Top 10 Places for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Around the World!
If you’re looking for the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re dreaming of St. Patrick’s Day celebrated in Ireland with pints of Guinness and a sea of green in Dublin or want to experience the epic St. Patrick’s Day celebration Chicago is known for (yes, they really dye the river green!) this guide has you covered. From lively parades in the USA to unexpected celebrations in places like Munich and Buenos Aires, there’s no shortage of ways to get your St. Paddy’s Day on.
When is St. Patrick’s Day? If you’re planning your travels, mark your calendar for March 17! The good news? St. Patrick’s Day 2025 falls on a Monday, meaning you can turn it into a long weekend of festivities. Whether you want to go all out with a trip to Dublin, dance in the streets during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in London, or find creative celebration ideas closer to home, there’s something for everyone.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the top 10 places for St. Patrick’s day celebrations- from the ultimate party in Dublin to the over-the-top parade in New York City, the Irish pride of Boston, and even some lesser-known but equally fun destinations. Whether you’re after parades, pints, or full-blown festivals, get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style, wherever you are in the world!
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
1. Dublin, Ireland- The Heart of St. Patrick’s Day
If you want to experience St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at their absolute best, there’s no better place than Dublin, Ireland. This is where it all began, and trust me- it’s a bucket list experience for anyone who loves a good party, a little history, and a whole lot of Irish pride.
Every year, St. Patrick’s Day celebrated in Ireland is a massive event, and Dublin goes all out with a multi-day festival leading up to March 17th. Dublin’s celebrations are world-famous, featuring a massive parade with colourful floats, Irish dancers, and marching bands from around the world. The streets are packed with locals and visitors, all decked out in green, ready to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in true Irish fashion.
Beyond the parade, the city hosts concerts, street performances, and a whole lineup of St. Patrick’s Day celebration ideas- from pub crawls through historic Irish bars to special events at landmarks like Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. And let’s not forget the “Greening of the City” where Dublin’s most famous buildings light up in glowing shades of green. It’s pure magic!
If you’re heading to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day 2025, book your accommodation early- this city fills up fast. Whether you want to dance to live traditional music, sip a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, or just soak up the electric atmosphere, Dublin is hands-down one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world!
2. New York City, USA- The Largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
If there’s one place that knows how to throw an over-the-top St. Patrick’s Day celebration, it’s New York City. Home to the largest and longest-running St. Paddy’s parade in the world, NYC goes all out every March 17th, and it’s easily one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the USA.
The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been marching down Fifth Avenue since 1762- yes, even before the United States was a country. Each year, over 2 million spectators line the streets to watch hundreds of bands, performers, and Irish organizations parade past iconic landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center.
But the parade is just the beginning. NYC’s Irish pubs go full send for St. Paddy’s Day, serving up Guinness, Jameson, and enough green beer to last a lifetime. If you’re looking for St. Patrick’s Day celebration ideas, bar-hopping in the city is a classic move. Just be prepared for crowds, packed bars, and all-night parties! If that’s not your scene, you can check out live Irish music, traditional dance performances, and special St. Patrick’s Day-themed menus at some of NYC’s top restaurants.
For the best experience, grab a spot along Fifth Avenue, wear your best green outfit, and embrace the chaos. NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration in 2025 is shaping up to be bigger than ever, and you won’t want to miss it!
3. Chicago, USA- The Iconic Green River & Epic Celebrations
When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, few cities do it quite like Chicago. Every year, the Windy City turns into an emerald green paradise, thanks to its most famous tradition- they dyeing of the Chicago River. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience St. Patrick’s Day in 2025, Chicago should definitely be on your list.
So, how does it work? On Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, the city dumps a (safe and environmentally friendly!) green dye into the Chicago River, turning the water a vibrant shade of green for a few hours. Crowds gather along the bridges and riverwalk to watch the transformation, and trust me- it’s a bucket list moment!
But the river isn’t the only thing turning green. Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the USA also include a huge parade, marching through Grant Park with bagpipers, dancers, and larger-than-life floats. Expect a full day of Irish pride, live music, and festive energy as the city embraces the holiday in true Chicago style.
If you’re looking for St. Patrick’s Day celebration ideas, Chicago has no shortage of ways to keep the party going. From legendary Irish pubs like The Kerryman and Chief O’Neill’s to rooftop bars offering killer views of the green river, there’s something for everyone. If you prefer a low-key vibe, check out Irish brunch specials, live performances, or a scenic St. Paddy’s boat cruise along the river.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, St. Patrick’s day celebrations Chicago style are one of the biggest and best in the world. Just be sure to dress in green, arrive early for the river dyeing, and get ready for an unforgettable day!
4. Boston, USA- America’s Most Irish City
If there’s any US city that can rival St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dublin, it’s Boston. With deep Irish roots and a history of St. Patrick’s Day celebrated in Ireland traditions, Boston goes all out for March 17. Whether you’re looking for a massive parade, legendary Irish pubs, or authentic Celtic music, this city has it all.
The highlight? The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This is one of the oldest and biggest in the US, drawing over 1 million spectators each year. Expect marching bands, bagpipers, colourful floats, and a whole lot of Irish pride. If you’re planning to visit for St. Patrick’s Day 2025, get there early- Southie gets packed fast!
But Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations aren’t just about the parade. The city is packed with historic Irish pubs serving up perfect pints of Guinness, traditional Irish food, and live music. Some of the best spots to check out include The Black Rose, The Burren, and J.J. Foley’s, where you can grab a seat, enjoy some corned beef and cabbage, and listen to live Irish folk music.
For those looking for more St. Patrick’s Day celebration ideas, Boston also hosts Irish heritage walking tours, whiskey tastings, and even special events at the Boston Irish Heritage Trail. Whether you’re pub-hopping in Southie, dancing to Celtic tunes, or just soaking up the electric atmosphere, Boston is hands-down one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world.
5. Munich, Germany- A Surprise St. Patrick’s Day Hotspot
Germany might be famous for Oktoberfest, but did you know that Munich throws one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Europe? Thanks to its large Irish community, the city transforms into a hub of Irish culture, music, and of course, beer every March 17th.
The highlight of Munich’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is the massive parade, which marches through the city centre, ending with a lively festival at Odeonsplatz. Expect Irish dancers, marching bands, and thousands of people decked out in green. Even Munich’s famous beer halls, like Hofbräuhaus, join in on the fun, serving up Irish stouts alongside their traditional German brews.
For those looking for other St. Patrick’s Day celebration ideas, Munich offers pub crawls, live Irish folk music, and whiskey tastings at some of the city’s best Irish pubs, including Kennedy’s and Kilian’s Irish Pub. Whether you’re dancing in the streets, sipping Guinness in a beer hall, or enjoying the electric atmosphere, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Munich is an unexpected but unforgettable way to mark the holiday!
6. London, England- A Massive Irish Party in the UK
When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, you don’t have to be in Ireland to experience an epic party! London has a massive St. Patrick’s Day parade, a full-day festival, and countless Irish pubs pouring pints of Guinness. The celebrations in London are some of the biggest in Europe!
The main event? The Trafalgar Square St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Every year, thousands gather in the heart of London for a day packed with live Irish music, dance performances, street food, and cultural displays. The festival isn’t just about partying (though there’s plenty of that too!)- it’s also a chance to celebrate Irish heritage and traditions in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
Of course, no St. Patrick’s Day celebrations would be complete without hitting up some iconic Irish pubs. Whether you’re after a traditional Irish music session, a perfectly poured Guinness, or just a lively atmosphere, some of the best spots include Waxy O’Connor’s, The Porterhouse, and The Auld Shillelagh.
If you’re looking for other St. Patrick’s Day celebration ideas, London offers plenty- Irish whiskey tastings, themed afternoon teas, and even river cruises along the Thames decked out in green. With celebrations in Dublin just a short flight away, you could even make it a double celebration and experience both in one trip!
Whether you’re singing along to live Irish fold bands, cheering on the parade, or simply soaking up the St. Paddy’s Day atmosphere, London’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are an unforgettable experience!
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina- The Biggest St. Patrick’s Day Party in South America
When you think of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, South America might not be the first place that comes to mind- but Buenos Aires throws an absolutely wild St. Paddy’s Day party. As home to the largest Irish community in Latin America, the city goes all out every year with street festivals, live music, and one of the biggest Irish parties outside of Ireland.
The heart of the celebrations in Buenos Aires is in the Retiro and Recoleta neighbourhoods, where the streets turn into one massive festival. Expect live Irish folk bands, dancers, street performances, and plenty of beer flowing. If you’re looking for St. Patrick’s Day celebration ideas, joining the massive street party is a must- locals and tourists alike come together to celebrate with music, dancing, and endless pints.
For a more traditional Irish experience, Buenos Aires is also packed with authentic Irish pubs where you can raise a glass of Guinness or enjoy some Irish whiskey. Some of the most famous spots include The Kilkenny, Sullivan’s Irish Pub, and Johnny B. Good, all of which host packed-out St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Buenos Aires may be far from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dublin, but the city brings its own energetic, Latin-infused twist to the holiday. Whether you’re bar-hopping through the city, dancing at the street festival, or just soaking up the electric atmosphere, this is one of the most unexpected but best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world!
8. Sydney Australia- A Down Under St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Think St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are only huge in the Northern Hemisphere? Think again! Sydney, Australia throws one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world, proving that Irish spirit knows no borders. With a massive parade, an epic festival, and plenty of Guinness flowing, Sydney is the place to be if you’re celebrating St. Paddy’s Day in the Southern Hemisphere.
One of the highlights of the celebrations is the city-wide Greening of the Landmarks- where iconic spots like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge light up in green to mark the occasion. It’s a sight to see and makes for some seriously Insta-worthy photos.
But the real action happens at The Rocks, where Sydney’s official St. Patrick’s Day Festival takes over the city. Expect live Irish music, traditional dance performances, family-friendly entertainment, and delicious Irish food stalls serving everything from hearty stews to fresh soda bread. And of course, no St. Paddy’s celebration would be complete without a pint (or three) of Guinness- which you’ll find at some of Sydney’s best Irish pubs, like The Mercantile Hotel and PJ O’Brien’s.
If you’re looking for St. Patrick’s Day celebration ideas, Sydney has plenty to offer, from Irish pub crawls to sunset cruises along the harbour. Whether you’re watching the green-lit skyline, dancing to live Irish folk bands, or sipping whiskey at an Irish-themed tasting event, Sydney’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations prove that the Irish spirit thrives Down under!
9. Montserrat- The Only Country Outside Ireland with a St. Patrick’s Day Public Holiday
If you’re looking for one of the most unique St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world, head to Montserrat- a tiny Caribbean island with deep Irish roots. In fact, it’s the only place outside of Ireland where St. Patrick’s Day is a public holiday!
St. Patrick’s Day in Montserrat is unlike anywhere else. The island was colonized by Irish Settlers in the 1600s, and today, their legacy lives on in its blended Irish and Afro-Caribbean culture. The celebration lasts for over a week, featuring parades, traditional Irish music, steel drum performances, food festivals, and even reenactments of the 1768 slave rebellion- which also took place on March 17.
If you’re looking for St. Patrick’s Day celebration ideas that go beyond the usual parades and pub crawls, Montserrat offers a mix of history, culture, and tropical island vibes. From hiking through lush green landscapes to sipping a Guinness on the beach, this is a one-of-a-kind St. Patrick’s Day celebration you won’t find anywhere else.
10. Toronto, Canada- A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with a Multicultural Twist
Toronto might be one of the most diverse cities in the world, but come March 17th, the celebrations in Toronto are all about Irish pride, parades, and parties. With one of the largest Irish populations in Canada, the city knows how to celebrate in true St. Paddy’s Day fashion (coming from a local!)
The main event? The Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which marches down Bloor and Yonge Street, bringing together bagpipers, dancers, and vibrant Irish floats. This family-friendly celebration has been running for over 150 years and is one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the USA and Canada.
If you’re looking for other St. Patrick’s Day celebration ideas, Toronto offers plenty of ways to party. The city’s best Irish pubs, like Grace O’Malley’s, are packed with locals enjoying live music, Guinness, and Irish whiskey specials. For a more unique twist, some bars even host themed St. Paddy’s Day drag brunches or green beer garden parties.
Whether you’re joining the parade, pub-hopping downtown, or just enjoying the festive atmosphere, Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are one of the best in North America!
Now matter where you are in the world, there’s no shortage of incredible St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to experience. From the historic streets of Dublin to the green-dyed river in Chicago, and even unexpected party hubs like Buenos Aires and Munich, this holiday is truly a global event. Whether you’re looking for massive parades, legendary pub crawls, or unique cultural traditions, these top 10 destinations offer some of the best ways to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day.
Now the real question is- where will you be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day 2025? Let me know in the comments, and if you’ve experienced an epic St. Paddy’s celebration before, I’d love to hear about it!
FOLLOW ME: Pinterest | Instagram | Tiktok | Twitter
