Who can attend the inauguration of Mayor Bill de Blasio?

UPDATE December 26, 2013: Claim a ticket for the inauguration, but act fast — just 1,000 on offer.

It’s shaping up to be the hottest New Year’s party in town — and it it won’t be watching the ball drop.

On January 1, New York City’s new mayor, Bill de Blasio; comptroller, Scott Stringer; and public advocate, Letitia James, will be sworn in on the steps of City Hall. And for the first time in recent memory, members of the public will be able to attend.

But you’ll have to be patient, because the inaugural committee for mayor-elect Bill de Blasio has not yet specified how to obtain tickets and how many will be available to members of the general public. But the committee is promising “unprecedented access for the people of NYC.”

Some lucky New Yorkers — such as Democratic party leaders — have already received an invitation in the mail.

Besides access to the ceremony, Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray, will greet attendees immediately following the inaugural ceremony. On January 5, the de Blasios are opening up Gracie Mansion, their future home, to members of the public.

It’s not the first time de Blasio has included the public in his celebrations. On election night, the de Blasio campaign opened up the Park Slope Armory to several thousand New Yorkers.

Four years ago, de Blasio stood on the same steps and promised to scrutinize Mayor Michael Bloomberg, when he was inaugurated as public advocate and Bloomberg took the oath of office for the third time. Bloomberg visited non-profit groups in the outer boroughs before and after his inaugural ceremony in 2010.

De Blasio raised money to pay for the inauguration during a recent $4,500-a-plate dinner.

“You have to pay for these things,” de Blasio said at a press conference announcing his new health and human services commissioner last week. “We did have to put together resources for the transition effort. I think we have done it the right way.”

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