Join New Yorkers for the Largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the World

As the location where the very first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in 1762, it’s not surprising that New York City is now the place where the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world is now held. Irish stepdancers, bagpipes, singers, and over 200,000 marchers are expected to participate this year. As a show of Irish pride, authentic, traditional dress will be worn by many participants representing Ireland’s past and present meld with American society. An estimated two million onlookers will gather to enjoy this grand procession as it makes it way up Fifth Avenue on March 17th.

While you’re in New York City to be a part of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the world, make sure that you get to see many of the city’s famous attractions with the Super New York Tour. This tour will give you a hop on / hop off downtown tour, so you can explore the downtown area at your leisure. It also includes a night tour, a harbor cruise, and admission to one of the city’s famous museums. You even get to visit the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building Conservatory. You won’t miss any of the city’s hotspots with this extensive tour experience!

Of course, what’s a visit to New York City without a quick stop in Brooklyn to get a bite of some of the world’s most famous pizza? A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour is essential because it takes you to the area’s finest pizzerias where you can decide for yourself which of these competing restaurants has the best pizza pie in the world. Whether you choose Grimaldi’s or L&B Spumoni Gardens, you’re certain to have a blast tasting your way through Brooklyn. As an added bonus, the tour takes you by famous places such as Coney Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Brooklyn brownstones as it travels from pizzeria to pizzeria.

Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC Pays Fitting Tribute to Fallen Soldiers

Memorial Day is a time where people have honored soldiers who died in the service since the Civil War. This year, what better place to pay tribute than Washington DC? On May 31st, Washington DC will be holding a parade that starts at 2 pm to give a salute to the veterans of war.  There will be talented marching bands, magnificent floats, and much more. In addition to the parade, there will also be a Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. 

With so much patriotism in the air, who could resist visiting several of the landmarks and historic sights in Washington DC? Take the Gettysburg Tour and see where the Gettysburg Address was given by Abraham Lincoln along with several other stops where you will see an entire history of the Battle of Gettysburg. 

For a more physically active approach to seeing the history of Washington DC take the Bike and Roll Bicycle Rental which allows you to bike past things like The Reflecting Pool and the White House. It’s a great way to avoid expensive taxi rides and be active in your role of deciding where to go and how long to stay at the different historical hotspots. Or take the Bike the Sites Guided Bike Tour of Washington DC which has the benefit of a guide who can answer questions and tell you the fun facts about Washington DC.

2 Parades and One Chicago, IL for an Action Packed St. Patrick’s Day

If you’re looking for excitement and true Irish celebration this St. Patrick’s Day, look no farther than Chicago, Illinois. Chicago has not one, but two incredible St. Patrick’s Day parades. Complete with the traditional bagpipes, kilts, and drinks, both the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day parade and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade are noteworthy events in Chicago. The Chicago River is even turned green for the celebration. Take part in the party of the year with the Chicago Irish community and those who celebrate with them. 

While you’re in Chicago taking in the Irish culture, don’t forget to visit some of the noteworthy museums and other attractions Chicago has to offer. Check out the CityPass for admission to three of the most remarkable museums in Chicago as well as the Shedd Aquarium and Alder Planetarium. The CityPass offers great value and even has VIP entry and fast pass privileges with two of the locations.

After a day full of learning and studying the exhibits, cut loose and see the nightlife of Chicago. Listen to the blues Chicago is so well-known for and see the clubs in the Chicago Club Crawl. With this pass there is no coverage charge, and you will be given a drink at each location.  Transportation is also included so you can relax and not worry about driving afterwards. Also check out the Chicago Night Life Pass which gives you access to several clubs and allows you to skip the long waiting lines.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City, New York

On March 17th, the famous and much-loved St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled to begin on 5th Avenue of New York City, NY. New York is well-known for its grand parades and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York is one of the oldest and biggest parades worldwide.

Early in the morning, the streets being to fill with revelers looking for places to sit or stand to watch the parade go by. At 11 am, the parade begins and the merriment of the holiday is in full swing. After a day full of celebration, parade floats, and marching bands, the night is sure to be full of excitement. A unique tour of the city of New York at night such as the New York Nights and the City tour is sure to be the perfect end to a wonderful day.

The day before or the day after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, New York back to its fast-paced way of life during the day would be thrilling to explore in the New York See It All tour. After your tour, a visit to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Modern and Contemporary Art Museum cannot be missed. As one of the most famous and beautiful art museums in the world, it’s one experience in New York that is essential.

New York City Offers Halloween Events Both Scary and Fun

If you would rather not wait until October 31 to enjoy a spooky night out, New York City has the options for you and your family for fun Halloween events before the end of the month. These events appeal to both adults and children, so you can count on enjoying a family-friendly activity with a spooky theme.

New York area zoos get into the holiday spirit by hosting different events throughout October. At the Staten Island Zoo, visitors can enjoy the popular Spooktacular event, which features themed activities, special events, and all of the great exhibits found at the zoo year round. Spooktacular is set to take place October 24-25, and admission tickets must be bought ahead of time. In addition, there are two Boo at the Zoo events taking place elsewhere in New York City. Prospect Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and the Central Park Zoo are hosting Boo at the Zoo events. Boo at the Zoo features Halloween treats for both the animals and visitors, arts and crafts booths, and a fun and safe environment to spend the Halloween evening. Boo at the Zoo takes place on October 31. If your kids love animals and Halloween, these events combine the best of both interests.

In Greenwich Village, you can take to the streets to enjoy the annual Village Halloween Parade. This annual event is one of the city’s most popular Halloween events takes place on October 31. The parade features costumed revelers, live music from over 50 bands, celebrities, dancers, and more. The theme of this year’s parade is “Uncharted Waters.” The parade can be seen from on 6th Avenue between Spring Street and 21st Street. There is also an award for the best costume.

For the kid in everyone, spending the day at Six Flags Great Adventure in nearby New Jersey offers thrills, spills, and Fright Fest from October 3 to November 1. Fright Fest features special events, shows, and spooky attractions. During Fright Fest, Six Flags Great Adventure features a haunted midway, themed shows, and haunted paths and scarezones. Fright Fest offers many attractions suitable for young children, but not all of the special events and features are appropriate for all ages. In addition to the terrifyingly fun events of Fright Fest, you can also enjoy all the great rides and attractions found at Six Flags Great Adventure throughout the year.

Fourth of July in Washington, DC: Fireworks, Monuments, and Mount Vernon

Independence Day is almost upon us! What better location to celebrate America than in its beautiful capitol city? Washington, DC is the perfect place to make your July 4th celebration special. With a variety of celebrations taking place throughout the area, you have plenty of options for your holiday.

George Washington’s manor, Mount Vernon, is an ideal location at which to celebrate America’s independence, and the Red, White, and Blue Celebration is the perfect party to allow you to do so! This event celebrates the birth of America, complete with a birthday cake and party festivities. Other features of this day-long event include a reading of the Declaration of Independence by a George Washington impersonator and a concert featuring 18th century patriotic tunes performed by the National Concert Band of America. Other fun activities and games will also be going on throughout the day. While at Mount Vernon, you will have the chance to explore the estate and the famed gardens and see many artifacts from Washington’s life.

If you want to stay in the capitol and celebrate with thousands of visitors and locals, make plans to join the Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration at the Capitol. This event has everything you need for a spectacular Fourth: a parade, fireworks show, and music! The parade starts in the early afternoon and features over 100 units and organizations marching to the Capitol building. After the parade, you can enjoy the live music from a variety of performers and groups. The evening finishes with a dazzling display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. With everything you need for a great day of celebrating, this event will certainly make your holiday memorable.

While in the nation’s capital, you should take the time to explore the monuments honoring the founding fathers and important presidents. These men played vital roles in gaining and keeping America’s freedom, and you can learn more about them and honor their memory by visiting their monuments with the Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour. This tour features a knowledgeable guide that takes you to all of the major monuments in DC, including the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. These monuments are lit up beautifully at night, making this experience one you are sure to remember.

Hotels for the July 4th weekend are sure to be filling up fast, so make sure that you get your desired lodging by booking early! We offer hotels right in downtown and throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Celebrate America in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are the perfect destinations for July 4th weekend. With special festivals, fun activities, and the shows and shops that can be found in Gatlinburg all year, you will have an exciting and patriotic time in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge when you visit on Independence Day.

The Midnight Independence Day Parade in Downtown Gatlinburg gives you an opportunity to celebrate America before anyone else. This midnight extravaganza annually draws crowds of over 100,000 people. The parade honors all five branches of the armed forces as well as containing entertaining performers, balloons, music, and more. Food vendors are also on hand ready to provide a midnight snack. This midnight parade is definitely a unique and festive way to celebrate July 4th.

If vibrant fireworks are your favorite part of the holiday, then the 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Smokies Park in Sevierville, TN is perfect for you. A great family-friendly event, you will enjoy watching the sky light up with dazzling displays of fireworks. Located close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this celebration is a great way to spend July 4th evening.

In Pigeon Forge, the Annual Patriot Festival at Patriot Park is a great family-friendly event. With a variety of food vendors, a performance by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus, and a salute to veterans and members of the armed forces, this event is sure to provide a patriotic celebration. The festival culminates with a fantastic fireworks show over the beautiful Smoky Mountains.

Another fun and unique July 4th event is the annual River Raft Regatta at the Christus Gardens in Gatlinburg. Perfect for all ages, this race includes all kinds of floating entries, including floating rocks, rubber ducks, and one-of-a-kind boats. The race ends at the Aquarium Bridge in Gatlinburg. Sure to provide a memorable experience, the River Raft Regatta is a great way to spend part of your July 4th day.

Whatever your choice for your July 4th vacation, these Gatlinburg area events are sure to provide a memorable weekend filled with patriotic and fun celebrations.

Choose From a Variety of Independence Day Celebrations in Williamsburg, VA

Instead of staying at home this Fourth of July, make the trip to Williamsburg, VA and choose from a variety of Independence Day celebrations in the Williamsburg area. With parades, live entertainment, concessions, concerts, and fireworks, you and your family will have an abundance of events to choose from to celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s independence!

Liberty Celebration at Yorktown Victory Center

For an engrossing historical look at America, the Liberty Celebration at Yorktown Victory Center offers just that. Be taken back to the historic time prior to our independence and learn about the people involved with the American military that defeated the British army in the Revolutionary War. Through a combination of museum galleries and demonstrations, the celebration is a great reminder of some of the freedoms we may take for granted. The celebration is also a terrific learning opportunity for children, as different exercises and role-playing demonstrations put into perspective what lengths our nation’s founders went to in signing the Declaration of Independence.

Independence Day at Colonial Williamsburg

Throughout the year, Colonial Williamsburg features authentic buildings and historic sites to honor Independent America. However, every Fourth of July, people gather from all over the country to celebrate this event. With parades, cannon salutes, and a terific fireworks display, Independence Day at Colonial Williamsburg is a unique celebration of our nation’s birthday.

The Road to Independence Fourth of July Celebration

The 30th Anniversary of this event features the theme “Let Freedom Ring.” You and your family will be treated to a full day of activities, including an 8 a.m. 5K run, live entertainment at 4 p.m., an 8 p.m. concert, followed by the tremendous fireworks show. Additional celebratory reenactments add to the fun of this special day. With the number of activities planned, the Road to Independence Fourth of July Celebration is a fun and educational opportunity for the whole family.

Downtown Branson’s Adoration Parade and Lighting Ceremony

If you’re looking for holiday cheer in Branson, stop by Historic Downtown Branson on December 7th to experience the Adoration Parade and Lighting Ceremony where you’ll see many different floats and bands march down the streets and watch as Mt. Branson’s Nativity scene is lit for the season. The day begins with caroling and shopping in the area shops as well as the Branson Landing. Stop by the lakeside shopping district and start your holiday shopping in earnest with over 60 different shops and restaurants. Once the sun goes down, the parade begins down downtown Branson’s main streets. Different floats and over ten marching bands will pay tribute to the holiday season as you watch from the sidelines. At the end of the parade, prizes will be handed out to the winner of each division! Once the parade is over, watch the lighting ceremony of the Nativity scene on top of Mt. Branson. When it comes to celebrating the holidays, no one does it better than Branson, Missouri!

Catch a show at the Sight & Sound Theatre during your stay with performances of Noah The Musical all through the month of December! With scenery that stretches to 300 feet, you can be sure that this musical will be larger than life. Enjoy the classic Bible story of Noah and his Ark as he houses animals and his family during the great flood. Live animals take to the stage and play the part as this story is brought to life with state of the art effects and custom sound and lighting. After seeing the lighting ceremony of Branson’s Nativity scene, continue to lift your spirits with Noah The Musical.

Celebrate the holiday season with a little patriotism with the Celebrate America show during your vacation away to Branson. Watch as the performers take you through history with music, dancing, and comedy from the beginning of the Revolution to now. Watch as our country has grown into the proud nation it is today. Great for the whole family, this show is educational, uplifting and fun. After the parade and lighting ceremony, experience a show that celebrates our freedom during the Christmas season.

An Outdoor Christmas in Orlando, FL

If you plan on visiting the Ocala area, there are plenty of holiday activities like the Annual Festival of Lights at Silver Springs to enjoy with the family. This festival takes place from November 28-29 and provides guests with a variety of holiday activities like parades, live performances, shopping specials, and much more! Santa will even make an appearance for the youngsters. Another visitor favorite during the festival is the Lighted Boat Parade down the park’s waterways. Carolers are present to provide the festive atmosphere while you shop and sightsee your way through Silver Springs. Experience the Annual Festival of Lights at Silver Springs to make your vacation in Florida one that’s full of cheer.

With Silver Springs: Nature’s Theme Park admission, you can enjoy the different rides and shows of the park as well as the holiday attractions with the Annual Festival of Lights. This theme park provides an educational look at the natural world with glass-bottom boat rides, animal exhibits, and free shows. Children will enjoy different themed shows like the World of Bears, Panther Prowl, Dolittle’s Petting Zoo, and much more! With the Festival of Lights, you can also enjoy discounts on the different merchandise and specialty shops in the area. During the day, enjoy the rides and attractions before settling down in the evening to enjoy the parade of lights.

If you want more outdoor fun, a trip to Gatorland provides families with an up close and personal look at Florida’s alligators. Stop by Alligator Island where you’ll see some of the park’s largest alligators that range up to 15 feet! If these creatures prove to be too scary for the little ones, take a trip to Flamingo Lagoon, Lilly’s Pad play area, the Very Merry Aviary, Allie’s Barnyard and more for some fun with cuddlier creatures. Complete your outdoor excursion to Orlando with admission to Gatorland for the whole family!