St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, and the introduction of Christianity to Ireland. The holiday has evolved from religious services and feasts to a secular celebration of Irish culture. 

Origins

• The holiday has been celebrated on March 17 since St. Patrick’s death in the fifth century. 
• The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in what is now St. Augustine, Florida in 1601. 
• The first St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America took place in Boston in 1737. 

Saint Patrick

• St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. 
• Green wasn’t his signature color. His color was known as “Saint Patrick’s blue,” which is a deep, azure blue. The color green became connected to St. Patrick’s Day after it was linked to the Irish independence movement in the late 18th century.
• Despite his Irish notoriety, Saint Patrick was British. He was born to Roman parents in Scotland or Wales in the late fourth century.
• Saint Patrick was born “Maewyn Succat” but changed his name to “Patricius” after becoming a priest.

Symbolism

• Shamrocks: According to Irish legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity. He did this as a way to introduce Christianity to Ireland.
• Leprechauns: Leprechauns were first written about in old Irish fables. They are mischievous little fairies in Irish mythology, are often said to be guardians of hidden treasures. As Irish culture became more widely celebrated, especially in the United Stats, leprechauns became the main symbol of the holiday. Despite not having a direct historical connection to St. Patrick himself, the association with Irish heritage made the leprechaun a natural fit for the celebration. 
• Pot of Gold + Rainbows: According to some Irish myths, Leprechauns buried their pots of gold. They hid them at the end of a rainbow and if you’re lucky enough…you’d find one!

Notable Traditions

• Dyeing rivers green, which started in Chicago in 1962 
• If you’re in Ireland, the meat most commonly eaten by the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day would be considered “bacon” (cured pork), typically served with cabbage.
• Wearing green became tradition with the holiday in the 18th century 
• If you’re in the United States, eating corn beef and cabbage became a staple for the holiday. It was one of the best meals Irish Americans. It was simple, cheap and delicious!
• On or around St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish Taoiseach, or prime minister, presents the U.S. president with a crystal bowl of live shamrocks as a symbol of the close ties between the two countries. If you’re curious to watch it happen, here are the most recent years:
  • 2025: President Trump & Prime Minister Leo Varadkar
  • 2024: President Biden & Prime Minister Leo Varadkar

Fun Activities for All Ages

When my kids were younger, I tried all of those cute little activities you can search for online. Unfortunately, I never had the right supplies. They also ended up being activities that my kids weren’t interested in or were too short of an activity. So, I tried to come up with St Patrick’s Day Activities that appeal to all ages!

1. Rainbow Paper Chains

• Materials: Colored paper or construction paper (red, orange, yellow, green, blue), glue or a stapler.
• How to Make It: Cut paper strips into the colors of the rainbow. Loop the strips together and either glue or staple them to create a chain. You can hang this rainbow chain across your home or in a doorway to bring some St. Patrick’s Day cheer!

2. St. Patrick’s Day Salt Dough Shamrocks

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup salt
• 3/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
• Optional: 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for a smoother dough) or food coloring

Instructions:

• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir well until ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Add the Water: Gradually add the water to the dry mixture. Start mixing with a spoon or your hands, then knead the dough until it’s smooth and firm. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add more water (a teaspoon at a time). Add food coloring, if you choose or paint it after you bake. ***If you want a smoother and softer dough, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. This step is optional but can make the dough easier to work with.
• Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough is well-mixed, roll it out on a clean surface (1/4 inch thick).
• Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes like shamrocks, hearts, stars – whatever design you want! No cookie cutters? No problem! Use THIS and shape it with your hands! This is a great way to get into your design. ***Turn them into ornaments! Create a small hole at the top of each shape for threading string or ribbon.
• Bake the Shapes: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the cut-out shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 1 to 2 hours, or until they are dry and hard. Check the thickness of the shapes—thicker ones need more time to fully dry out.
• Cool and Decorate: Once they are fully cooled, paint and decorate them as desired (acrylic paints, markers, or glitter). You can also seal them with a clear varnish to make them last longer.

Other Craft Activities 🎨

• DIY Leprechaun Trap: Build a “trap” to catch a leprechaun overnight! Use the link for ideas but don’t limit yourself. Use what you have available!
• Handprint Shamrocks: Paint kids’ hands green and press them onto paper to make shamrock art.
• Pot of Gold Slime: Make green or gold glitter slime for a fun sensory activity.
• Lucky Charms Necklace: String together marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal for an edible craft.

3. Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Green food coloring
• Green sprinkles or royal icing for decoration

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Add green food coloring and mix until the dough is evenly colored.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (this makes rolling easier).
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thick.
9. Cut out shamrock shapes using cookie cutters. Transfer to baking sheets.
10. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just set (avoid browning for soft cookies).
11. Cool completely before decorating with sprinkles or icing.

Optional Decoration:

• Royal Icing: Mix 2 cups powdered sugar, 1½ tablespoons meringue powder, and 3 to 4 tablespoons water until smooth. Add green food coloring and pipe onto cookies.
• Sprinkles: Brush cookies lightly with water or corn syrup, then sprinkle with green sugar or shamrock-shaped sprinkles.

Other Food Fun 🍳

• Make a Green Pancake Breakfast: Add green food coloring to pancake batter and top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
• Shamrock-Shaped Sandwiches: Use a clover-shaped cookie cutter to make festive sandwiches.
• Rainbow Fruit Platter: Arrange fruits in rainbow colors with a pot of gold. Use chocolate coins or vanilla yogurt at the end.
• Leprechaun Lemonade: Make a fizzy green drink with lemon-lime soda, limeade, and sherbet.
• US Traditional Meal: Cook a delicious meal of corned beef and cabbage! Add some bacon to bring out the rich flavor of the beef. Serve with some Irish Soda Bread and butter.

4. Outdoor Activities 🍀

• Leprechaun Treasure Hunt: Hide chocolate gold coins, green treats, or small prizes around the yard or house.
• Shamrock Hopscotch: Draw a hopscotch with shamrocks instead of numbers and have a jumping contest.
• Lucky Obstacle Course: Set up a green-themed obstacle course where kids must “catch the leprechaun” at the end.
• Rainbow Chalk Art: Let kids decorate the driveway with rainbow drawings and St. Patrick’s Day messages.
• St. Paddy’s Day Parade: Go to a local parade.

5. Games & Entertainment 🎶

• Irish Music Dance Party: Play traditional Irish music and have a fun dance-off.
• Pin the Hat on the Leprechaun: A St. Patrick’s Day twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”
• Gold Coin Toss: Toss chocolate coins into a pot for points.
• St. Patrick’s Day Bingo: Have fun with THIS!