Five St. Patrick's Day celebrations near NYC

NYC might get most of the attention, but the capital of New York State has a St. Patrick’s Day parade that can be just as exciting without all the hassle. Plus, Albany’s parade is on Saturday, March 12, so you can still make the one in NYC! The parade kicks off at 2pm, but you can make it a full day by starting with the traditional Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church at 9 am followed by a reception with music, coffee, and Irish breads.

Thinking of a St. Patrick’s Day road trip? This historic Inn in Elmira, in the Finger Lakes region, has an annual celebration that’s worth traveling for. Stop by this beautiful landmark on March 17 for hearty corned beef and cabbage alongside live music by an acclaimed Irish balladeer plus thrilling Irish dance performances. Make a reservation to guarantee your spot!

Another early option for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day takes place in Syracuse on Saturday, March 12. Celebrating the Irish heritage of Central New York, this parade’s claim to fame is that it’s the largest per-capita parade in the nation. The theme of this year’s parade is "Dance through Downtown," so expect plenty of dancing and music. Traditional tartans, woolens and lace are encouraged!

Another road-trip worthy celebration is the Sound Shore parade in Mamaroneck in the Hudson Valley. The parade celebrates the contributions of the Irish and other immigrants to the Sound Shore community. The best part, aside from the entertainment, is that the celebration (via donations and raffles) raises money to grant scholarships to local high school seniors. The parade is Sunday, March 20, so if you haven’t gotten your fill of St. Patrick’s Day by the 17th, head to Mamaroneck.

Well, this one’s not much quieter than NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. In fact, it’s probably rowdier. To check out “the competition,” head to Boston for a weekend full of festivities, from concerts, parties, a road race and of course the parade, which marches on Sunday, March 20.