More than $7 Billion Expected to be Spent on St. Patrick’s Dat Celebrations

Thinking about leaving town to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Two California cities have been identified among the best places for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. Can you guess which ones they are?

With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching and more than $7 billion expected to be spent on the holiday this year, the personal finance company WalletHub has released its report on 2026’s Best Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations..

To identify the top places to celebrate Irish-American heritage, WalletHub analyzed 200 of the nation’s largest cities across 15 key metrics, including the number of Irish pubs and restaurants per capita, the lowest available rate for a three-star hotel on St. Patrick’s Day, and the forecasted weather.

Top 20 Cities for St. Patrick’s Day

1. Boston, MA
2. Reno, NV
3. Savannah, GA
4. Overland Park, KS
5. Henderson, NV
6. Omaha, NE
7. New York, NY
8. St. Paul, MN
9. Worcester, MA
10. Buffalo, NY
11. Chicago, IL
12. Madison, WI
13. Las Vegas, NV
14. San Francisco, CA
15. Santa Rosa, CA
16. Pittsburgh, PA
17. Springfield, MO
18. Providence, RI
19. Amarillo, TX
20. Minneapolis, MN

Best vs. Worst

  • Naperville, Illinois, has the highest share of Irish population, which is 48 times greater than in Hialeah, Florida, the city with the lowest.
  • New York has the highest number of Irish pubs per capita, which is 34.8 times more than in San Jose, California, the city with the lowest.
  • Port St. Lucie, Florida, has one of the lowest property-crime rates, which is 9.7 times lower than in Oakland, California, the city with the highest.
  • Memphis, Tennessee has the lowest price of a three-star hotel room on St. Patrick’s Day, which is 5.5 times less than in Peoria, Arizona, the city with the highest.
  • Key takeaways and WalletHub commentary are included below in text and video format. Feel free to use the provided content as is or edit the raw files as you see fit.

“St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the Irish, but it’s become a beloved cultural holiday for millions of Americans regardless of their ancestry. The best cities for St. Patrick’s Day combine rich traditions with tasty and affordable food, safe conditions to celebrate, and good weather.,” according to Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst. “Celebrating in one of these cities will increase your chances of having a memorable holiday, as long as you don’t overdo it.”

Boston is the best city for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s known for its iconic parade, which has been around since 1724, according to Lupo. “Over 13% of the city’s residents have Irish roots, and Boston has the sixth-most Irish pubs and sixth-most Irish restaurants per capita.”

 

Expert Commentary
 
Why is St. Patrick’s Day so popular in the United States?

“St. Patrick’s Day works in America because it is rooted in immigration history but has evolved into something universal. More than 31 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, making Irish one of the largest ancestry groups in the country. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City in 1762, long before the United States declared independence, which underscores how deeply the holiday is woven into American civic life. Fun fact: Retail sales of corned beef surge dramatically in March. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that sales often jump more than 30 percent in the weeks leading up to the holiday, with Americans purchasing tens of millions of pounds. Corned beef and cabbage became popular among Irish immigrants in nineteenth-century New York because brisket was affordable and widely available. In many ways, the meal tells the story of adaptation and resilience. The holiday endures because it is inclusive. As I often say, St. Patrick’s Day is the one day when identity expands rather than divides. Everyone gets to feel a little Irish.”
— Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University

Are large St. Patrick’s Day celebrations an economic boom or drain for cities?

“For major metropolitan areas, St. Patrick’s Day is typically a short-term economic boost. Parades and festivals can attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, driving hotel bookings, restaurant sales, and retail spending. The National Retail Federation estimates total U.S. consumer spending on the holiday in the billions of dollars annually, with average per-person spending exceeding 40 dollars. Fun fact: Chicago has dyed its river green every year since 1962 using about 40 to 50 pounds of environmentally safe dye. The tradition began as a plumbing experiment to detect leaks and has since become one of the most recognizable holiday spectacles in the world. The media coverage alone generates significant exposure for tourism. While cities incur costs for police overtime and cleanup, well-organized metropolitan areas with strong tourism sectors generally see a net positive effect. The Luck of the Irish may be folklore, but for large cities, the financial math often works out in their favor.”
— Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University

What are some social and economic considerations for cities looking to host St. Patrick’s Day celebrations?

“Cities must think beyond the parade route. Economic benefits can be substantial for small businesses, particularly bars and restaurants that may experience one of their highest-grossing days of the year. However, there are real costs tied to security, sanitation, and emergency response. Fun fact: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration consistently reports elevated alcohol related traffic fatalities during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period. That reality requires thoughtful planning, including coordination with public transit and visible law enforcement. Socially, the holiday can strengthen civic pride and cultural awareness. Economically, it can support local commerce. The key is strategic management to ensure the celebration does not become a liability.”
— Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University

How can local authorities promote safety and reduce alcohol related accidents on St. Patrick’s Day?

“The most effective strategies combine visibility, accessibility, and communication. Increased patrols and DUI checkpoints have been shown by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reduce impaired driving during major holidays. High-visibility Patrick’s Day enforcement sends a clear message without dampening celebration. Access to alternatives is equally important. Extended public transit hours, designated rideshare zones, and partnerships with local businesses can significantly lower accident rates. Clear messaging that encourages planning ahead rather than reacting after the fact tends to resonate more strongly with younger adults. Fun fact: Studies show that holiday enforcement campaigns that are highly visible can reduce alcohol related crashes by measurable margins during peak celebration periods. At the end of the day, the success of St. Patrick’s Day should not be measured by how much green fills the river or the streets, but by how safely a city can host joy at scale.”

— Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University