The first few months of the year can move slowly – after all, the holiday hubbub of November and December has subsided and you’re left with a string of work days (and certainly not enough days off!). Fortunately, there is a fun holiday just around the corner – and with it comes green beer, gold chocolate coins, and Irish songs of ol’. That’s right, St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. If you’d like to celebrate this holiday decked in green and create memories to last a lifetime, incorporate the following celebration ideas into your festivities.
Get Your Green On
What better way to celebrate this delightful day than dressing up for the occasion with some St. Patty’s outfits? From St. Patrick’s Day tank tops to St. Patrick’s Day nails, you can fully embrace the holiday and deck yourself out from head to toe in Kelly green. Want to add a little more flair? Find some gold leggings or gold necklaces to really make your green pop.
Bake an Irish Dish
Whether your ancestors hailed from Ireland or not, all of us can enjoy the delicious, rich flavors of hearty Irish meals. Head into the kitchen and try your hand at some traditional Irish dishes to celebrate this March. From stews to meat-heavy pastries, there are plenty of delicious eats to add to your list. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Potato & Irish Cheddar Rolls
- Irish Soda Bread
- Individual Bacon & Cabbage Pies
- Roast Leg of Lamb with Rosemary & Garlic
- Beef & Guinness Stew
Not quite ready to go all in with your culinary eats? You can also skip the traditional and instead opt for sweet treats that encompass the look of the festivities. When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, green is the color of the hour. Consider making green Rice Krispies treats, frost some green cupcakes, or make dipped yogurt pretzels (and of course, use green food coloring to make the yogurt green!). These ideas are especially great if you’re headed to a friend’s St. Patrick’s Day party, as putting a fun Irish twist on classic party sweets is sure to be a hit.
Give Yourself an Irish History Lesson
It’s easy to get caught up in the hubbub of this fun holiday, but it’s also important to look at the real roots of Irish history. According to the United States Census Bureau, more than 33 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. Take a look back and learn about Irish culture, whether you grab a book from your local library, head online to read about Irish history, or check out a local Irish museum in your area.
Take On a St. Patrick’s Day 5K
Before you partake in hefty Irish stews and down a delicious Guinness, get your heart pumping on a St. Patrick’s Day run. Lots of big cities offer festive Irish-themed 5Ks and half-marathons to celebrate this cheery holiday. Check out your local offerings on Race-Find – and make sure you dress head to toe in green to run the course. With any luck (see what I did there?), you’ll have a green beer or a pint of Guinness waiting for you at the finish line.
Head out to an Irish Pub
Want to get raucous? Gather some pals together and head to your city’s local Irish pub for some great music, great drinks, and a heck of a great time. Wear your St. Patrick’s Day finery mentioned above, and really make some memories. In some cities, Irish pubs will open early morning for St. Patrick’s Day revelry, so you can get a headstart on the celebrations if you’re an early riser.
Make this March 17th one to remember! With these St. Patrick’s Day activities in your schedule, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.