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It's time to break out your finest green attire because it's almost time once again for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. This parade is a really big deal. It's the oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the world, so you won't want to miss it. The first NYC parade was held in 1762, and it's been a time-honored tradition of Irish pride ever since.
On St. Patrick's Day—that's Monday, March 17, 2025 this year—dancers, pipe-and-drum bands, and other marchers with Irish pride will fill midtown Manhattan in celebration of the holiday. More than 150,000 people march in the parade every year, with more than 2 million spectators cheering them on. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of the citywide party.
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When is the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade?
The St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place on Monday, March 17, 2025.
What time does the St. Patrick's Day Parade start?
The procession starts at 11am and ends around 4:30pm.
Where is the St. Patrick's Day Parade route?
The parade begins at 44th Street, marching up Fifth Avenue—past St. Patrick's Cathedral at 50th Street—all the way to 79th Street.
What are the best viewing spots?
Anywhere on Fifth Avenue will provide a good view of the festivities. Spectators can begin lining up as early as they would like. For the best views, get there early.
Who's marching in the parade?
More than 150,000 people march each year in the parade, including pipe bands, Gaelic societies, veterans, firefighters, and many more. To get a sense of just how big this parade is, the "line of march" which is basically a program for the event, runs 16 pages long this year! Marchers include the Cork Pipers Band, Manhattan University Gaelic Society, FDNY E.M.S. Emerald Society, and many more.
What's the weather forecast?
As of now, it looks excellent! The forecast shows a high of 58 degrees with cloud cover in the morning followed by clouds breaking for some sun, per AccuWeather.
Will there be restrooms along the route?
There will not be portable restrooms set up along the parade route, so prepare your bladder accordingly. We also recommend bookmarking the Got2Go NYC bathroom map, so you can find public restrooms around the area.
Can I watch the parade from home?
Yes, indeed. If you want to stay home and avoid the crowds, you can watch the parade on TV or livestream on WNBC, on NBCNewYork.com and the NBC 4 App.
What are the street closures for the St. Patrick's Day Parade?
A lot of them. If you're trying to get somewhere in this area on parade day, you're better off walking than trying to drive. Typically during the parade, street traffic is detoured away from 5th Avenue between 44th to 79th Streets, which can cause an overflow on adjacent streets. Here's the full list of closures, per NYC DOT:
Formation:
Vanderbilt Avenue between 43rd Street and 46th Street
44th Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and 6th Avenue
45th Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and 6th Avenue
46th Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and 6th Avenue
47th Street between Park Avenue and 6th Avenue
48th Street between Park Avenue and 6th Avenue
Route:
5th Avenue between 79th Street and 43rd Street
Dispersal:
5th Avenue between 84th Street and 79th Street
79th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
80th Street between Lexington Avenue and 5th Avenue
81st Street between Lexington Avenue and 5th Avenue
82nd Street between Lexington Avenue and 5th Avenue
83rd Street between Lexington Avenue and 5th Avenue
Miscellaneous:
43rd Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and 6th Avenue
49th Street between Madison Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza
50th Street between Madison Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza
51st Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
54th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
57th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
59th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
62nd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
63rd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
64th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
65th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
70th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
71st Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
72nd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
78th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
84th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
Madison Avenue between 42nd Street and 84th Street