to lead the city out of this challenging period,” Adams said in a statement. “I am deeply humbled to officially take the oath of office at this iconic occasion, and to participate in the transfer of leadership that is a cornerstone of our democracy.” Adams will be sworn in by the city clerk and joined by his family members. Initially, Adams was scheduled to have a joint inauguration ceremony with City Comptroller-elect Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams at the King’s Theatre in Brooklyn on Saturday evening — a major break from traditional inaugurations held on the steps of City Hall. However, due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the political leaders agreed to postpone the event. Times Square Alliance President Tom Harris congratulated the mayor-elect for joining the iconic celebration.

“We are honored and thrilled that Mayor-elect Adams has chosen to be sworn in before the world in Times Square after the clock strikes midnight,” Harris said in a statement. “The New Year is a time to look forward to the future and we are looking forward to working with Mayor-elect Adams to continue the recovery of Times Square and the rest of our city.”