Consumers leaning into St. Patrick’s Day in 2026 as holiday spending climbs
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Check out the Retail Weather IQ for more about weather’s impact on St. Patrick’s Day and retail.
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and consumers are writing shopping lists, planning activities and searching in the back of their closet for a green shirt like it’s a four-leaf clover. Read on for more about plans for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, spending and more.
“Dublin” down on celebrating
Consumers have been upping the ante on St. Patrick’s Day lately, with more coming out to celebrate over the past several years. The holiday lands on a Tuesday this year, and three out of five consumers plan to celebrate. It used to be that participation in St. Patrick’s Day only hit this level if it fell on a Saturday, but over the last couple of years, consumers have gravitated to the holiday even when it falls outside of a weekend.
As celebration climbs, so does spending. Total spending on the holiday is expected to reach a record $7.7 billion, up from $7 billion last year. Unsurprisingly, top purchases for the holiday are food and beverages — did someone say Irish stew and a Guinness?
Party planning for St. Patrick
As for how consumers plan to celebrate, retail weather analytics firm Planalytics predicts consumers are more likely to celebrate at home in cooler and wetter weather. With recent weather fitting this description, some consumers may already be planning accordingly. This year marks a record percentage of consumers planning to host a party, and those planning to attend a private party are at their highest since the pandemic.
Time-tested celebrations continue to take the cake, though. Consumers’ top celebration plans are wearing green, making a special dinner and attending a party at a bar or restaurant.
Traditions and time with friends
St. Patrick’s Day holds different meanings for different people. Nearly three-quarters celebrate because it’s a fun tradition, while others like spending time with friends, enjoy the food or want to connect with their Irish heritage.
“Consumers are ‘weather-weary’ from a cold, snowy and icy winter. St. Patrick’s Day provides an opportunity for people to gather socially with friends and family.”
Recent winter doldrums may also play a part this year. “Consumers are ‘weather-weary’ from a cold, snowy and icy winter,” says Evan Gold, executive vice president of global partnerships and alliances at Planalytics. “St. Patrick’s Day provides an opportunity for people to gather socially with friends and family.”
If you’re looking for a way to impress those friends and family, maybe tap into tradition and learn some Irish phrases! But above all, have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day. For more insights, check out NRF’s St. Patrick’s Day headquarters. And check out the Retail Weather IQ to take a deeper dive into the weather’s impact on the holiday and other related categories in March.