St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, and there are countless ways to join in on the festivities. From lively parades to traditional meals (love me some corned beef & cabbage), the holiday is filled with vibrant customs that bring people together. One delightful way to embrace the spirit of the day is through baking and cookie decorating!
The Rich History of St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th, honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the country. Over the years, the holiday has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, complete with music, dancing, and, of course, delicious baked goods.
Local Festivities in Chicago and Forest Park
If you're in the Chicago area, you're in for a treat! The city hosts some of the most exciting St. Patrick's Day festivities in the country:
Chicago River Dyeing: One of the most iconic events is the dyeing of the Chicago River. Each year, the river is transformed into a vibrant shade of green, and it's a sight you won’t want to miss! This colorful tradition usually takes place on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day and attracts thousands of spectators.
You can view the dyeing from the Chicago Riverwalk between State and Columbus, watch from Upper Wacker or the many bridges, or enjoy panoramic views from a bar or restaurant with a view of the river
The Chicago River will be dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day by The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130 on March 15, 2025. This image was generated using AI. St. Patrick's Day Parade: Following the river dyeing, Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade is a lively celebration featuring marching bands, dancers, and colorful floats. The parade typically takes place along Columbus Drive, making it a great way to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Fun Fact - in 2024, my brother, sister-in-love (who is from Ireland), and my niece had the honor of riding on the Chicago Irish Immigrant Support Group float, adding a personal touch to our family’s celebration!
Forest Park Events: Just a short drive from Chicago, Forest Park also celebrates St. Patrick's Day with local events. Keep an eye out for family-friendly activities, such as local craft fairs and themed events at nearby brick and mortar bakeries. Many businesses may host their own celebrations, offering traditional Irish food and festive drink specials.
Create Your Own Sweet Tradition with Baking
One fun way to get into the St. Patrick's Day spirit is through baking and cookie decorating! Decorating cookies can be a delightful activity for families, friends, or even solo bakers looking to express their creativity.
To help you get started, we’ve created a St. Patrick's Day DIY Cookie Decorating Kit. This kit includes themed sugar cookies, colorful icing, festive sprinkles, and all the tools you need to make your baking experience enjoyable and memorable. Cookie decorating is more than just a fun activity; it’s a chance to create sweet treats that can be shared with loved ones.
St. Patrick's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate culture, community, and creativity. Whether you’re participating in traditional customs, enjoying local Chicago events, or baking delicious cookies at home, adding a touch of sweetness can enhance your festivities.
If you're interested in trying your hand at cookie decorating, consider picking up our St. Patrick's Day DIY Cookie Decorating Kit to make your celebration even sweeter. Happy St. Patrick's Day, and may the luck of the Irish be with you!
Find more options for local activities here: Saint Patrick's Day in Chicago: Full list of events – from parades to the river dyeing.
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