The New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade is coming up, and NYC's parade is a really big deal. It's the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world. The first NYC parade was held in 1762, and it's been a time-honored tradition of Irish pride ever since.
From pipe and drum bands to dancers and performers in regalia, midtown Manhattan transforms into a big party with a sea of green revelers every year for this festive affair. More than 150,000 people march in the parade every year, with more than 2 million spectators cheering them on.
Below, you'll find everything you need to know about 2025's parade, including when and where it'll be taking place. Make sure to check out our other suggestions for great St. Patrick’s Day events, too.
RECOMMENDED: See the full St. Patrick's Day in NYC guide
When is the 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 can I get the best view?
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.
If you want to try to score grandstand seats, you've got to mail a letter (yes, really) to the parade committee (here's how).
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.
Who is the grand marshal for the 2025 parade?
This year's grand marshal is Michael A. Benn, a proud son of Limerick and the longtime chairman of the Queens County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee in the Rockaway. He helped the Rockaways rebuild after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.
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.
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.
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.
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
