If there is one occasion that unites people from different countries, it's St. Patrick's Day. While heavily associated with Irish people, it is also a beloved holiday in countries like the UK and USA. It's so popular that it is celebrated in Japan, Argentina, Canada, Australia, and many parts of Europe. You might have experienced one or two of its festivities. But if this is your first time celebrating this holiday, we've got you covered.
Are you ready to soak in some green-tastic moments this coming March 17? Turn your party mode on with these five fun activities you can try on St. Patrick's Day. Read on.
St. Patrick’s Day in a Nutshell
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated every year on March 17th. It marks the death of Ireland's patron saint (around 461) and the start of Christianity in Ireland. What began as a religious feast has turned into a global Irish cultural celebration featuring parades, green clothing, shamrocks, and delicious food.
DID YOU KNOW?
Approximately 33 million Americans identify as having Irish ancestry. The
first-ever parade took place in New York City in 1762, which is pretty cool since that was before the
U.S. even existed.
Paddy, as affectionately called by locals, is also famous not only for his efforts to bring Christianity to Ireland. Legend suggests that he also helped the country get rid of snakes. Yes, snakes, serpents, yup. Now, whether it's a fact or a myth, it doesn't matter. St. Patrick is a perpetually cool saint. And we absolutely get why and how he deserves to be celebrated every year.
Enjoy St. Patrick's Day with these Awesome Activities
After going back to the short origin of this amazing holiday, here we are. Grab all things green and get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these fantastic activities!
1. Watch a St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
For millennials, the term "black parade" definitely brings back a lot of memories. But have you ever heard of a green parade? If you are looking for the most effortless way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, watch the parades.
Make the Parade More Fun: Whether you have Irish blood or not, you can have a blast! Join the parade in traditional Irish costume inspired by four-leaf clover, leprechaun, and St. Paddy himself.
Many cities host St. Patrick's Day parades that are fun for families. Kids love getting free candy at these events. You'll see bagpipes, Irish Riverdance, and people in costumes. It's a great way to share Irish traditions with your children, especially if you have Irish roots. If there are no parades nearby, you can watch the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade live online.
2. Host a St. Patrick’s Day House Party
Irish ancestry adds authenticity to a St. Paddy party, but it's not necessary for having fun! Become the ultimate star of the holiday by hosting your very own house party. You don't have to go all-out with perfect and authentic Irish food. Remember to whip up some delightful green treats! Try green macarons and cupcakes, and green cocktails. Adults can enjoy refreshing mugs of good old Guinness, of course.
Don't forget to play some Irish games as well!
- Irish Poker - All you need is a deck of cards! Players take turns guessing the color of the turned card—red or black. Guess wrong, and you drink. Keep playing until everyone's too drunk or you want to switch games. The ball is at your court.
- Irish Roulette -If you enjoy simple games, Irish Roulette is perfect for you. You'll just need a pair of dice and some shots. Players take turns rolling the dice, and the one with the lowest number must take a shot. The game ends when a player takes five shots or when the dice numbers are no longer visible.
- St. Patrick's Day Drunken Scavenger Hunt - Create a St. Patrick's Day scavenger hunt to get friends outdoors and active. List items to find around the city (e.g., someone in green or drinking Guinness). Teams celebrate by enjoying drinks and marking tasks as 'completed,' capturing photographic evidence as proof of their achievements. This ensures a memorable day!
3. Check out some St. Patrick’s Day Events
Don't have the time and the resources to host your own party? Don't fret! St. Patrick's Day is an extremely popular holiday in the US. This means that you can find several attractions that celebrate the occasion. Dress up in green and invite your friends to the following activities:
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando.
Come to SeaWorld Orlando on March 17 and enjoy some Irish food, fun, and entertainment! The park will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival. Have a blast trying different dishes, meeting adorable sea animals, and honoring the Irish holiday!
Explore the Chicago River
If you are living in Chicago, you know how important the river's role is in celebrating the occasion. Every year, the Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day. This tradition goes way back to 1962 and is handled by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130. They use a harmless orange-red powder that changes the water into a striking emerald green.
You might be able to catch this tradition through the Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour. Marvel at the majestic views of Chicago's historic buildings and modern architecture in this one-of-a-kind experience!
4. Join Pub Crawls!
You just can't beat the vibe of your favorite bar (or bars) on St. Patrick's Day. Sure, it'll be packed, but those drink deals and food specials make it fun. Plus, seeing all the wild green gear people are wearing adds to the excitement. Some bars even have cool contests where you can win free drinks or food! If you're planning a night out with your friends, definitely check in with local bars about their specials to know where the good times are.
Check out the All-Inclusive Pub Crawl with Moonshine, Cocktails, and Craft Beer at Nashville! Enjoy access to top bars in Downtown Nashville and celebrate Paddy's Day with lots of sparkling fun!
5. Let your pets join the fun.
Now if you are a pet parent, you can make the occasion even more adorable. Many folklores even propose that a loyal sheepdog guided St. Patrick on his journey. True or not, let the pets join the fun by dressing them up in St. Patrick Day-inspired costumes, give them green treats, or join a St. Patrick's Day marathon with them!
You can also join local pet-friendly parades and set up a DIY photoshoot. Let your creativity run wild.
Experience luck and fun this St. Paddy's Day with us.
St. Patrick's Day is easily one of the most famous and recognizable holidays in the world. With its iconic color green and festivities that unite so many cities and countries, it's an unmissable occasion. Hop into the excitement of St. Patrick's Day with these activities best done with your loved ones!
For all-inclusive experiences, cruises, and theme park adventures, you can enjoy them without breaking the bank! Get your discounted tickets without having to rely on the luck of an Irish! We advocate affordable fun in all seasons and we want you to enjoy each celebration with no extra costs. Enjoy a fantastic St. Patrick's Day, FunExplorers! May happiness and luck always follow your way!