New Jersey residents know that St. Patrick’s Day is always a holiday worth looking forward to. There are a ton of events and parades happening across the Garden State, offering plenty of ways to celebrate. Our list of the best St. Patrick’s Day Parades in NJ has everything you need leading up to March 17.
So crack a smile, have fun, and “go green” this year at one of these great St. Patrick’s Day events. You’ll be glad you did!
Editor’s Note: Due to Coronavirus concerns, many 2020 Parades throughout New Jersey are being delayed until September. (The “halfway point” to St. Patrick’s Day.) We will update this story as more info comes in.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find a St. Patrick’s Day Parade near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
More from Best of NJ
North Jersey Parades
Hoboken’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
When: March 7, 10:00 am
Details: Come to Hoboken and enjoy some great food and beer while the streets are dressed in green and Irish decor. Though Hoboken no longer holds their annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, its wild spirit lives on through this event. In fact, this city-wide party is fit for anyone looking for an epic Irish-themed celebration. Passes for the many participating venues can be bought on their website.
More Info: Visit the website.
Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 7, 1:00 pm
Details: The Nutley Irish American Association’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade usually kicks off the holiday in Northern New Jersey. But this year, the 42nd Annual event happens the same day as Hoboken’s bash. As usual, an Investiture Mass at St. Mary’s Church will take place at 10:00 am. Then, the parade begins promptly at 1:00 pm starting on Harrison Avenue. Nutley is expecting just as many visitors as last year, as 2019’s overnight snow didn’t affect the parade at all. All are welcome to come out and enjoy the festivities.
More Info: Visit the website.
Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 13, 1:00 pm (Update: This Parade is postponed until September)
Details: Newark’s parade garners thousands of spectators every March. The whole community takes part in the event, from students and marching bands to bag-pipe players and public servants. Each year, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Inc. puts together a great showcase, and 2020 is no different. The march starts at 1:00 pm at the Prudential Center. A number of pubs and restaurants will be open throughout the day.
More Info: Visit the website.
Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 14, 12:00 pm (Update: This Parade is delayed until September 19)
Details: The Morristown St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a major annual tradition in Morris County. That’s because in 1780, George Washington gave his militiamen St. Patrick’s Day off following a cold and grueling winter; marking the very first St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in the country, right in Morristown. The festivities begin at noon, but you’ll want to get there early to find a good place to set up. The parade starts on South Street, between Town Hall and the High School.
More Info: Visit the website.
Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 15, 2:00 pm (Update: This Parade is delayed until September 12)
Details: Bergen County’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an enormous event in Bergenfield every March. This year’s event begins at 10:00 am with a mass at St. Mary’s Church in Dumont. The parade will begin at 2:00 pm, traveling down Washington Avenue. Countless families from the county travel out to Bergenfield every year to spectate. Schools, public servants and community leaders from multiple cities all help organize and march in the parade. Sunday masses will be held as usual.
More Info: Visit the website.
West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 15, 12:15 pm (Update: This Parade is postponed until September)
Details: The 69th West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a terrific event for families, friends and couples looking to dress up in green and orange. The day begins with morning mass at Our Lady of Lourdes at 9:00 am. Afterward, the town closes Main Street and Eagle Rock Avenue in preparation for the Parade. Step-off is at 12:15 pm, with the parade traveling from the corners of Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Main Street running north along Main Street; then the parade finishes at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
More Info: Visit the website.
Sussex County’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 21, 11:00 am (Update: This Parade is postponed until further notice)
Details: This year’s Sussex County St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be sponsored by the Newton Fire Department. 2020 marks the 17th annual parade; however, this parade has only been held in Newton for the past 10 years. Since the march steps off on Spring Street in Newton at 11:00 am, you’ll want to get there extra early. It’ll be worth it to see the wonderful floats, marching bands, and various public servants from the community.
More Info: Visit the Facebook page.
The Bayonne St. Patrick’s Parade
When: March 22, 1:00 pm
Details: The 39th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade in Bayonne takes place after the holiday itself. Thousands of people come out to watch marchers pay tribute to the patron saint of Ireland. As usual, the parade begins promptly at 1:00 pm; it begins at Broadway and 5th Street and ends at the entrance of Stephen R. Gregg/Bayonne County Park.
More Info: Visit the website.
Ringwood’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 28, 1:00 pm (Update: This Parade is postponed until further notice)
Details: Ringwood is holding their 31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 28. Though the parade comes more than a week after the holiday, it will be just as full of Irish spirit. Prior to the parade, children and parents can attend the family fundraiser at the Ringwood Public Library. The parade kicks off – rain or shine – at 1:00 pm at Skyline Drive and St. Catherine’s Church.
More Info: Visit the website.
Central Jersey Parades
Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 8, 1:30 pm
Details: The St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Woodbridge begin at 9:00 am with the Flag Raising Ceremony at Town Hall. Next up is the parade at 1:30 pm, traveling from Woodbridge High School and ending at Woodbridge Town Hall. We recommend finding a spot to watch the parade as soon as the ceremony ends. Most folks have the same idea, so it doesn’t take long for crowds to form along the parade route.
More Info: Visit the website.
The Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Hamilton
When: March 14, 1:00 pm (Update: The Hamilton Parade is postponed indefinitely)
Details: The St. Patty’s parade in Hamilton Township is a staple of Mercer County Celtic culture. This year, the parade starts at exactly 1:00 pm at the Nottingham Fire House. Grand Marshal Jerry Sheridan leads the 2020 march. The parade boasts traditional Irish themes and is sure to get you in the spirit of the holiday.
More Info: Visit the website.
Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 14, 1:00 pm (Update: The 2020 Parade is canceled)
Description: The 24th Annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Elizabeth begins bright and early at 9:00 am. A Thornstick Mass will be hosted in conjunction with Elizabeth A.O.H. St. Patrick’s Church to start the day. The parade begins at exactly 1:00 pm on Morris Avenue along Commerce and Jeanette Avenues. Just like every year, the event also offers fun activities for kids to enjoy; the “Kid’s Zone” opens at noon and remains open throughout the day.
More Info: Visit the website.
Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade
When: March 15, 1:30 pm (Update: The Somerville Parade is canceled for 2020)
Details: St. Patrick’s Day comes to Somerville early this year. The parade welcomes vendors along the route, and various stores stay open to offer food before and after the event. The fun begins at exactly 1:30 pm. Somerville’s parade is great for kids, as the festive streets are fully decorated for their entertainment. Of course, for the adults attending, many of the town’s bars will be open starting at 1:00 pm. (As part of the Somerville Saint Patrick Parade Pub Crawl Fundraiser.)
More Info: Visit the website.
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Parade
When: March 15, 3:00 pm
Details: Hunterdon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place in Clinton on March 15. The parade steps off at 3:00 pm, marching down Halstead Street in a circular route that ends where it began. Next up, there’s an after-party at the historic Red Mill Museum Village; however, this is a ticketed event and typically sells out, so keep an eye on their website.
More Info: Visit the website.
South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 15, 2:00 pm (Update: This Parade is rescheduled for May 16)
Details: South Amboy hosts their St. Patrick’s Day Parade just before the holiday. A parade Mass at St. Mary’s RC Church kicks things off at 9:00 am on March 14. There will be an Irish Flag Raising at City Hall following the mass. At seven o’clock on the evening of the 14th, there will be an Irish Choral Concert at St. Mary’s. Finally, on parade day, the parade takes off at 2:00 pm.
More Info: Visit the website.
Robbinsville 11th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 21, 12:00 pm (Update: This Parade is postponed until further notice)
Details: Following 2019’s successful event, the Robbinsville Irish Heritage Association is planning another St. Patrick’s Day tribute. The day begins with a mass at St. Gregory the Great Church in Hamilton Square at 8:30 am. The opening ceremonies will follow at 11:30 am, with parade step-off at noon. The parade begins and ends at Foxmoor Shopping Center. It marches through Washington Boulevard, North Street, Newtown Boulevard, Lake Drive East, Park Street, Burnet Crescent, and Union Street. St. Gregory’s will offer the best available parking for the event.
More Info: Visit the website.
Jersey Shore Parades
Belmar’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 1, 12:30 pm
Details: In 1974, the citizens of Belmar took part in their very first St. Patrick’s Day celebration. (Led by the Jerry Lynch Club.) With each passing year, the event continues to grow; including around 5,500 marchers and more than 200,000 spectators over the past decade alone. At this point, it has become one of the largest and most well-attended St. Patrick’s Day events in NJ. This year, the parade begins along North Boulevard at 12:30 pm. The enduring tradition continues despite rain, snow, or sleet. It’s a perfect trip for some traditional Irish fun.
More Info: Visit the website.
Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 7, 12:00 pm
Details: Ocean County’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place in Seaside Heights. A popular Jersey Shore parade, this annual tradition happens rain or shine, cold or heat. The parade begins promptly at noon down the Boulevard; but you’ll want to get there early to ensure you get a prime viewing spot.
More Info: Visit the website.
Asbury Park Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 8, 1:00 pm
Description: With thousands of spectators attending in 2019, Asbury Park is anticipating another great turn-out this year. The 2020 parade begins at 1:00 pm, so long as the weather holds up. The march travels south down Ocean Avenue toward Asbury Avenue. It continues down Cookman Avenue and ends on the corner of Main Street and Bangs Avenue. The Review Stand in Press Plaza also gives participants 20 seconds to perform during the parade. In addition, some marchers give out candy, so kids with front row seats are in for a literal treat.
More Info: Visit the website.
Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 8, 1:00 pm
Details: The year marks the 8th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the small town of Rumson. But don’t let the size of their town fool you, the parade is an exciting event; featuring floats, clubs and associations, classic cars, and, of course, great marching bands. Stop by to see massive firetrucks, costumed guests, and streaks of green and orange rolling through the streets. The parade begins at 1:00 pm and ends with an awards ceremony and trophies given out to select marchers.
More Info: Visit the website.
Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 14, 1:00 pm(ish) (Update: The 2020 Parade is canceled)
Details: For 2020, Atlantic City is holding their 35th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14. The parade begins at one(-ish), according to their site. It travels out from just north of the Garden Pier and Boardwalk. AC may be known for wonderful casinos as well as live shows, but this event is worth the trip, too. Head down to the Boardwalk to watch and wave as the community comes together to march in the Irish spirit.
More Info: Visit the website.
North Wildwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 14, 11:30 am (Update: This Parade is postponed until further notice)
Details: The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in North Wildwood steps off at precisely noon on Saturday, March 14, this year. The parade begins at North Wildwood City Hall on the corner of 10th Avenue and Atlantic Avenue. The parade marches north up Atlantic Avenue toward Olde NJ Avenue. Prior to the parade, there will be a ceremony at 11:30 am to honor the primary patron saint of Ireland. The festivities are free to attend and will feature distinguished Cape May County figures.
More Info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Sea Isle City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Party
When: March 14, 3:30 pm (Update: This Parade is postponed until April 18)
Details: The Sea Isle City St. Patrick’s Day festivities happen rain or shine. This year, the 30th annual Celtic procession will include live pipe-and-drum music, Irish residents, Municipal and County officials, Sea Isle’s “Irish Royal Family,” and many other participants. The march begins at 3:30 pm, traveling from 83rd Street to 63rd Street & Landis Avenue. However, the party lasts all day and night. Of course, you can find food, drinks, and other goodies on the sidelines before the parade begins.
More Info: Visit the website.
Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 21, 2:00 pm (Update: This Parade is postponed until further notice)
Details: Highlands’ 18th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade happens the Saturday after the holiday itself. The borough plans to “paint the town green” and highlight the lively Irish culture. The parade, which steps off at 2:00 pm, features more than 100 marching units this year; this includes bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, and decorated floats. The parade begins at Huddy Park and marches down the one-mile stretch of Bay Avenue. Meanwhile, there will be raffles and other fun things to do for adults and young children.
More Info: Visit the website.
South Jersey Parades
Gloucester City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 1, 1:00 pm
Details: Though the tradition is only a few years old, Gloucester City hosts one of the county’s most popular winter events. The parade takes place on the first Sunday of March, with step-off beginning promptly at 1:00 pm. The procession begins at Martin’s Lake and marches down Monmouth Street. Moreover, on the day of the holiday itself, the Knights of Columbus are hosting a Holy City Irish Breakfast. The bonus event offers live music as well as a whole mess of imported Irish treats.
More Info: Visit the website.
Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 7, 1:00 pm
Details: Burlington County’s Parade is held annually on the first Saturday of March in Mount Holly. Close to 10,000 patrons attend the parade every year, making it one of the largest in the region. The parade begins at 1:00 pm at the Fairgrounds Plaza, where Route 541 becomes High Street. The parade organizers also provide a heated tent where High Street Meets Washington Street with food, beverages, and entertainment. Prior to the parade, a 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk begins at 11:00 am; these activities benefit Mount Holly’s recreational programs.
More Info: Visit the website.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade / Website
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Sussex County St. Patrick’s Day Committee / Website
Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade / Website
Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade / Website
Eventbrite / Website
