6 Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in New York

Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day! On March 17, and the days leading up to it, everyone is invited to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland and have a bit of craic (fun), as the Emerald Isle does. Parades and celebrations are being held all over the state, but these are just a few that we recommend taking an Amtrak train to:

Wee little Irish step dancers march down 5th Avenue.
Photo credit: Diana Robinson

New York City (1 mile from Penn Station) - The St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City is one of the most iconic events in the city and the largest St. Patrick's Day celebration in the world, taking place annually on March 17. The first St. Patty's Day Parade in NYC took place in 1762- over 250 years ago! Participants march down 5th Avenue between 44th and 79th streets, led by this year's Grand Marshal, Cardinal Timothy Dolan. More than 2 million people are expected to attend this year's parade, so wear green and stake out a spot early!

 Buffalo (.7 miles from Buffalo-Exchange Street Amtrak Station) - Buffalo's United Irish American Association has been hosting the St. Patrick's Day Parade since 1940. The 75th installment of this fun event will take place on Sunday, March 15 on Delaware Avenue. The celebration isn't limited to one day, though. There will be live music, dancers and entertainment all weekend. On the actual holiday, which falls on a Tuesday, there is a traditional Irish breakfast.

Photo credit: Diana Robinson

Syracuse (2.3 miles from Syracuse Station Amtrak Station) - The theme of the the 33rd annual Syracuse St. Patrick's Day Parade is "March Into Spring." The city hopes to put the harsh winter weather behind them beginning with this celebration, which has been named one of the biggest parades in the United States. The parade goes through Downtown Syracuse at Clinton Square.

Rochester (.6 miles from Rochester Amtrak Station) - Rochester's annual St. Patrick's Day parade usually draws about 50,000 people to the event that takes place on East and Main Streets. Those wishing to start the Irish weekend early can attend the Rochester American's Irish Night and hockey game, which will include Irish step dancers, bagpipers, children's programs and happy hour with Irish drafts for those 21+.

Yonkers (2.8 miles from Yonkers Amtrak Station) - Last year, 2 historic parades merged to form one, giant parade taking place on McLean Avenue in Yonkers. This year's 60th Annual Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place on Saturday, March 21 at 1 p.m. The festivities have been growing each year and you can expect that this one will be bigger and greener than ever.

Photo credit: Diana Robinson

Utica (.5 miles from Utica Amtrak Station) - Utica's St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m. The event has been held since 1978, and in 2008 The Great American Irish Festival took over organizational duties of the parade. Over 2000 people march and thousands more watch from the sidewalks of Genesee Street. If you attend, don't forget your non-perishables for the Parade Food Drive.

Each of these parades is located close to an Amtrak station, making your travel plans for St. Patrick's Day easy and comfortable. Need another reason to get away for a weekend? Amtrak is running tons of promotions to get you to your St. Patty's Day destination with a discount. If you're looking for more ways to enjoy a weekend in these cities, check out New York By Rail.