Every New Year’s Day, thousands of people in costumes and swimsuits run into the frigid Atlantic at Coney Island for the Polar Bear Plunge, a fundraiser organized by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club. Watching from the boardwalk is free and a fun way to start the year.
Quick Facts
| Date | Friday, January 1, 2027 (early afternoon) |
|---|---|
| Where | Coney Island Beach, near Stillwell Ave and the boardwalk |
| To plunge | Register through the Coney Island Polar Bear Club |
| Subway | D/F/N/Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Av |
Bring warm, dry clothes and towels if you plunge. More: New Year’s Eve & Day in NYC.
About the Coney Island Polar Bear Club
The Coney Island Polar Bear Club, founded in 1903, is one of the oldest winter bathing clubs in the United States. Its members swim in the Atlantic on Sundays through the winter, and the New Year’s Day Plunge, open to the public, raises money for local charities.
If You Plan to Plunge
- Register in advance through the club’s official website.
- Wear water shoes; the sand can be freezing and rough.
- Bring towels, a robe and warm dry clothes to change into quickly.
- Don’t stay in long: a quick dip is all you need.
- Consult a doctor first if you have heart or circulation conditions; cold water is a shock to the body.
Watching
Spectators gather on the boardwalk and beach. It’s colorful, with costumes and music, and a fun way to start the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge?
On New Year’s Day, January 1, in the early afternoon.
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