Do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Across the U.S., households celebrate the holiday in many different ways—often through the food, decorations, activities, and the themed items they purchase.

According to WalletHub, more than 31.6 million people in the U.S. claim Irish ancestry, but you don’t have to be Irish to celebrate this fun holiday. Consumers are projected to spend more than $7 billion, with most of that spent on food and beverages. From special meals to festive décor, the small purchases we make for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day help create memorable moments with family and friends.

Festive Food & Drink

For many households, St. Patrick’s Day starts in the kitchen. Traditional dishes and festive treats are a big part of the celebration.

Some popular items people often buy around this holiday include:

  • Corned beef and cabbage, a classic St. Patrick’s Day meal
  • Potatoes and other hearty vegetables
  • Irish soda bread or other bakery treats
  • Green-themed desserts, like cupcakes, cookies, or cake mixes
  • Snack foods or party platters for gatherings
  • Irish beer or whiskey

Preparing a special meal at home is a simple way to celebrate the day and bring family members together.

Decorating for a Touch of Irish Luck

Seasonal décor is another popular way households get into the spirit of the holiday.

Common decorations and party supplies may include:

  • Shamrocks and green garlands
  • St. Patrick’s Day banners or table décor
  • Themed napkins, plates, and tableware
  • Small centerpieces or decorative accents
  • Green string lights, either indoors or outside

Even a few simple decorations can transform a dining table or living room into a festive space.

More Ways to Celebrate

St. Patrick’s Day parades are a popular event around the country. Did you know this tradition didn’t actually originate in Ireland? The first recorded parade honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was held March 17, 1601, in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.

Different cities have their own St. Patrick’s Day traditions. Chicago is famous for dyeing its river green. New York City holds the world’s largest parade featuring 150,000 marchers. Other cities host official pub crawls or family-friendly festivals. In some places, celebrations are always held on March 17 regardless of the day of the week it falls; other cities hold festivities the weekend before.

Want to find the best place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? WalletHub compared 200 of the largest cities in the country across four categories: St. Patrick’s Day traditions, cost, safety and accessibility, and weather.

Not surprisingly, Boston comes out on top! The city’s huge parade, one of the oldest in the country dating back to 1724, brings in a million visitors every year. Irish food and drink is prevalent in Boston, and more than 13% of the city’s residents have Irish roots.

Panel Member Reminders

How do you mark March 17? Whether you keep it simple or go all out with an Irish feast, remember to report any additional purchases you make for St. Patrick’s Day.

Remember, your voice as a consumer is important! Holidays like St. Patrick’s Day show how seasonal traditions influence what we buy—from groceries and baked goods to decorations and festive clothing. Every shopping trip helps paint a picture of how households celebrate throughout the year.

However you choose to celebrate, I hope your St. Patrick’s Day is filled with good food, great company, and a little bit of Irish luck. Don’t forget to wear a bit of green!🍀

Regards,
Taylor

Blog comment reminder: For help with panel-related issues (such as scanning or rewards), please contact our Panel Support Center directly at 1-800-962-6700, [email protected], or via NCP’s Facebook page. Please don’t post panel-related issues or share personal information in the blog comments. Thank you!

More From NCP:

St. Patrick’s Day Facts
St. Patrick’s Day Fun
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day