St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Search inspiration

A sea of green hats fills the crowd at a St. Patrick’s Day parade.

From green rivers to vibrant parades, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world showcase the enduring spirit of Irish heritage. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

St. Patrick’s Day around the world

Micayla ShevlinMarch 10, 2025

Ireland is the homeland of St. Patrick’s Day, yet the holiday has grown far beyond the country’s borders. From dyeing rivers to freedom runs, these cities prove that no matter where you are, everyone’s a little Irish on March 17th.

Boston, Massachusetts

An Irish flag with a shamrock in the center waves in the wind against a brick building.
Pints, parades, and plenty of Irish pride—visit Boston, the birthplace of St. Patrick’s Day in America, and celebrate with the Southie Parade and a pint at The Black Rose. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Boston: the birthplace of St. Patrick’s Day in America and host of the first recorded celebration in 1737. Today, nearly 20% of Bostonians claim Irish ancestry. The South Boston Parade winds through the historic “Southie” neighborhood, a massive display of colorful floats and Irish bands. Live music fills pubs like The Black Rose or The Burren, where celebrations rage all day.

Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Boston.

Ise, Japan

Ise Grand Shrine shrouded in morning fog, with torii gates and lush greenery.
St. Patrick’s Day in Ise blends Irish spirit with Japanese tradition, set against the stunning backdrop of the historic shrine. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

The southwest coastal city blends Irish traditions with Japanese culture for a unique St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The annual Ise St. Patrick’s Day Parade is rooted in the country’s small but passionate Irish community. Backdropped by the historic Ise Shrine, the parade features Irish dancers, bagpipers and green-clad locals, creating a bridge between the two nations.

Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Ise via Nagoya.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Argentina’s Irish population is small but mighty, and Buenos Aires celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with South America’s largest Irish festival in the Retiro neighborhood. The streets come alive with music, dancing and Guinness-filled revelry. The Kilkenny Pub is a must-stop for locals and visitors. Argentina’s unique Irish-Latin fusion makes this one of the most culturally rich celebrations outside Ireland.

Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Buenos Aires.

Chicago, Illinois

A boat cruises through the green-dyed Chicago River.
Chicago paints the town green (literally!) with a dyed river, epic parades, and Irish pubs buzzing with St. Patrick’s Day energy. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is legendary, anchored by its world-famous tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green—a practice that began in 1962. The downtown parade dazzles with bagpipers and floats, while the family-friendly South Side Irish Parade celebrates Chicago’s deep Irish roots. Visitors can explore Irish culture through exhibits and performances at the Irish American Heritage Center before heading to iconic pubs like Chief O’Neill’s.

Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Chicago.

Brussels, Belgium

Close-up of bagpipers' feet in formation during a parade, clad in traditional footwear and kilts.
St. Patrick’s Day in Brussels means bagpipes, parades, and a well-earned Guinness (or two) at Celtica. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Brussels’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade reflects Ireland’s strong ties to Belgium, forged during World War I when Irish units fought alongside Belgian forces. The parade winds through the streets and is led by the Brussels Caledonian Corneymusers pipe band. Monuments like the Grand Place light up in green and Irish pubs like Celtica have Guinness flowing.

Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Brussels.

Montserrat, West Indies

Montserrat is the only place outside of Ireland where St. Patrick’s Day is a public holiday. The 10-day-long festival blends Irish and Afro-Caribbean traditions. Parades, live music and dishes like goat water stew make the celebrations uniquely Montserratian. The freedom run and masquerade dancing commemorate slave history and an uprising that occurred there on St. Patrick’s Day in 1768, adding a powerful layer to this celebration.

Sydney, Australia

View of George Street in The Rocks, Sydney’s historic district, with the Harbour Bridge towering in the background.
From parades in The Rocks to pints at The Mercantile, Sydney knows how to throw an Irish celebration down under. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Sydney’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival is a nod to the Irish convicts and settlers who arrived in Australia during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Rocks district hosts a parade and markets, with Irish dancing, face-painting, food stalls and more. Landmarks like the Sydney Opera House have previously gone green, and pubs like The Mercantile Hotel, the oldest Irish pub in Australia, offer live music and drink specials.

Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Sydney.

Padua, Italy

Padua cityscape featuring statues along a small canal in Prato della Valle, with colorful buildings in the background.
Honoring St. Patrick’s ties to Rome, Padua’s Irlanda in Festa fills Prato della Valle with Irish music and dance, while Bloody Murphy’s keeps the Guinness flowing. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

St. Patrick’s Roman lineage and Christian ties resonate in Italy, inspiring celebrations like Irlanda in Festa in Padua. Held in Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest public squares, the festival fills the city with Irish music, dance, and culture. Concerts and themed events highlight Italy’s growing connection to Irish heritage, while Bloody Murphy’s offers the perfect spot to toast with a Guinness.

Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Padua via Venice.

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day tradition dates back to 1873 when Irish immigrants settled in the area for work. The city’s main parade, held in Midtown, showcases Irish pride with colorful floats, marching bands and dancers. A local favorite is the Snake Saturday Parade, which raises money for local charities.

Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Kansas City.

New York City, New York

St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on a sunny day, showcasing its Neo-Gothic architecture against a clear blue sky.
The world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade takes over Fifth Avenue, but the real fun kicks off at pubs like The Dead Rabbit. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a historic celebration dating back to 1762. Today, it’s the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade. Fifth Avenue becomes a sea of green as bagpipers, marching bands, and Irish organizations celebrate the city’s Irish immigrant legacy. Afterward, the celebration continues at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a special mass, or at legendary bars like The Dead Rabbit, known for its award-winning cocktails and lively Irish atmosphere.

Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to New York.

From lively parades to unexpected traditions, St. Patrick’s Day unites cultures in a shared celebration of heritage and joy. Each destination brings its unique history and spirit, proving that Irish heritage knows no borders.

Book your next adventure

Search flights now