Luck will not be needed if you are looking to save some green on food or beverages this St. Patrick’s Day.
The holiday, which is celebrated annually on March 17, marks the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick in the fifth century, according to the History Channel.
St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, according to the History Channel. He was kidnapped from Roman Britain and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16, before escaping and returning to Ireland. The History Channel says St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to the people of Ireland.
The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years, the History Channel said, and since it falls during the Christian season of Lent, families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon.
“Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage,” according to the History Channel.
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Here’s a roundup of deals, freebies, specials and promotions for St. Patrick’s Day.
Chicago River goes green: Date, time and how to watch river dyeing for St. Patrick’s Day
When is St. Patrick’s Day 2025?
The holiday falls on Monday, March 17 this year.
Krispy Kreme offers free doughnuts on St. Patrick’s Day weekend
Customers who wear green to Krispy Kreme shops March 15-17, whether in-store or via the drive-thru, can get one free O’riginal Glazed Doughnut, no purchase necessary. The O’riginal Glazed Doughnut is the brand’s famous Original Glazed Doughnut dyed green.
In addition to the free doughnuts, thousands of Krispy Kreme customers nationwide will win a “Pot of Gold Pass” on March 17, which is worth free Original Glazed doughnuts for a year – one dozen per month from April 2025 through March 2026, according to the company.
The doughnut chain also unveiled last week a limited-edition doughnut collection inspired by St. Patrick’s Day, including four brand new festive flavors:
- Pot of Gold Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in golden caramel flavored icing and topped with caramel flavored buttercreme and gold coin glitter sprinkles.
- Over the Rainbow Doughnut: An unglazed shell doughnut filled with cake batter flavored Kreme, dipped in light green icing and topped with shamrock rainbow sprinkles and a rainbow sugar piece.
- Choco-Shenanigans Doughnut: An unglazed shell doughnut filled with white Kreme, dipped in chocolate icing and topped with green icing drizzles and gold coin glitter sprinkles.
- St. Patty’s Swirl Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in white icing with green icing swirl and dipped in white and gold sanding sugar.
“If you’re planning any holiday shenanigans – and you should – our St. Patrick’s Day Collection will make them more festive and fun,” said Dave Skena, Chief Growth Officer for Krispy Kreme, in a news release. “When you share doughnuts, you’ll make your own luck. No leprechaun required.”
Get free onion rings at Burger King on St. Patrick’s Day
On March 17, Royal Perks members can get free onion rings of any size with a $1 or more purchase at Burger King.
Additionally, with the Combo Combinations promotion, customers can upgrade the sides of select combo meals with Chicken Fries, Mozzarella Fries, or Churro Fries for free until April 11.
Dairy Queen offers St. Patrick’s Day-inspired Blizzard
Dairy Queen customers can celebrate the Irish holiday with the Mint Oreo Blizzard Treat, a combination of Oreo cookie pieces and a cool mint topping blended with DQ’s soft serve.
Looking ahead, the company also announced its yearly free cone day will take place on March 20, the first day of spring.
“As spring blooms appear and longer, sunnier days lie ahead, Dairy Queen is starting off the season sweeter than ever,” the company said. The treat is limited to one cone per person while supplies last, DQ said.
Panera turns Bread Bowls green on St. Patrick’s Day… but only in some markets
Panera is turning its beloved Bread Bowls green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, but only in select markets.
The special Bread Bowl, called the Pot of Gold Bread Bowl, will be available on March 16 and 17 in limited quantities, in select markets including St. Louis, Boston, New York City and Chicago.
However, Panera fans across the country can enter the Panera Pot of Gold Sweepstakes by texting “LUCKY” to #31261 between March 16-21 to enter for a chance to win free Panera Mac & Cheese for a year.
MyPanera members can also get $2 off any size Mac & Cheese on March 16 and 17, according to the company.
Get discounted pizza from Marco’s Pizza on St. Patrick’s Day
Starting on March 17, customers can get a large 2-topping pizza from Marco’s Pizza for $8.99 using code “GETFLAVOR.”
White Castle offers discount on Sack of Sliders for St. Patrick’s Day
From March 14-17, White Castle customers can get $2 off any 10 Sack of Sliders using code “10SACK.”
The offer can be combined with an existing Cheesy 10 Sack promotion wherever available, the company said.
McAlister’s Deli adds two limited-time menu items in honor of St. Patrick’s Day
McAlister’s Deli has added two limited-time items to its menu in honor of the Irish holiday.
From March 12-26, the following items are available nationwide:
- Leprechaun Lemonade: A mix of McAlister’s Old fashioned lemonade with a blend of blue raspberry syrup and peach puree; $3.99
- Corned Beef Spud: A giant spud loaded with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing; $10.29
McAlister’s Rewards Members can earn 2x points with the purchase of either item, or a Reuben Sandwich, from March 12-17, according to the company.
More St. Patrick’s Day food specials and deals
- Applebee’s: Back on the limited-time menu at the restaurants are Saintly Sips Cocktails including the $6 Tipsy Leprechaun made with Jameson Irish Whiskey and the new Golden Goose made with Grey Goose Vodka. There’s also Rainbow Lemonades in nine fruit flavors including mango and passionfruit.
- Arby’s: Get a free Corned Beef Reuben sandwich with any $15 minimum purchase through Sunday. And you can get an exclusive “Eat Me I’m Arby’s Reuben” T-shirt on the online shop for just $25.
- Baskin-Robbins: The ice cream shop chain has BOGO 50% off sundaes March 16-March 31 and there’s some special green scoops – Pistachio Almond, Mint Chocolate Chip and Wild ‘n Reckless at participating shops. Milkshakes are special priced at $5 for a small, $6 for a medium and $7 for a large. Also available, a St. Patrick’s Day Cake, decorated with a rainbow, pot of gold and sprinkles.
- Biggby Coffee: Get 50% off any Irish Cream beverage or Mint Chip Creme Freeze at participating locations.
- Paris Baguette: Members of the PB Rewards loyalty program get a free pastry with any beverage purchase on St. Patrick’s Day and double points on all St. Patrick’s Day products including the St. Paddy’s Mochi Donut, St. Paddy’s King Cream Donut and the St. Paddy’s Rainbow Cake.
- Salad and Go: Get a free avocado upgrade on your breakfast burrito or bowl on Monday and through the month of March (use code FREEAVO).
- Slim Chickens: Get 17% off your order of $17 or more on St. Patrick’s Day (offer good online only with code LUCKYME at participating locations).
- Wings and Rings: Get free delivery on St. Patrick’s Day on orders of $30 or more through the Wings and Rings website or app (use code BRINGIT).
Contributing: Mike Snider, USA TODAY
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].
