Is St Patrick’s Day a Federal Holiday in the USA?

Every March 17th, cities across the U.S. turn green with festive parades, shamrocks, and a whole lot of Irish cheer. From Chicago dyeing its river to local pubs pouring green drinks, St. Patrick’s Day feels like a full-blown celebration.

But as people plan their outfits and parties, a common question often pops up: Is St. Patrick’s Day a federal holiday? It’s a fair thing to wonder, especially when so many join in the fun. In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion and explain what kind of holiday St. Patrick’s Day really is in the United States.

What Is a Federal Holiday?

Before answering whether St. Patrick’s Day qualifies, it helps to understand what a federal holiday actually is. In the United States, a federal holiday is a date officially recognized by the federal government as a day of national observance. These holidays are established by law—specifically by Congress—and apply to federal employees and agencies across the country.

On a federal holiday, non-essential government offices close, and federal employees typically receive a paid day off. This includes institutions like the U.S. Postal Service, most federal courts, and government departments such as the IRS or Social Security Administration. While these rules apply at the federal level, it’s up to each state—and private employers—to decide whether they will follow suit.

Currently, there are 11 official federal holidays in the United States. These days are generally recognized for their historical, cultural, or political significance to the country as a whole. It’s important to note that not all nationally celebrated days qualify as federal holidays, even if they are widely observed.

So, Is St. Patrick’s Day a Federal Holiday?

The short and simple answer is: no, St. Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. While it’s widely celebrated across the country with parades, parties, and lots of green, it doesn’t hold official status at the federal level.

Unlike federally recognized holidays—such as Memorial Day or Labor Day—St. Patrick’s Day does not come with a nationwide day off for federal employees. Most private-sector workers and students also go about their regular routines, unless a local school district or employer chooses to give time off voluntarily (which is rare).

Many people are surprised to learn this, especially given how widespread the festivities are. But it’s important to distinguish between a culturally significant celebration and an official government holiday. In the case of St. Patrick’s Day, it’s certainly the former—but not the latter.

Where It’s Celebrated Officially or Locally

While St. Patrick’s Day isn’t a federal holiday in the United States, it does hold official or special recognition in a few specific places—and it’s celebrated enthusiastically across many cities and communities.

1. Ireland and Northern Ireland

St. Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, where it is recognized at the national level.

Schools, banks, and government offices close, and many people have the day off to celebrate with parades, religious observances, and festivals that honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

2. United States: Cultural Celebration, Not Legal Holiday

In the U.S., the holiday is not officially recognized at the federal level, but it still plays a major role in cultural life—especially in cities with large Irish-American populations.

3. Local Observances and Parades

Some U.S. cities treat St. Patrick’s Day almost like an unofficial holiday, hosting major public events that draw crowds from across the region. A few standout examples include:

• Boston, Massachusetts: One of the most famous U.S. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The city has a long-standing Irish-American heritage, and the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in the country.

• Chicago, Illinois: Known for dyeing the Chicago River green each year and hosting a huge parade downtown. While city offices remain open, the celebration itself is a major civic event.

• New York City, New York: Home to the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the U.S., with participants from across the globe. Schools and government offices generally remain open, but attendance at the parade is massive.

• Savannah, Georgia: Has one of the most significant celebrations in the South, with a city-sanctioned parade, citywide events, and some schools even closing for the day due to the size and scope of the festivities.