By Joe Edwards
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A recent study from personal-finance website WalletHub has ranked the best cities across the U.S. for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Why It Matters
WalletHub noted in its report that over 31 million people (about 9 percent) claim Irish ancestry in the U.S. and that consumers are expected to spend $7 billion on the event in 2026.
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What To Know
WalletHub ranked Boston, Massachusetts, first overall, citing the city's long-running St. Patrick’s Day traditions, including a parade that draws around a million visitors, as well as a celebration with a history tracing back to 1724.
The report noted that Irish food and drink are prevalent in the city and that more than 13 percent of residents claim Irish ancestry, reflecting deep cultural ties to the holiday’s heritage.
Reno, Nevada, placed second overall, with WalletHub highlighting signature events such as the Reno Leprechaun Crawl and the Annual Leprechaun Race 5K, along with a nightlife scene known for low beer prices and themed specials.
The analysis reported that Reno ranks among the top cities for affordable beer, and it cited strong bar and restaurant offerings, including a relatively high concentration of Irish pubs relative to population.
Savannah ranked third, with WalletHub reporting that the city attracts roughly half a million visitors for traditions like its parade and the Celtic Cross Ceremony during the holiday period.
The report also underscored Savannah’s bar access, noting more bars per capita than any other city in the study.
Overall, the top 10 cities were found to be:
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Reno, Nevada
- Savannah, Georgia
- Overland Park, Kansas
- Henderson, Nevada
- Omaha, Nebraska
- New York, New York
- St. Paul, Minnesota
- Worcester, Massachusetts
- Buffalo, New York
How It Was Calculated
WalletHub said compared 200 of the most populated U.S. cities across four dimensions—St. Patrick’s Day traditions, costs, safety and accessibility, and weather—using 15 metrics scored on a 100-point scale to calculate a weighted average for each location.
What People Are Saying
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report: “St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the Irish, but it’s become a beloved cultural holiday for millions of Americans regardless of their ancestry. The best cities for St. Patrick’s Day combine rich traditions with tasty and affordable food, safe conditions to celebrate, and good weather. Celebrating in one of these cities will increase your chances of having a memorable holiday, as long as you don’t overdo it.”
What Happens Next
St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17.
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