Planning a Move to Savannah? Don't Miss the 3rd Largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the U.S.

When you think of Savannah, Georgia, images of moss-draped oaks, cobblestone streets, and grand antebellum homes come to mind. But this Southern gem, with an easygoing pace and historical charm to spare, transforms into a high-energy hub of celebration every March. The occasion? One of the country's most iconic and beloved traditions: the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade.

For those planning a move to Savannah—or even considering it—there's no better way to understand the city's spirit than by experiencing this time-honored event. It's not just a parade; it's a cultural moment, a point of pride, and a true reflection of what it means to be part of the Savannah community.

Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Parade is the third-largest in the country, surpassed only by those in New York City and Chicago. But Savannah's celebration isn't just about scale. Dating back to 1824, the tradition is one of the oldest in America, with roots in the Irish heritage that helped build this storied city. What began with a modest procession of Irish Protestant merchants has grown into a five-day celebration steeped in pride, pageantry, and community connection.

Each year, more than 300,000 visitors descend upon Savannah for the festivities, and while the crowd swells, the city never loses its warm hospitality. In fact, it embraces the occasion with open arms and wide streets full of green.

If you're new to town, you'll quickly learn that St. Patrick’s Day is a civic holiday in Savannah in every sense. The day begins with an early morning Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist—a deeply moving and open-to-all ceremony that sets the tone for the celebration to follow. From there, the parade proceeds through the city's historic core, featuring a wave of marching bands, floats, military units, local schools, civic groups, and Irish heritage societies.

The procession typically lasts around four hours, drawing crowds in every shade of green to the shaded squares and wide avenues of the Historic District. You'll see bleacher seating lining Bay Street, Emmet Park, and near Colonial Park Cemetery. Locals know to bring foldable chairs, coolers, and plenty of snacks for the occasion.

Want to experience it in style? VIP tickets are available with perks such as reserved seating, catered buffets, open bars, live Irish music, and private restrooms.

One of the best parts about moving to Savannah? You get to experience the full scope of St. Patrick's Day, which here stretches well beyond the parade itself.

• The Greening of the Fountain kicks things off at Forsyth Park, when the fountain is dyed emerald green in a beloved ceremony featuring the Parade Grand Marshal and local dignitaries.
• The Celtic Cross Ceremony honors Savannah's deep Irish lineage with a ceremonial procession from the Cathedral to Emmet Park.
• The Jasper Green Ceremony, in Madison Square, commemorates Irish-American soldiers past and present.
• Shamrocks & Shenanigans, a free three-day festival hosted at Plant Riverside District, adds a family-friendly mix of food, drinks, and live music on the riverfront.

Each event surrounding Savannah's St. Patrick's Day, both official and unofficial, offers its own unique perspective on the city's vibrant Irish heritage and makes the lead-up to the parade a distinct experience.

Moving to Savannah means you'll start picking up on the nuances of parade culture. For starters: wear green or risk a friendly pinch. Additionally, come prepared—comfy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water are essential. Parade day starts early and ends late.

Savannahians love to go all out, from elaborate costumes and wigs to face paint and green accessories. That said, if you're new, don't feel pressure to go full leprechaun—enjoy the show, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe bring a shamrock or two.

Parking can be tricky, so locals recommend using shuttle services (like Old Savannah Tours) or staying downtown in a centrally located hotel or vacation rental. The Drayton Hotel, Planters Inn, or Lucky Savannah Vacation Rentals are all top picks with prime access to parade routes.

You might ask, "What does a parade have to do with moving to Savannah?" The answer lies in what the celebration represents. St. Patrick's Day in Savannah isn't just a good time—it's a window into the civic pride, deep traditions, and sense of community that define the city.

Savannah is a city that welcomes newcomers with open arms and provides them with a reason to stay. Living here means stepping into a place where history is preserved and celebrated. Nowhere is that warmth and community spirit more visible than during the St. Patrick's Day parade.

Beyond the parade, Savannah offers a compelling lifestyle. The Historic District is renowned for its 18th- and 19th-century architecture, while neighborhoods like The Enclave and Southbridge provide access to gated estates, golf courses, and spa-like amenities. Waterfront homes, grand porches, and oak-covered boulevards make everyday living feel cinematic.

The city also boasts a robust education system, diverse dining, vibrant arts, and a strong sense of identity. With a population just shy of 140,000, it offers the cultural depth of a larger metro with the charm and pace of a small town.

That's the real magic of Savannah. Whether you're watching green fountains bubble in Forsyth Park or enjoying cocktails on River Street during Shamrocks & Shenanigans, it always feels like home.

If you're thinking about planting roots in Georgia, Savannah deserves a place at the top of your list. Few cities manage to balance historic elegance with community celebration quite like this one. And the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade, as grand a welcome party as you'll find anywhere, is just one aspect of why Savannah is the ideal place to start your next chapter.

If you're ready to explore the luxury lifestyle that awaits you, contact the Teresa Cowart Team today to start your Savannah, Georgia, real estate journey.