New York City is getting ready for another huge St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The big event is the famous parade, which happens every year on March 17. In 2025, that falls on a Monday. This is the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. It brings together people from all over to celebrate Irish heritage. More than 150,000 people will march, and millions will watch. Fifth Avenue will be packed with spectators as marching bands and performers put on a show. The whole city will be filled with green as bars, restaurants, and streets join in the fun.
What Time Does the Parade Start and Where to Watch
The parade begins at exactly 11 a.m. on Monday and will continue until about 4:30 p.m. If you want a good view, it’s best to arrive early. The parade route starts at 44th Street and moves up Fifth Avenue to 79th Street. Organizers say that anywhere along Fifth Avenue will provide a great spot to watch. The event will also be broadcast live. You can watch it on WNBC from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or on Cozi TV until 3 p.m.
Why the Parade Is Held on a Monday in 2025
The St. Patrick’s Day parade always happens on March 17. This means the day of the week changes each year. In 2025, March 17 is a Monday, so that is when the parade will take place. The only time the parade is moved is when March 17 falls on a Sunday. This happened in 2024, and the event was held on Saturday instead. Organizers follow this rule to respect the Sabbath.
Famous People and Performances in the Parade
Many well-known groups and performers will take part in the parade. Irish organizations from the U.S. and around the world will show off their skills. Local high school marching bands will also perform. Important figures like Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul will be there, along with other city leaders. The parade is a mix of music, tradition, and celebration, bringing together people of all backgrounds.
Street Closures and Public Transportation During the Event
Anyone planning to drive in Midtown on Monday should expect traffic problems. Fifth Avenue will be closed between 44th and 79th Streets during the parade. Streets nearby will also be crowded. Regular bus service along the parade route will stop. Some subway entrances close to the route might also be blocked. If you want to avoid delays, it is best to take the subway and walk to your destination.
Bar Crawls and Irish Pubs Hosting St. Patrick’s Day Parties
St. Patrick’s Day is not just about the parade. Many bars across New York City will have special celebrations. One of the biggest events is on Stone Street in the Financial District. Bars there will host a huge block party on both Saturday and Monday. Expect green drinks, lively crowds, and festive decorations. Several groups, like Blue Crawls and Barcrawlerz, are organizing official bar crawls. Tickets can be found online on Eventbrite.com. For those who prefer a self-guided bar crawl, Midtown and Hell’s Kitchen have many great Irish pubs. Popular spots include Langan’s and Landmark Tavern.
Best Neighborhoods to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NYC
If you want to experience an authentic Irish celebration, there are great places beyond Midtown. Woodlawn Heights in The Bronx is known for its strong Irish community. The area is packed with Irish pubs and restaurants. Visitors can take the 2 or 5 subway line to Nereid Avenue or the Metro-North to Woodlawn. Another great area is McLean Avenue in Yonkers. This street is just outside the city and offers more Irish bars and restaurants. Queens also has great spots, especially in Woodside and Sunnyside. Donovan’s Pub is one of the best-known Irish bars in the area.
Events for Those Who Want a Sober Celebration
Not everyone celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with drinking. There are plenty of alcohol-free events in New York City. The Sober St. Patrick’s Day event will be held at Church of Our Saviour on Park Avenue. It begins at 5 p.m. on Monday. Guests can enjoy live music, dancing, and readings. Tickets cost $37.50 and include a buffet dinner. Another great event is 40 Shades of Green at the New York Irish Center in Long Island City. This celebration will feature six hours of live music and dancing. It runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday. Tickets are $39.
Other Unique Activities Happening for St. Patrick’s Day
There are more ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day beyond the parade and bar crawls. Visitors can explore historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown. Another interesting site is Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Mulberry Street. This church offers a special candlelit tour of its underground catacombs. The tour costs $38 and gives insight into the city’s Irish history.
Special St. Patrick’s Day Mass and the Famous Green House
A special mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral before the parade. It starts at 8:30 a.m., but tickets are needed to attend. For those looking for something unique, Brooklyn has a well-known house that is decorated entirely in green for the holiday. The home, called the “Green House,” is located at 635 79th Street in Bay Ridge. Many people visit to take photos and enjoy the festive display.
