NYC Rings in 2026: Double Ball Drop, New Mayor Mamdani, and Snow Cleanup Plans – Don’t Miss Out

Published on January 1, 2026

By: Paramita Sarkar

New York City is ushering in the year 2026 with a momentous transition, thanks to a series of exciting events and essential sanitation operations. According to official announcements from the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY), America250, and the Mayor’s Office, NYC residents and visitors will experience a historic New Year’s Eve like no other. From a Double Ball Drop to the inauguration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s New Year celebrations are poised to make history.

1. Historic “Double Ball Drop” & Cleanup for NYC’s Semiquincentennial Celebration

To mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, NYC’s iconic Times Square will host two ceremonial moments as part of the Semiquincentennial Kickoff. At midnight on December 31, 2025, the traditional ball drop will take place, signaling the arrival of the new year. But the festivities won’t stop there – a second ball drop will occur just after midnight at 12:04 AM on January 1, 2026, to celebrate the America250 milestone. During this second drop, the ball will be lit in a patriotic red, white, and blue design, soaring above the “2026” numerals, accompanied by the release of 2,000 pounds of confetti and a performance of “America the Beautiful.”

In preparation for this massive celebration, DSNY has deployed 345 personnel, collectively known as “New York’s Strongest,” to Times Square. Their mission is clear: to clear the massive amounts of confetti and debris that will accumulate following the event. These dedicated sanitation workers are expected to ensure that Times Square is clean and presentable by the morning of January 1, 2026.

2. Winter Operations Advisory and Snow Cleanup Plans

As the forecast for New Year’s Eve includes snow flurries extending into January 1, DSNY has issued a Winter Operations Advisory starting at 4:00 PM on December 31. Snowfall is expected to begin on New Year’s Eve, with the potential for snow showers to continue into the first day of 2026. To ensure the safety of residents, DSNY has prepared its fleet of salt spreaders to pre-treat roadways in anticipation of icy conditions.

In light of the inclement weather, DSNY will also be implementing 12-hour shifts for sanitation workers to provide constant coverage and maintain effective snow-clearing operations. Given the volume of snow removal required and the celebrations in Times Square, residents are advised to stay informed about potential delays in services and to exercise patience during this time.

3. Mayor Zohran Mamdani Takes Office: Inaugural Events and Sanitation Support

A new chapter in NYC’s political history is beginning with the inauguration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The newly elected mayor took a private oath at the historic, decommissioned City Hall subway station at midnight on January 1. Later that afternoon, at 1:00 PM, a public inauguration and block party will take place on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.

As part of the city’s efforts to ensure a smooth transition into the new administration, DSNY teams will be stationed in Lower Manhattan to handle the cleanup after the inauguration ceremony and the surrounding block party festivities. Sanitation workers will work diligently to keep the area clean for attendees and city residents.

4. New Year’s Day Collection Schedule: What to Expect

In line with the city’s celebration of the new year, there will be no trash, curbside composting, or recycling collection on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Residents should refrain from setting out their waste on Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Instead, they are advised to set their materials at the curb on Thursday evening for collection starting on Friday, January 2.

DSNY has issued a reminder that delays in the regular trash collection schedule may occur due to the holiday backlog combined with snow clearing efforts. As always, residents are encouraged to be patient and to follow the collection instructions to ensure a smooth service.

5. Keeping NYC Clean and Safe During Historic Celebrations

The combination of NYC’s historic double ball drop, the swearing-in of a new mayor, and the snowstorm that may impact the city means that sanitation efforts are more critical than ever. DSNY’s comprehensive approach to this year’s celebrations and operations highlights the city’s commitment to keeping Times Square and other key locations clean and safe during this busy period.

New Yorkers can rest assured that “New York’s Strongest” are on duty and working tirelessly to maintain cleanliness in the city. Whether you’re heading out to watch the historic celebrations or staying at home, the ongoing efforts of DSNY ensure that the city’s streets and public spaces are ready to welcome 2026 with a clean slate.

As the city transitions into the new year, the collaboration between city agencies, sanitation workers, and local residents will be essential to keeping NYC’s streets clean, safe, and ready for another exciting year. Whether you’re joining the festivities or watching from home, NYC’s transition into 2026 is sure to be a historic occasion!