St. Patrick’s Day in New York 2026

St. Patrick’s Day in New York is an especially big holiday for the Irish-American community. Celebrations always include the colour green, lots of food and drinks and a big parade. Every year, St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17th. This day commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. But in most countries, people celebrate the Irish culture.

What to do on St. Patrick’s Day

On St. Patrick’s Day, the city becomes one big party, including a lot of beer and food. Even Americans who do not have Irish roots, party along. Everyone dresses in green and there’s a tradition that those who are not, will get pinched, affectionately! The drinks are coloured green, sometimes even the food is coloured green. So don’t miss out on the green bagels and green beer! Also, the Empire State Building is illuminated in green on the evening of St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The largest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world takes place in New York. This parade is always on March 17th, except when March 17th falls on a Sunday, then the parade is on the Saturday prior. It starts at 11:00 and finishes around 17:00. The parade happens around St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.

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Eric’s Tip: “The parade is quite long. I usually watch it around Fifth Avenue and 57th Street where it is nice and busy! If you move further uptown it gets quieter.”

Have a green beer!

If you are looking for a place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a few pints of Guinness, head to the Murray Hill area on the east side of Manhattan. Here there are a number of Irish bars within walking distance from each other. If you need a good meal in between, this area is also well known for its abundance of Indian restaurants. Or go to, for example, McSorley’s Old Ale House, Fitzgerald’s, and Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar. Another option for getting an Irish beer is McCarthy’s Pub.

St. Patrick’s Day Cruise

Combine celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with sightseeing in New York! During this special party cruise on St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy this two-hour open bar cruise with beautiful views of Manhattan. As an Irish touch during this cruise, you can sample special St. Patrick’s Day food and drinks, such as green beer, celebrating your day in true St. Paddy’s day style.

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What is St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is the day that the Irish patron saint St. Patrick is remembered. Although it is officially a Catholic holiday, for many it is a celebration of Irish culture.

What can you expect during St. Patrick’s Day in New York?

St. Patrick’s Day is not an official holiday, the shops will be open as usual and the trains run on their regular schedule.

Even hours after the parade has ended, there are people hanging out in the streets, and there will be plenty of rubbish from the party earlier in the day. People hang out around the cafes on Second Avenue. Expect some parade revellers to still be partying hours after it has ended. Many of the bars on the Upper East Side will be packed until closing time, so expect a wild and busy night, if you go out on St. Patrick’s Day!