A look at some of the cities with the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations where they have a blast celebrating their Irish heritage.
What time is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City? Other U.S. cities with Paddy’s Day celebrations
Over six million Irish immigrants have made the United States home since 1820. As one of the largest ethnic groups, their contribution to the country’s history cannot be understated. On March 17, the country will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, which in cities with large Irish diasporas attack hundreds of thousands of spectators. The evolution of the holiday is due to immigrants from Ireland who arrived in the United States. According to theories, the cities with the highest number of Irish immigrants used to be the ones that often exercised political power, so large celebrations were organized to celebrate their origins, among them the holding of large parades.
Saint Patrick’s Day began as a purely religious holiday in Ireland in 1631. At that time, the main objective was to commemorate the death of St. Patrick. However, today, the celebration stands out for the explosion of green seen across major cities and orchestrating immense parades.
Heading to New York City for St. Patrick’s Day? Good idea.
Parade lovers rejoice as the Big Apple is home to the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The city hosted its first parade in 1762. Typically, around two million people come out to watch some 150,000 people march up Fifth Avenue. This year, the parade will be held on Tuesday, March 17, and the festivities will begin around 11 a.m. ET.
Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day
One of the most famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is in Chicago. Eleven percent of the state’s residents are of Irish descent, leading many Chicago congregations to celebrate together.
One of the main attractions hosted by the city is the dying of the river, which occurs each year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. This year that was Saturday, March 14, three days before the holiday.
PHOTOS: Chicago's 'rite of passage': Crowds flock early Saturday to watch river turn emerald green pic.twitter.com/qoGIqKhNyo
— Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere (@TylerLaRiviere) March 14, 2026
Looking for a parade? One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades occurs in Chicago, which was held on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
The most Irish city in the US, Boston
Known as the most Irish city in the United States, more than a fifth of Boston’s residents are of Irish descent, and that is reflected in their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston was held on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Annual reminder the St Patrick's Day parade in New York and Boston will be more Irish than the one in Dublin. Waaay more Irish.#StPatricksDay
— 243Cal 🇮🇪 (@243_cal) March 17, 2026
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