[Leggi in italiano 🇮🇹] Originally posted in 2010 and updated for 2025.
The NYC Easter Bonnet Parade 2025 is one of the most beloved traditions in New York City, bringing together the creativity and spirit of spring in a dazzling display… you wouldn’t want to miss it!!!
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the Easter celebration in the heart of Manhattan!
How to celebrate Easter in NYC
Growing up in Marina di Carrara, Tuscany, Easter was always a big family affair. Three generations of women would gather at my Grandma’s house the week before Easter to cook for what felt like an army! There was no such thing as leftovers in our house – we ate like there was no tomorrow! 🤣
Since moving to NYC in 2007, I’ve found a new way to celebrate: strolling down Fifth Avenue for the Easter Bonnet Parade. The excitement in the air, the creativity of the bonnets, and the joy of being part of something so uniquely NYC… it just fills my heart every year!
New Yorkers will always find a way to fully express their creativity!!! I LOVE IT!!!
When & Where to Celebrate the Easter Bonnet Parade
🗓️ Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025
🕒: 10 AM – 4 PM
📍The parade takes place along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets, centered around St. Patrick’s Cathedral between 50th and 51st Streets.
This spontaneous event invites anyone with a creative hat (and/or Easter themed costume) to join in. The streets fill with a colorful sea of floral masterpieces, whimsical hats, and pop culture tributes. No formal registration is needed – simply show up with your best bonnet!
How to Participate in the Easter Bonnet Parade
The Easter Bonnet Parade is a celebration of creativity, so get ready to show off your most imaginative and stylish hat! Here’s how you can join in:
- Step 1: Choose your bonnet and make it bold, fun, and unique. The more creative, the better!
- Step 2: Dress for the occasion. Many people also go all-out with spring-inspired outfits, so feel free to get playful with pastels, florals, and accessories that match your hat.
- Step 3: Head to Fifth Avenue on Easter Sunday, and stroll on Fifth Ave, showing off your creation and/or admiring others’.
Best Viewing Spots for the Parade
St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets) is the heart of the parade. While it can get pretty crowded, the energy here is unbeatable – especially from the steps of the Cathedral, where you can truly feel the excitement of the event.
If you’d rather avoid the crowds but still want to catch all the bonnets and costumes, don’t worry! You’ll have a perfect view anywhere along Fifth Avenue, as participants will be strolling from 49th to 57th Streets for hours. The parade is a rolling celebration!
Pro Tip: Take a stroll through Rockefeller Plaza to enjoy the Easter and springtime decorations for some extra festive vibes!
History of the Easter Bonnet Parade
The tradition of the Easter Bonnet Parade dates back to around 1870, when mass-goers would dress up and carry flowers from St. Thomas’ Church to St. Luke Church. The most beautiful bonnets were worn as part of this religious tradition, turning the streets of NYC into an impromptu fashion show of floral elegance.
To get a real sense of what Easter in New York looked like back then, watch the classic film Easter Parade starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. Directed by Irving Berlin, this film features charming scenes that capture the essence of Easter celebrations in NYC, complete with stunning bonnets and Broadway flair!
When and How to Attend St. Patrick’s Cathedral Easter Mass
If you’re planning to attend Easter Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 20, 2025, here’s the schedule:
– 7:00 AM
– 8:00 AM
– 8:45 AM
– 10:00 AM (Tickets Required*)
– 12:00 PM
– 1:00 PM
– 4:00 PM (Mass in Spanish)
– 5:30 PM
* Tickets are only required for the 10:00 AM Mass, the most popular service of the day. While active parishioners can claim tickets at any time, non-parishioners must enter an online lottery for a chance to win tickets.
Be sure to plan ahead if you want to experience the grandeur of Easter Mass at this iconic NYC landmark!
A Fun Memory from the Easter Parade
Years ago, along with my “Kangoo” friends, we dressed up as bunnies and bounced our way through the Easter Bonnet Parade. We ended up in so many local newspapers and it was an absolute blast! 🤣
Will you be joining me this year? Drop a comment or tag a friend who needs to join the Easter fun!
One Comment