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20 Fun St. Patrick’s Day Traditions to Bring You Good Luck

Get ready to shamrock your world with these festive traditions! 🍀

By Shelby Deering
st patricks day traditions
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St. Patrick's Day is the one holiday that gives you the chance to embrace our inner Irish—even if you're not a drop of Irish ourselves! Whether you're parading in green, indulging in classic Irish dishes, or gathering with loved ones for some fun-filled St. Patrick's Day activities, it's a day to celebrate culture, food, and good company. You don't need to be Irish to get in on the fun—just a love for lively parties, hearty meals, and maybe a little Irish music to set the mood. And the best part? There are countless ways to bring the luck of the Irish right into your home.

To kick things off, try baking treats with an Irish flair, like a warm loaf of soda bread. Or, get into the spirit by donning green from head to toe (gotta avoid those pinchers!). You could even search your backyard for shamrocks or four-leaf clovers. If you're feeling extra festive, why not read some heartfelt Irish blessings or travel to a city to watch a festive St. Patrick's Day parade, complete with traditional dancing? However you choose to celebrate this holiday from the Emerald Isle, here are some traditions that will make it a lot more fun. Erin go Bragh!

1

Watch Irish Movies

st patricks day traditions watch an irish movie
IMDb

Grab the popcorn and go green with an Irish movie marathon! From classics like My Left Foot to heartwarming tales like Brooklyn, these films will have you feeling the luck of the Irish with every scene.

2

Snack on Irish Potatoes

st patricks day traditions irish potatoes
Amazon

Sweet and shaped like little potatoes, this Philadelphian tradition is a St. Patrick's Day must-have! Coated in cinnamon, these creamy coconut and cream cheese truffles are a fun and flavorful way to celebrate the holiday.

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3

Participate in a St. Patrick’s Day Dash

st patricks day traditions st patricks day dash
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Lace up your sneakers and get ready to dash through the streets in festive style! From 5k's to half marathons, St. Patrick’s Day Dashes are a fun way to stay active. And whether you’re running or walking, you’ll definitely be surrounded by plenty of green!

4

Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage

st patricks day traditions corned beef and cabbage
Erin Merhar

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a hearty serving of corned beef and cabbage! This classic Irish-American dish is as delicious as it is festive, bringing together tender beef, savory cabbage, and comforting potatoes.

SHOP SLOW COOKERS

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5

Watch Irish Stepdancing

st patricks day traditions
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Tap into the rhythm of Ireland with some classic Irish stepdancing! From Riverdance to local performances, these high-energy dances will have you tapping your feet to beloved Irish tunes in no time.

6

Drown the Shamrock

st patricks day traditions drown the shamrock
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Adults, listen up! At the end of the celebration, it is considered good luck to dunk a shamrock in a shot of whiskey. Drink and then throw the shamrock over your left shoulder. Irish whiskeys preferred, of course.

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7

Make Irish Soda Bread

st patricks day traditions irish soda bread
The Pioneer Woman

There's something so filling and satisfying about Irish soda bread, and you can make it a tradition each and every St. Patrick's Day. Try serving it alongside that stick-to-your-ribs corned beef and cabbage.

8

Wear Green

st patricks day traditions
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It's time to break out your green duds! Legend has it that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, so aim to wear it head-to-toe to be especially festive, or simply wear a St. Paddy's Day-inspired shirt or some fun accessories to get in the mood.

SHOP GREEN ACCESSORIES

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9

Pinch Anyone Who Isn't Wearing Green

st patricks day traditions
Sven Hagolani//Getty Images

Ouch! That's the sound of someone getting (gently) pinched who isn’t wearing green on St. Patrick's Day. Make it a funny little tradition with your family and friends.

10

Search for Four-Leaf Clovers

st patricks day traditions
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Although four-leaf clovers are pretty rare, you can find them from time to time in your own backyard. Head out with your kids to do some searching, or go to a local park to take your hunting on the road. You'll be instantly lucky if you find one!

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11

Bake St. Patrick's Day-Themed Treats

st patricks day traditions
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Every holiday needs some desserts, and St. Patrick's Day is no exception. You can bake sweets that nod to the day like Gold Champagne Cupcakes, Chocolate-Mint Brownies, and Grasshopper Pie.

12

Go to a St. Patrick’s Day Parade

st patricks day traditions
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St. Patrick's Day parades are always a big deal, whether you live in a small town that puts one on or reside in a big city like New York or Chicago where the parade is a grand affair. See rivers turned green, spot people in festive costumes, and enjoy watching the floats with your family.

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13

Sip a Guinness

st patricks day traditions
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Here's a tradition for the grown-ups! Sip a Guinness (or any Irish beer) after dinner, or try a twist on the tradition by making some truly delicious Guinness brownies.

SHOP PINT GLASSES

14

Kiss Someone Who's Irish

st patricks day traditions
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We’re sure that you’ve heard the phrase, “Kiss me, I’m Irish!” It originates from the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, where people kiss it for good luck. For the next best thing, kiss an Irish friend or family member on the cheek!

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15

Whip Up Your Own Shamrock Shakes

st patricks day traditions
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'Tis the season for shamrock shakes, and lots of ‘em. Instead of heading out to a fast-food restaurant for one, make your own shamrock shakes right at home.

16

Say 'Erin go Bragh'

st patricks day traditions
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Translating to “Ireland forever,” this Irish phrase is commonly said on the Emerald Isle, and you can bring the words stateside by making it a tradition to say to people throughout the day.

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17

Wear a Leprechaun Hat

st patricks day traditions
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Pick up your very own leprechaun hat and be sure to wear it all day long. The cute costume is fun for both kids and adults.

18

Turn Your Beer Green

st patricks day traditions
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To transform your brew into a beverage that pays homage to St. Patrick's Day, all you need is an Irish beer and a couple drops of green food coloring. See, it's easy being green!

SHOP GREEN FOOD COLORING

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19

Read Irish Blessings

st patricks day traditions
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With phrases like, "May the leprechauns dance over your bed and bring you sweet dreams," and "May your right hand always be stretched out in friendship and never in want," reading Irish blessings is a sure way to get the warm fuzzies on this holiday.

20

Make Crafts

st patricks day traditions
Anastasiia Yanishevska / 500px//Getty Images

In the afternoon, sit down with your kiddos and craft the afternoon away. There are plenty of St. Patrick's Day crafts you can make that celebrate the day, like clover crowns, banners, and even your own blarney stones.

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