Don’t miss the 2025 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Key info and live stream options
Get ready for the 2025 New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Find essential details, parade timings, and live stream options to enjoy the festivities from anywhere. Join the emerald wave with the biggest Irish celebration!
The 264th New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place along Fifth Avenue on Monday, March 17, 2025, celebrating one of the world's oldest and biggest tributes to Irish culture.
With tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators anticipated, this iconic event guarantees a day filled with pride, tradition, and memorable experiences. Here's your ultimate guide to enjoying the parade, including tips for viewing and important transit information.
When and where: St. Patrick's Day parade schedule and route
The parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. sharp on Fifth Avenue at 44th Street, winding its way north until it concludes at 79th Street near the American Irish Historical Society. The event is expected to run until approximately 4:30 p.m., featuring marching bands, Irish societies, and groups like the NYPD and FDNY.
Key highlights along the route:
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral (50th Street): A symbolic stop where marchers often pause to honor the patron saint of Ireland.
- Rockefeller Center (49th-50th Street): A bustling hub with great views and a lively atmosphere.
- Central Park (59th Street): A scenic backdrop for parade-goers.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (79th Street): The parade’s final stretch, offering a quieter viewing experience.
How to watch: Live coverage and viewing tips
Whether you’re attending in person or tuning in from home, here’s how to catch all the action:
Live broadcast options:
- WNBC: Over-the-air coverage from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Cozi TV: Full parade coverage from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- NBC New York App and Website: Stream the parade live on iOS, Android, and NBCNewYork.com.
- Streaming Platforms: Watch on Peacock, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Amazon Fire, Google TV, Freevee, TCL, and Local Now.
Best in-person viewing spots:
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral (50th Street): A classic location with a meaningful connection to the parade.
- Between 60th and 68th Street (Upper East Side): Less crowded with great visibility.
- Near the Metropolitan Museum of Art (79th Street): A relaxed atmosphere for families.
With an early start, a prime viewing location, and a plan for post-parade festivities, attendees can make the most of the day. Photo: AFP via Getty.
Getting there: Transit and road closures
Navigating the city during the parade requires planning. Here’s what you need to know:
Road closures:
- Formation area: Vanderbilt Avenue (43rd-46th Street) and surrounding blocks.
- Parade route: Fifth Avenue (43rd-79th Street).
- Dispersal area: 79th-86th Street and adjacent cross streets.
Public transit tips:
- Subway: Take the 4, 5, or 6 trains for easy access to the parade route.
- LIRR & Metro-North: Extra trains will run before and after the parade.
- Bus reroutes: Expect changes for M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M31, M50, M55, M57, M66, M72, M79 SBS, Q32, and express buses.
Pro tip: Avoid driving, as parking near the parade route will be nearly impossible.
After the St. Patrick's Day parade: Keep the celebration going
The fun doesn’t end when the parade wraps up. NYC’s Irish pubs and cultural hubs are the perfect places to continue the festivities:
Top spots to visit:
- McSorley’s Old Ale House (East Village): A historic pub with old-school charm.
- The Dead Rabbit (Financial District): Award-winning cocktails and whiskey.
- Molly’s Pub & Shebeen (Gramercy): Cozy vibes and classic Irish dishes.
- Irish Arts Center (Hell’s Kitchen): A cultural hub for music, theater, and more.
The 2025 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to the city’s vibrant Irish heritage and community spirit. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or raising a glass at a local pub, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
