St. Patrick’s Day Parade NYC 2016: Route Map, Start Time And Best Viewing Spots

If you're in New York City, all you have to do to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Thursday is step outside.

The NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade will dominate the streets of Manhattan starting at 11 a.m. EDT Thursday as it proceeds along Fifth Avenue between 44th Street and 79th Street, according to the event's official website. The oldest and biggest St. Paddy's parade in the world, the show is set to attract more than 1 million viewers. It will likely end around 4:30 p.m., according to PIX11.

This year's parade will be notable for a few reasons. First, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio will be marching after boycotting the previous two years due to organizers’ restrictions on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender participants. Chairman John Lahey has said he wants the event to be “the most inclusive parade ever,” according to its website.

Also this year, the parade will be simultaneously broadcast in Ireland and the United Kingdom. People in the U.S. can live-stream the parade here on NBC.

"New York has always been so connected to Ireland, and in the year of 2016, we are excited to transport our viewers to New York for one of the best and biggest St. Patrick’s Day events on the planet,” Eamonn Donlyn, vice president of IRISH TV America, said in a statement to IrishCentral.

If you're hoping to attend in person, here's the route:

Watching the parade is free, but there are some rules. Alcohol and animals are prohibited, and police may search your large bags. There won't be any public restrooms, NJ.com reported.

As for finding the best viewing spots, the earlier you arrive to a place along Fifth Avenue, the better, according to the parade's FAQ section. GoNYC recommends skipping the crowds below 59th Street and instead opting for an area near the grandstands between 62nd Street and 64th Street. NYCTrip.com also suggests heading to the end of the route, near 66th Street, for a better view, as the most packed area will likely be at the start.

Another tip: Bring a poncho. There's a 20 percent chance of rain Thursday, but ParkWhiz notes that bad weather has never shut down the parade.