When Is St. Patrick's Day? (Countdown & Dates)

When is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17. In 2026, St. Patrick's Day falls on Tuesday, March 17. Because the holiday falls on a fixed calendar date, the day of the week shifts every year.

What day of the week / how is the date determined?

St. Patrick's Day is always observed on March 17, honoring the patron saint of Ireland. The date does not depend on lunar cycles or day-of-week rules, so it can fall on any day of the week. In 2026, it is observed on a Tuesday.

A brief history of St. Patrick's Day

Originally a religious feast day in the 17th century to commemorate the death of Saint Patrick (who brought Christianity to Ireland), the holiday evolved into a secular celebration of Irish culture and heritage, especially among Irish immigrants in the United States. The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in Boston in 1737, followed by New York in 1762. Today, cities across the U.S. host massive parades, and Chicago famously dyes its river green to mark the day.

Is it a federal holiday?

St. Patrick's Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. While widely celebrated with parades, festivals, and wearing green clothing, banks, government offices, schools, and post offices remain open on standard business operations.

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