Top 10 St. Patrick’s Day Parades to Experience in 2025

DUBLIN, Ireland — St. Patrick’s Day parades mark a cherished celebration of Irish culture, drawing participants and spectators alike to revel in the festivities each year. The largest parades are often found in cities like Dublin, New York, and Chicago, where the atmosphere is rich with Irish pride, music, and colorful displays.

The Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade, held on March 17, is the nation’s most iconic event, featuring over 4,000 participants including marching bands and dancers. The three-day festival culminates in this grand parade that honors Ireland’s patron saint, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. Dublin’s first official parade took place in 1903 in Waterford.

New York City boasts the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade globally, with approximately 150,000 marchers and around two million spectators annually. The parade, first organized in 1762 by Irish soldiers, typically begins at East 44th Street and Fifth Avenue, concluding at East 79th Street. It celebrates Irish history amidst a vibrant backdrop of bagpipers, floats, and Irish step dancers.

Boston, with its deep Irish roots dating back to 1737, hosts a unique St. Patrick’s Day Parade that also celebrates Evacuation Day, marking the British troops’ exit from the city in 1776. The Boston Parade takes place on March 16, commencing at Broadway T Station and flowing through South Boston’s historic Irish neighborhood.

Chicago’s rich Irish heritage is highlighted by its renowned tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green, an event that occurs every year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. The city’s parade, which began in 1843, attracts large crowds, featuring bands and floats along Columbus Drive.

In Philadelphia, the second largest city in the U.S. with Irish heritage, the parade is steeped in history, with its inaugural celebration dating back to 1771. The 2025 parade will emphasize the theme “Bless Those Dedicated to Serving Others” and take place along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Savannah, Georgia, is home to one of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parades, dating back to 1824. The parade route winds through the city center and is preceded by a morning mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

San Francisco will host its 174th annual parade with the theme “The Immigrant’s Story” in 2025. The event will include floats and Irish dancers in the downtown area.

New Orleans melds its vibrant Mardi Gras atmosphere with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, featuring parades that kick off in the Irish Channel neighborhood, along with celebratory block parties.

In Cleveland, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2025, featuring salutes to Irish culture, floats, and live performances along its route.

Finally, Kansas City will see its St. Patrick’s Day Parade, recognized as one of the largest in the nation, attracting thousands to witness the elaborate festivities on March 17.