Whether travelers are Irish themselves or an honorary reveler for the day, there’s much to love about a good St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Pub crawls featuring green beer and Guinness pints, upbeat parades through downtown spaces and an annual dyeing of a nearby body of water are some of the most beloved traditions that take place each year. Travelers looking to experience these classic festivities on a larger, more epic scale should get ready to party because these three major cities are among the best for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day — here’s why.
Chicago, Illinois
Naturally, as one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago is a hotspot for all things St. Patrick’s Day. One of the main events each year is the dyeing of the Chicago River, a tradition that began in 1961 and now draws thousands of visitors from around the world. Note that since the procession effectively signals the start of the weekend’s celebrations, sidewalks and streets around the river can get quite crowded. Buildings along the water with prime viewing will often host parties as an alternative, one of which can be found at the Trump International Hotel & Tower. Irish-inspired buffets, Irish cocktails and live event entertainment are some of the added perks of opting for this private approach.
Chicago’s other main activity is the parade. Conveniently, it always begins soon after the river dyeing, moving through the Loop neighborhood with bagpipers, marching bands and colorful floats in tow. A South Side Irish Parade and Northwest Side Irish Parade also occur during the weekend, providing travelers with multiple opportunities to experience Chicago’s electric vibe.
To complete a visitor’s time in the Windy City, a festive run/walk race or river tour are popular options. The Leprechaun Leap offers 5k and 8k courses along the Lake Michigan waterfront, while bookings with Shoreline Cruises Architecture River Cruise are especially high because of the seasonal green water. With Chicago’s ties to Irish culture tracing back to immigration in the 1830s, both are a fun way to engage with the holiday and the city’s unique connection to it.
Savannah, Georgia
Perhaps not the first place that comes to mind when associating St. Patrick’s Day with a destination, but Savannah has deep roots in the holiday’s heritage. In fact, the Irish first arrived in the city in 1734, and the population skyrocketed in the 1830s and 40s as immigrants came to build canals and railroads. Only about 10% of the county’s current residents report Irish ancestry, but Savannah’s cultural significance still rings true for many. It’s for this reason that Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist (the first event of the day) and the Celtic Cross Ceremony — an honorary procession by local Irish families and parish members in Emmett Square — continue to appear on the city’s itinerary each year.
The standard festivities are also nothing short of spectacular, especially considering Savannah is home to the second-largest parade in the United States, according to their website. Unlike other processions that occur on the nearest weekend to the holiday, Savannah’s parade falls on St. Patrick’s Day; live bands and traditional Irish dances make this experience extra special. Alternatively, travelers can elevate their party plans at The Kimpton Brice, which is located steps away from the Bay Street parade route. A poolside party and pre-parade poolside party combine proximity to the event with resort-style amenities, including DJ entertainment, food and drinks packages and private facility access.
Of course, some sort of water-dyeing activity is a must, and in Savannah, that happens at Forsyth Park. Here, visitors can watch as the emerald water flows from the mouths of the statues in the main fountain until after the parade concludes. The city also offers free events and activities along the waterfront leading up to the holiday, including music, family-friendly experiences, themed food and drink vendors and photo opportunities with Lucky the Leprechaun.
San Antonio, Texas
They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and that means the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, too. While San Antonio today is primarily comprised of Hispanic and Latino ethnicities and only a small percentage of the residents claim Irish ancestry, the city still honors the people who were involved in its fight for independence.
Consistent with Chicago and Savannah, San Antonio starts the festivities with a river dyeing and parade. Neither event is one to miss, particularly because a bagpiper is known to play some catchy tunes on the dye boat as it idly navigates the two-and-a-half-mile River Walk. Reserved seating is an option at numerous riverside establishments, though Zocca Cuisine D'Italia at The Westin Riverwalk is also pairing this with a patio party. The hotel's celebration is completed by a live DJ, themed food and drinks and, of course, unparalleled views of the action.
Various river parades are known to continue throughout the weekend, floating down the museum reach and downtown portions of the River Walk. Keep the party going with a visit to the Bud Light St. Patrick’s Festival, where delicious eats and festive entertainment along the Arneson River Theatre create an unforgettable evening.
Parties, parades and food aren’t the only things San Antonio does well for St. Patrick’s Day. The city also hosts an Emerald Run 5k and Family Walk each year in addition to the Lucky Dog Fashion Show. Adoptable pups from the local San Antonio Pets Alive animal shelter will be strutting their stuff on a runway, decked out in adorable green gear.
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