When is St. Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17 each year.History and Trivia
The History of St. Patrick's Day is often lost in a green sea of fun and frolicking. Learn more about the true meaning behind St. Patrick's Day.- The History of St. Patrick's Day from History.com
- Who was St. Patrick?
- The "Real" St. Patrick's Day - Most of our St. Patrick's Day traditions were actually born in America. Learn about a different perspective on St. Patrick's Day.
- What is Evacuation Day? If you're a big fan of St. Patrick's Day, you may want to move to Boston. March 17 is a holiday in Massachusetts' Suffolk County (Boston, Cambridge and Somerville). It commemorates the evacuation of the British from Boston during the American Revolutionary War. Schools and Government Offices in Suffolk County are closed, allowing employees to start their St. Patrick's Day celebrations a bit early.
Fun and Games
There are plenty of ways to celebrate the wearin' o' the green. Here are a frew family-friendly options.- Make a Rainbow. In the search for a pot of gold, a rainbow isn't always handy. Here's a simple way to make one of your own.
- Family Friendly St. Patrick's Day Movies. Watching these movies can help you prepare for St. Patrick's Day by setting the mood, or they can help you unwind after a day of celebrating.
- Play Wallop. Similar to Whack-a-Mole, your job is to keep the snakes from snagging your gold. Make sure to read the directions for this one.
- St. Patrick's Day Printables. This collection of printables includes word games, coloring pages and stationery.
- Leprechaun Relay Race. Keep the kids active, while sharing a little bit of Irish Culture (some of the movies in the list above can help you with the dance steps in this race).
Crafts
Although St. Patrick's Day isn't traditionally a gift-giving holiday, why not surprise your friends and family with a little token? At the very least, these crafts are all good ways to keep busy and start conversations about the meaning of the day.- Crochet a Shamrock. This sweet little shamrock would look cute on greeting cards, barrettes, magnets and more. They're best suited for more nimble crochet fans.
- Decoupage Clover Bookmark. This one is geared towards teens, but is adaptable for all ages. For younger kids, just use markers and crayons.
- Make a Leprechaun with Growing Hair. I love this combination of science and craft. So much fun!
- Make a Leprechaun Trap
- Clover Stamping. An innovative way to make your own clover stamp!
Dinner and Drinks
Dinner
- Corned Beef History, Traditions and Recipes
- Basic Soda Bread
- Chocolate Orange Guinness Cake
- Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake
- Chocolate Brownies with Mint and Fudge Frosting
Drinks
- Green Smoothie. This one is great for the kids. It's not at all traditional, but it's green and it's got veggies in it (shh.. don't tell).
- 10 St. Patrick's Day Cocktails. If green beer isn't your thing, serve one of these lovely cocktails at your St. Patrick's Day party.
