That's why we've put together this guide to four of the best cities to let your green flag fly this year. These include fantastic celebrations like the iconic New York St Patrick's Day parade to prized spots to enjoy an Irish tipple in Nashville's Music City.
St Patrick's Day fun in New York
New York City has been the epicenter of all things green since 1762. This was actually the world's very first St Patrick's Day Parade, originally performed by Irish soldiers in the British army. As the largest St Patrick's Day Parade in the world, this 2-million strong crowd is the place to be from 3 pm. Stacked with bagpipers, police officers, firefighters and community bands, it's not just epic in scope; it's inclusive and entertaining for families. Pick your spot on the 1.5-mile route after enjoying a full American breakfast from M Social Hotel's wondrous Beast & Butterflies, perched above Times Square.
New York City boasts an exceptional array of Irish-American heritage attractions. You don't want to miss classic pubs like McSorley's Old Ale House with its centuries-old bar serving satisfied punters since 1854. If it’s a well-poured Guinness you’re after, nothing beats Molly's or Paddy Reilly's. The Off-Broadway Irish Repertory Theatre is your spot for cultural classics from Wilde to Beckett, while St. Patrick's Old Cathedral is an apt place to observe Mass. On the history side, learn about the Irish immigrant experience at the profound Tenement Museum and, of course, Ellis Island. To stay at the center of the action, Millennium Hotels have first-class Times Square and Broadway locations. Celebrate in style with fabulous city views from your hotel while enjoying an Irish-inspired tipple.
Celebrate St Patrick's Day in style in Chicago
Chicago's epic Saturday St Patrick's Day event boasts an amazing variety of parades, parties and, of course, green river cruises. After all, how much more seriously can a city take St Patrick's Day than dying its river green? This iconic event began by chance in 1962. Local plumbers used green dye to trace illegal pollutant dumping. The look caught on, and the river has flowed green for St Patrick's Day ever since. Arrive early for wonderful river-watching spots on the Riverwalk or Michigan Avenue Bridge. For fun-seekers, the Downtown Parade is a high-spirited affair that builds to a crescendo with parties at Grant Park and Division Street. Another parade, the South Side Irish Parade, is a fun, alcohol-free community gathering revolving around the traditional Mass.
From Clydesdale horses to bagpipers, Chicago's celebrations aren't to be missed. Yet there's also more to the city than its stand-out parades. Chicago's remarkable Irish pubs and riverside pop-ups are the perfect places to unwind. The oldest Irish pub, Shinnick's, dates back to the 1890s and is in great proximity to Sox Park. Other must-visit Irish pubs include Emmit’s and Chief O'Neill's. After a thrill-packed day of festivities from the Chicago River to Millennium Park, unwind with a relaxing drink with a view at the Martini Bar at Knickerbocker. From its excellent location on East Walton Place, it's one of the best hotels near the St Patrick's Day Parade in Chicago.
Party in Boston on St Patrick's Day weekend
Boston's Irish roots dig deep, so it's no wonder the city has one of the most thrilling St Patrick's Day schedules- from parades to live concerts and bar crawls. It all starts with the Boston St Patrick's Day Parade, a city tradition since 1901. Get there early to reserve a good spot and watch the pipers and floats roll by. When the parade wraps up, or if you need to whet your appetite, Irish pubs serve traditional fare washed down with Guinness. Some of the best include Brendan Behan, Eire, Irish Village, Black Rose and, the oldest Irish pub in the city, J.J. Foley's Cafe. Alternatively, local trad-punk heroes Dropkick Murphy’s host annual St Patrick's Day concerts for late-night fun.
Boston's history is worthy of a write-up of its own, and the prized Irish Heritage Trail makes a cultured complement to St Patrick's Day. Beginning Downtown from Rose Kennedy Garden, it meanders through Irish memorials and heritage sites all the way to Fenway Park. Celebrate the day in style at the impressively-located Bostonian Hotel, an excellent start or endpoint on the heritage walk. The hotel’s North 26 Restaurant and Bar serves classic dishes with a special twist to fill you up after a long St Patrick's celebration.
Revel in St Patrick's Day celebrations in Nashville
For a St Patrick's Day feel with a southern-fried twist, Nashville is a great destination. Music City celebrates all weekend long with concerts, bar crawls and green-tinged parties. Don't miss out on the unique blending of country music and St Paddy's spirit at honky-tonk BBQs and bars. The Guinness flows fast at bar crawls around Assembly Food Hall, Music Valley and Division Street, while Irish pubs like McNamara's and the Lost Paddy conjure up a more authentic atmosphere. The Music City Food Truck Park also hosts St Patrick's-themed menus on the special day itself.
To stay in the heart of St Paddy’s action Downtown, Millennium Maxwell House Nashville is a perfect choice. Celebrate the big day with a bite to eat in the hotel's vibrant Maxwell's Lounge.
Get lucky with a charming stay this St Patrick's Day
St Patrick's Day is a celebration that you don't want to miss. Stay close to the action across the US in the most exciting cities with a Millennium Hotels booking.
Share in the luck of the Irish this year with the Stay like a Millionaire offer- the opportunity for My Millennium Members to win one million points (worth USD 5,000) to spend on complimentary nights, upgrades, dining, and exciting rewards. Sign up and read more here!
In addition, the Millennium Hotels Spring Getaway offer allows guests to enjoy of 20% off on flexible bookings at the country's best St Patrick's Day hubs. Whether you're catching the historic New York St Patrick's Day Parade or heading to Boston for St Patrick's Day weekend, these cities are bursting with Irish heritage and culture to soak up on March 17.
