Where to Celebrate Like a Local
New York City might have the biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but let’s be real—the suburbs know how to throw a better party. Fewer crowds, easier parking, and a full-on community vibe? Yes, please.
From massive parades to bar crawls to family-friendly celebrations, these four towns bring the Irish spirit every March—and they just happen to be amazing places to live, too.
Mamaroneck, NY (Westchester County)
Mamaroneck’s Sound Shore St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a highlight for residents and visitors alike. The event showcases dancers, musicians, and local organizations, reflecting the town’s vibrant community spirit.
Situated along the Long Island Sound, Mamaroneck boasts scenic waterfront views, a bustling downtown with diverse dining options, and recreational opportunities like boating and fishing. The town’s rich history and cultural scene make it a desirable place to call home.
Other reasons we love Mamaroneck? Waterfront living, a lively downtown, and a strong community atmosphere.
Pearl River, NY (Rockland County)
Pearl River hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York State, attracting thousands of spectators each year. The parade features pipe bands, dancers, and a plethora of community organizations, reflecting the town’s deep Irish roots.
Known as “The Town of Friendly People,” Pearl River offers a welcoming community with excellent schools, numerous parks, and a charming downtown area. Its strong sense of community and convenient location near major highways make it a sought-after place to live.
Other reasons we love Pearl River? Friendly community, top-notch schools, and easy access to both NYC and northern suburbs.
Huntington, NY (Suffolk County, Long Island)
If you want a true St. Patrick’s Day spectacle without crossing a bridge or tunnel, Huntington is where it’s at. Home to Long Island’s oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, the town goes all in every March with pipe bands, dancers, fire trucks, and Irish heritage groups marching down Main Street.
Beyond the parade, Huntington is a suburban dream with an urban edge—tons of bars, restaurants, and live music venues, plus a waterfront that makes every season feel special. The school district is top-rated, and the commute to NYC is easy via the Huntington LIRR station. If you want a town with a real heartbeat—where there’s always something going on—this is it.
Other reasons we love Huntington? Amazing beaches, a lively downtown, and some of the best restaurants on Long Island.
Morristown, NJ (Morris County, NJ)
If you’re looking for a suburb with great nightlife, amazing food, and lots to do, Morristown is it. Every March, the Morristown St. Patrick’s Day Parade shuts down the streets, drawing crowds from across Northern NJ with floats, bands, and all-out Irish pride. But the real action happens afterward—the town’s thriving bar and restaurant scene keeps the party going well into the night.
Morristown isn’t just about St. Paddy’s, though—it’s got walkability, history, and a built-in social scene. With direct trains to NYC, an adorable downtown, and tons of parks, it’s a perfect balance of city convenience and suburban charm.
Other reasons we love Morristown? A fun, walkable town with great nightlife, history, and an easy NYC commute.
Fairfield, CT (Fairfield County, CT)
Fairfield is the quintessential New England suburb—with the bonus of an incredible St. Patrick’s Day parade. Every year, the Fairfield County Irish Festival takes over the town, featuring traditional Irish music, step dancers, and enough Guinness to keep spirits high.
But beyond St. Paddy’s, Fairfield is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. It’s got beautiful beaches, a charming downtown, top-rated schools, and easy access to NYC via Metro-North. The community feel is strong here—you’ll find town-wide events year-round, from farmers markets to concerts on the Green.
Other reasons we love Fairfield? Coastal charm, great schools, and a true small-town feel with big energy.
Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow, NY (Westchester County)
Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow do St. Patrick’s Day right—with one of the best parades in Westchester and a town full of bars and restaurants where the celebrations don’t stop. Picture bagpipers marching down Main Street, families lining the sidewalks, and local businesses getting in on the action with festive specials and live music.
But here’s the real reason people love living here: it’s one of the most scenic, charming, and convenient spots in the NYC suburbs. The Hudson River views are unbeatable, the restaurants and coffee shops are next-level, and the train to Grand Central takes just 40 minutes. Plus, you get all the historic charm of the Hudson Valley without feeling like you’ve moved to the middle of nowhere.
Other reasons we love Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow? Amazing river views, historic charm, and one of Westchester’s best social scenes.
Stamford, CT (Fairfield County)
Stamford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade brings together residents for a lively celebration featuring floats, bands, and community groups. The event underscores the city’s commitment to cultural festivities and community engagement.
As one of Connecticut’s largest cities, Stamford offers a blend of urban amenities and suburban comfort. With a thriving business district, diverse neighborhoods, and extensive parks and recreational facilities, it caters to a wide range of lifestyles. Its robust public transportation options make commuting to NYC a breeze.
Other reasons we love Stamford? Dynamic economy, diverse communities, and excellent connectivity to New York City.
Ready to celebrate in the suburbs?
Because bigger isn’t always better—these towns prove you don’t need to be in NYC to have an epic St. Paddy’s Day. Whether you want a massive parade, a non-stop party scene, small-town Irish charm, or Hudson Valley magic, there’s a suburban celebration that fits your vibe.
And the best part? When the celebrations wind down, you’re already home, in a town where community events, highly-rated schools, and an all-around amazing quality of life aren’t just for one day a year.
For more insights, visit SJ’s New York City suburbs section and the New York City blog page on our website.
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