Looking for ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Boston this year? You’ve come to the right place! Your girl Geeves here has you covered with a St. Patrick’s Day Boston itinerary from morning to night! Plus, a few hotel recommendations and how to plan ahead for the spectacular St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boston.
Get ready for good times in the city! 😉
In this blog, I share…
- Morning of St. Patrick’s Day Boston
- Afternoon of St. Patrick’s Day Boston
- How to Prepare for St. Patrick’s Day Parade Boston
- Evening of St. Patrick’s Day Boston
- Planning Transportation to Boston
- Hotel Recommendations in Boston
Let’s get right into your St. Patrick’s Day Boston itinerary! 🙂
Not that we need an excuse to celebrate but, if we did, St. Patrick’s Day definitely gives us one! It’s a time of year to dress up in green, throw back some beer and carry on old Irish traditions like dunking shamrocks in our pints for good luck!
Its origins may be deeply rooted in religious values, but St. Patrick’s Day has since evolved into a grand celebration honoring all things Irish. And guess what! You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the luck of the Irish!
Every year across the way from the Emerald Isle, many American cities bleed green for a day, a weekend and hell, sometimes even a whole week, celebrating with drinks, food, parades and fun!
However, of all the US cities that celebrate the Irish holiday, I honestly can’t think of a place better equipped to host the festivities than Boston who, in 1737, was the first city in the US to hold a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Since then, many immigrants have made Boston their home. With an estimated 25% of the city’s population being of Irish heritage, it’s no wonder their presence can be so strongly felt throughout.
Read on for your St. Patrick’s Day Boston itinerary!
Your St. Patrick’s Day Boston Itinerary
As many Bostonians will tell you, the city is known for 3 things – Irish pubs, Irish folks and sports. Hell, the city’s NBA team is even named Celtics (even if not pronounced the Irish way, ha). So, you can bet that there’s no shortage of fun to get you in the mood for St. Patrick’s Day in Boston.
The Morning: St. Patrick’s Day Boston
Start off the day satisfying your sweet tooth! You can find St. Patty’s Day themed sweets at:
- Sugarfina | Back Bay, Boston
Located in The Prudential Center, Sugarfina has the cutest selection of candies and packaging which you can customize. Design your own candy “bento box” by choosing from goodies like “Lucky Pint O’ Beer” and “Kiss Me I’m Irish”.
- LA Burdick | Back Bay, Boston
For something more sophisticated, head to LA Burdick where they serve handmade, artisanal chocolates in elegant wooden boxes, tied with a ribbon and stamped with a gold wax seal. Their St. Patrick’s Day chocolate selection is particularly divine. My favorite is the Signature Assortment inspired by Ireland and features little sheep, Irish whiskey and cream.
Don’t Forget These Tips!
The pandemic has been a crazy time for everyone. Be smart when planning travels.
Don’t forget to:
- Call to confirm restaurants & businesses are still open
- Check with Massachusetts to see about COVID-19 restrictions
- Plan your trip well in advance and book reservations, tickets, etc.
The Afternoon: St. Patrick’s Day Boston
- Samuel Adams Brewery Tour | Jamaica Plains, Boston
Does Irish Nitro Stout fused with brewery-exclusive beers, live music and chocolate covered waffles with clover sprinkles sound good to you? If so, then you’ll love their “St. Patrick’s Weekend” (no tickets required, walk in).
Travel a little off the beaten path to Samuel Adams Brewery, a place perhaps known for their Boston history as much as their beer. You’ll enjoy a little history lesson while celebrating the culture known for throwing back a pint.. or two. 😊 You even get a tour and sample what they’re brewing! It’ll make you appreciate Sam Adam’s a whole lot more when you see it in the store or at the bar.
Learn about other events at the brewery.
- Lunch at Moko Japanese Cuisine | South Boston
If you prefer to do St. Patrick’s Day a little unconventionally, try this place! We went for lunch during the parade and ordered sake and sushi which was delicious. The staff was also very friendly. The best part was that we were sat next to the window so we could enjoy the parade away from the craziness. 😉
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade | South Boston
Perhaps the most recognizable and iconic thing on this list is the St. Parick’s Day parade in South Boston (a.k.a. “Southie”) where over a million people flock to the streets every year to catch a glimpse of Irish dancers, marching bands, bag pipers and floats.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the former 4 mile parade route will be shortened to a former route used in previous years of inclement weather.
Planning for St. Patrick’s Day Parade Boston
How early should I arrive?
Many websites will tell you to arrive 1 – 2 hours earlier but, in my experience, if you want to beat the crowds and get a good spot, the best time to be there is 2.5 – 3 hours early. If that sounds too crazy for you, get a window view at a restaurant like I did.
What is the Parade Route
Starts at: Broadway T Station > West Broadway > Perkins Square > East Broadway
Ends at: Farragut Rd.
Here’s directions and more info.
How to get to the parade?
Keep in mind: Roads will be blocked off and parking is very limited. Your best bet is to walk or take the Broadway T subway stations.
How long is the parade?
It lasts around 2 & ½ hours. Chairs are allowed.
Continue the celebration at one of these exciting options!
The Evening, St. Patrick’s Day Boston
- Dinner at a traditional Irish Pub
I’ve never been to Ireland (on my list) but, I’ve been told by Irish immigrants that many pubs in Boston are as close to “home” as it gets. After 2 hours of searching online, I learned that one of the pubs I was desperately hoping to share with you is sadly no longer in business. This pub was a special gem and very authentic with live Celtic band playing music, rustic dining room with hand carved wooden furniture and delicious Irish fare.
However, there’s another pub I can share! It may not be Irish but it’s definitely “Boston”…
For a taste of Boston history, head to Charlestown, Boston’s oldest neighborhood where you’ll find Warren Tavern, a discovery I made on an afternoon excursion to Bunker Hill Monument on the Freedom Trail.
This tavern is the oldest in Massachusetts and where Founding Fathers George Washington and Paul Revere hung out. You’ll instantly notice that it has a colonial New England feel to it mixed in with “pub”. The drinks and food were tasty.
- A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn | Cambridge, MA
If you want to see a phenomenal group who performs Celtic, Irish and Scottish music, songs, dances, and storytelling, get ticket to see A Celtic Sojourn. We went to the performance held at Sanders Theatre in Cambridge. I can’t put into words how I felt during and after the show but, let’s just say, I have a whole new appreciation for my heritage. I was completely blown away. Everything from the performers to the show to the theatre were magnificent. It all came together very nicely.
- Celtics game
Want something even more adrenaline pumping for your St. Patrick’s Day in Boston? Catch a Celtics game during March Madness! Even the halftime performances were fun to watch! 🙂
Planning Transportation: How to Get to Boston
Depending on if you’re a local or an out of towner, you’ll either take the train, ferry, bus, or subway (“the T”). Use MBTA’s Trip Planner tool to see your best travel options.
Where to Stay in Boston
Even when I lived in Boston, I was often a tourist in my own city and took staycations. There are so many great hotels to choose from whether you’re looking for something budget friendly or luxurious. Here are my Boston hotel recommendations…
For a rush of history, stay at…
- Omni Parker House | Downtown, Boston
If you’re a history buff, you’ll get a kick out of staying at The Omni Parker House, which is the longest continuously operating hotel in the US. Not to mention, this is where JFK proposed to Jackie… and where Boston’s namesake and worldwide famous Boston Cream Pie was invented, which I’ve had by the way, it’s delicious! Since the hotel is right on the Freedom trail, I was lucky enough to get a room facing famous, historic buildings.
To snag a deal at The Omni Parker House, book here.
For a posh reprieve, stay at…
- Boston Harbor Hotel | Downtown at Rowes Wharf, Boston
For a classier affair, you won’t be disappointed with this elegant hotel on the water. Rated 5 stars by Forbes, they’re a AAA 5 diamond resort and a step above the rest in the city in my opinion. Enjoy delicious cuisine at their restaurant or in your room. Then, head down to the bar for a drink. They also offer afternoon tea. Don’t forget to check out the cool maps of Boston throughout the lobby!
To snag a deal at Boston Harbor Hotel, book here.
For affordable & comfortable, stay at…
- Courtyard Boston | Downtown / North Station, Boston
Located right near TD Garden, this is a great spot for convenience and an affordable, no frills, comfortable hotel stay. The hotel does have some nice, modern touches to it as well. It’s in the Marriott family so, if you sign up for a free Marriott Bonvoy membership, you’ll earn points toward future free stays. Use their Price Match Guarantee to get the cheapest rate on the web.
Book Courtyard Boston here.
Look out for my full hotel reviews of Boston in the future!
And there you have it! An itinerary to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Boston from morning to night. I hope you enjoyed this blog and got some inspiration and good tips!
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below! Would you celebrate St. Patty’s Day in Boston? If so, what would you do? Let me know if you’ve already been and what you thought! 🙂
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Thank you so much for your continued love and support! I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.
Until next time… Sending you lots of love.
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Hi Henry, I’m excited to hear you’ll be doing St. Patty’s Day in Boston! I hope you have a great time! Thanks for reading. 🙂
Lots of great ideas. Thanks! I just happen to be heading to Boston during the time of St Paddy’s Day and find these ideas very helpful. I’ve been interested in touring the Samuel Adams Brewery for awhile and Boston Cream Pie is one of my favorite desserts, but so hard to find anymore.