Chicago Suburb Named Among Best Spots To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

NAPERVILLE, IL — Bagpipers, Irish wolfhounds, step dancers and a huge parade landed Naperville a spot on WalletHub's 2025 roundup of the Best Cities for St. Patrick's Day.

Naperville was one of just four Illinois cities to rank on the list. Here's a look at where Naperville and the Illinois cities landed.

#2: Chicago

#11: Naperville

#71: Rockford

#145: Aurora

In its roundup, WalletHub evaluated 200 cities, weighing such factors as St. Patrick's Day traditions, safety and accessibility, costs and St. Patrick's Day weather. Subcategories included Irish pubs per capita, Irish population and St. Patrick's Day parades.

Naperville ranked #1 of St. Patrick's Day celebration spots with the lowest crime rate, per WalletHubs rankings. The city also landed the top spot with the highest share of Irish residents in its population.

Each year, Naperville's St. Patrick's Day Parade draws thousands of participants and spectators. To coincide with St. Patrick's Day, the city also hosts Irish mass, Irish session music shows and Irish-themed quiz nights.

Naperville is home to West Suburban Irish, Inc., a nonprofit organization that promotes events, arts and entertainment initiatives and other activities to celebrate Irish heritage and traditions. In addition to the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, West Suburban Irish hosts a two-day Irish Fest in Naperville in September.