St. Patrick's Day in NYC concert
Photo by Nir Arieli

Millions of spectators will line Fifth Avenue this Friday, March 17th as New York City hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade, which travels from East 44th Street to East 79th Street, started in 1762 and is the oldest and largest parade of its kind in the world! The parade is an iconic annual tradition in New York City, but, if you’re looking for festivities that are off the beaten path, we have some suggestions. From sober celebrations to eye-opening tours, check out our alternative ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NYC!

1. Go on a Candlelight Ghost Tour

Merchants HOuse Museum

The Merchant’s House Museum is famously haunted! This St. Patrick’s Day, you can go on a quest for the “Spirit of the Irish” on a Candlelight Ghost Tour of the house. This guided tour of the historic home includes a stop at the 4th-floor servants’ quarters where the Tredwell family’s Irish servants lived.

The popular nighttime tour will explore true tales of inexplicable occurrences that took place in the 19th-century home where eight of the Tredwells died. Capacity is limited and masks are required. You can purchase tickets here.