St. Patrick’s Day in New York City: A Celebration Like No Other
Greetings from the Big Green Apple! New York City is gearing up for another spectacular St. Patrick’s Day celebration, culminating in the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world on Monday, March 17, 2025. With over 150,000 marchers set to strut their stuff along Fifth Avenue and millions of spectators cheering them on, the city is ready to turn into a sea of green. Whether you’re a seasoned New Yorker or just visiting, there’s no shortage of ways to join in the festivities, from the iconic parade to themed bar crawls, family-friendly events, and unique cultural experiences.
The Parade: A Timeless Tradition
The St. Patrick’s Day parade is a cornerstone of New York City’s celebrations, and this year’s event promises to be just as vibrant as ever. The procession begins at 11 a.m. sharp on Monday, March 17, and will wrap up around 4:30 p.m. The parade route runs along Fifth Avenue, starting at 44th Street and ending at 79th Street. Spectators can line up early to secure a spot along the route, or tune in to WNBC or Cozi TV for live coverage. If you can’t make it in person, the live broadcast will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on WNBC and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Cozi TV.
The parade is a celebration of Irish heritage, featuring performances by marching bands, pipe and drum corps, and dignitaries like Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul. However, be prepared for some transit disruptions, as Fifth Avenue will be closed between 44th and 79th Streets during the parade. Driving in Midtown is not advisable, and subway and bus services along the route may also be affected.
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls: Celebrate with a Pint (or Two)
For those looking to toast the occasion with a pint of green beer (or a green margarita!), New York City has no shortage of options. One of the biggest and most popular events is the annual block party on Stone Street in the Financial District, hosted by local merchants. Running on both Saturday and Monday from noon to 10 p.m., this event promises green Jell-O shots, themed cocktails, and plenty of festive cheer.
If you prefer a more organized approach, companies like Blue Crawls, Barcrawlerz, and Bar Crawl Live are offering ticketed bar crawls across the city. You can find tickets and more information on Eventbrite.com. For a more DIY approach, Midtown and Hell’s Kitchen are packed with iconic Irish pubs like Langan’s and the historic Landmark Tavern, offering the perfect spots to craft your own bar crawl itinerary.
Exploring the Best Neighborhoods for St. Patrick’s Day
New York City’s neighborhoods are steeped in Irish history and culture, making them the perfect places to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day. One standout destination is Woodlawn Heights in the Bronx, which is home to some of the city’s most authentic Irish pubs and bars. Easily accessible via subway or Metro-North, this charming neighborhood is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the spirit of the Emerald Isle.
Just a short walk away, McLean Avenue in Yonkers offers even more options, including popular spots like Heritage Bar and Rory Dolan’s. Meanwhile, Queens’ Woodside and Sunnyside neighborhoods are home to friendly drinking dens and restaurants, most notably Donovan’s Pub, a local favorite for St. Patrick’s Day revelers.
Sober St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: Fun for Everyone
Not everyone wants to toast with Guinness, and New York City offers plenty of sober-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events. The Sober St. Patrick’s Day event at the Church of Our Saviour (59 Park Ave.) is a family-friendly celebration featuring music, dance, and readings, all capped off with a buffet dinner for $37.50. Another great option is the “40 Shades of Green” event at the New York Irish Center in Long Island City, which promises six hours of non-stop live music and dance from both sides of the Atlantic. Tickets are $39, and the event runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Other Activities to Explore: History, Culture, and More
Beyond the parade and bar crawls, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New York City. For history buffs, the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral on Mulberry Street offers a unique candlelit tour of its subterranean catacombs. This historic site, the final resting place of many notable New Yorkers, takes on special significance during St. Patrick’s Day. Tickets for the tour are $38, and it’s a hauntingly beautiful way to explore the city’s Irish heritage.
For those looking to honor the holiday in a more traditional way, St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue will host an 8:30 a.m. mass before the parade begins. Tickets are required, so be sure to plan ahead. Finally, no trip to NYC during St. Patrick’s Day would be complete without a visit to the famous “Green House” in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. This festive home, located at 635 79th St., is a beloved local landmark that goes all out for the holiday, drawing crowds and photo ops galore.
From the grand parade to cozy pubs, cultural events, and family-friendly activities, St. Patrick’s Day in New York City is a celebration unlike any other. Whether you’re Irish or just Irish for the day, there’s no shortage of ways to join in the fun and make unforgettable memories in the city that never sleeps. Sláinte!
