The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the world, an iconic tradition dating back to 1762. Every March 17, Manhattan turns into a sea of green as bagpipers, marching bands, Irish organizations, and uniformed groups take over Fifth Avenue.
The 2026 parade steps off at 11:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 17, beginning at East 44th Street and marching north to East 79th Street. Below, I’ll break down the easiest ways to watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade live on TV, both locally and nationally. That way, you’ll be ready to catch the festivities the second they hit the route.
What channel is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on?
You can watch the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade live on WNBC (NBC 4 New York) starting at 11:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 17. The live broadcast runs until 3:00 p.m. ET, giving you four hours of emerald coverage.
Viewers skipping the crowded sidewalks can catch the entire multi-hour broadcast over the air on NBC 4 New York. You can also stream the parade directly through the station’s website and official streaming channel, available on Peacock and the free NBC 4 New York app.
Best TV plans for watching the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Because the NYC parade airs from late morning well into the afternoon, it’s the kind of broadcast you can casually drop into as the day unfolds. Turn it on while pouring the first pint, prepping corned beef and cabbage, or enjoying the excuse to wear way too much green.
Exactly how you tune in is entirely up to you, but here are a few reliable options depending on your TV setup.
- Good – Antenna TV: If you live within range of New York City’s broadcast signals, an over-the-air antenna is a simple way to watch the parade for free. Once your antenna is set up, you can catch WNBC without a subscription and watch as the parade moves up Fifth Avenue.
- Better – Free Streaming Services: Viewers without an antenna can still watch the parade on NBC 4 New York’s free streaming channel. The station’s livestream is available through its website and app, as well as free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, and Xumo Play. Peacock subscribers can also find NBC 4 News under the streamer’s Channels tab.
- Best – Hulu + Live TV: Viewers in the NYC area seeking a robust live TV plan with local NBC access will find Hulu + Live TV to be the premium option. The service includes an unlimited cloud DVR, allowing you to record the entire broadcast to watch later that evening.
How to watch other major St. Patrick’s Day parades
While the New York City celebration draws the most attention, several other cities host massive St. Patrick’s Day parades that are also televised. Fans looking to expand their Irish festivities this weekend can watch these events on regional stations and online platforms.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chicago’s parade is one of the most recognizable, thanks to the city’s famous tradition of dyeing the Chicago River bright green. Because the city celebrates on the Saturday before the holiday, the 2026 parade takes place on Saturday, March 14. Local coverage airs online via WLS-TV (ABC 7) and the ABC 7 Chicago app.
South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Boston’s long-running Southie parade attracts large crowds and takes place on the Sunday closest to the holiday. This year’s event lands on Sunday, March 15, featuring a newly reversed route to honor America’s 250th birthday. While the famous morning political breakfast streams live on NECN and NBC10 Boston’s YouTube channel, the actual parade won’t air on TV this year.
Regional and international broadcasts
- Cork, Ireland: As the Republic of Ireland’s second-largest city, Cork hosts a celebration featuring a vibrant mix of local and international performers. Viewers can stream the parade directly through Cork City TV.
- Dublin, Ireland: For an international flavor, coverage of the official Dublin parade occasionally airs on U.S. PBS stations. You can check your local PBS TV schedule to verify what’s airing in your viewing area.
- Holyoke, Massachusetts: This famously festive New England parade is commonly carried by WWLP (ch. 22) in the Springfield Metropolitan Area, with streaming available on WWLP.com.
- Savannah, Georgia: Home to one of the largest celebrations in the South, Savannah airs its March 17 parade through WSAV-TV (NBC 3) and its free WSAV+ streaming platform.
How to watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade FAQ
How can I watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade for free?
The easiest way to watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade for free is by streaming the broadcast through NBC 4 New York's FAST channel on platforms like Roku, Fire TV, and Samsung TV Plus. Viewers within range of WNBC's broadcast signal can also tune in over the air using a digital antenna.
What time does the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade start?
The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at 11:00 a.m. ET on March 17 and runs until roughly 3:00 p.m. ET. The parade marches north along Fifth Avenue, starting around East 44th Street and finishing near East 79th Street.
Who announces the St. Patrick's Day Parade?
WNBC anchors Gus Rosendale and Rana Novini will lead the 2026 broadcast coverage. They'll be joined by radio personality Treasa Goodwin-Smyth and renowned sports commentator Tommy Smyth to provide historical context and live updates from the route.
Where can I watch a replay of the St. Patrick's Day Parade?
Full replays and highlight segments are typically posted on NBC New York's website and streaming apps shortly after the parade ends. Clips and extended coverage may also appear on the station's YouTube channel.
