Coney Island New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge
- Date Thu 1st January 2026
- Time 11:00AM EST
- Location Brooklyn, New York
- Price Free
- Races 1 race
Event summary
Get ready to kick off the New Year with a splash at the Coney Island New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge on Thursday, January 1, 2026! Located at the iconic Coney Island in Brooklyn, this exhilarating event celebrates its 123rd year, inviting thousands of brave souls from New York and beyond to take the plunge into the chilly Atlantic waters. Participants are encouraged to make a minimum donation of $30, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits dedicated to uplifting the Coney Island community.
Join in on the fun and excitement of this beloved New Year's tradition, where you can dive into the ocean alongside fellow plungers, all while dressing in your favorite swimwear or creative costumes. Every participant will receive an "I Did It" certificate and those who raise over $50 will even snag a limited-edition New Year's Day beanie, available while supplies last. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to make a difference, connect with others, and start the New Year with an unforgettable experience. Dive into the festivities and make a splash for a great cause!
Join in on the fun and excitement of this beloved New Year's tradition, where you can dive into the ocean alongside fellow plungers, all while dressing in your favorite swimwear or creative costumes. Every participant will receive an "I Did It" certificate and those who raise over $50 will even snag a limited-edition New Year's Day beanie, available while supplies last. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to make a difference, connect with others, and start the New Year with an unforgettable experience. Dive into the festivities and make a splash for a great cause!
Organiser's Description
Celebrating our 123rd year, the CONEY ISLAND POLAR BEAR CLUB NEW YEARS DAY PLUNGE welcomes thousands of BRRave souls from NY and all around the globe to check off one of the "coolest" events on their bucket list! A great way for everyone to get involved in supporting our local non-profit organizations, every dollar donated helps make a difference!
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS OUR COMMUNITY
Coney Island, located at the southernmost tip of Brooklyn, is a proud and resilient community home to more than 50,000 residents. Yet, with nearly one in three families living below the poverty line, continued support is vital to help our neighborhood thrive. Each year, the Coney Island Polar Bear Clubs New Years Day Plunge raises essential funds for local nonprofits that strengthen our community. The Polar Bear Club carefully selects recipient organizations whose work includes offering free public programming, educational opportunities for local youth, workforce development initiatives that connect residents to jobs, and advocacy for clean water and ocean conservation through environmental education. Benefiting groups include the Alliance for Coney Island, Coney Island History Project, Coney Island Library, Coney Island USA, the New York Aquarium, and others dedicated to preserving, educating, and uplifting this beloved seaside community.
Every dollar raised makes a splash, right here in Coney Island!
FAQ'S
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PLUNGE?
There is no fee to participate; however, a minimum donation of $30 is strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated. _Please note that these generous donations are non-refundable_
ARE THERE ANY INCENTIVES FOR FUNDRAISING?
Yes! Participants who raise $50 or more in donations will receive a limited-edition New Years Day beanie, _WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, AT THE REGISTRATION TABLE. To view the limited-edition merchandise available on New Years Day at the merchandise stand, click here [https://runsignup.com/Race/ConeyIslandPolarBearPlunge/Page/merchandise]. _
WE ALSO HAVE A VERY SPECIAL VIP PACKAGE FOR THE TOP 5 FUNDRAISERS AS OF 12/30 AT 12PM. These five fundraisers will join the President of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club on the beach for official photos and will lead the New Years Day Plunge as the very first five people into the water! You have until 12 PM on December 30th to raise as much as you can and secure your spot at the front of this iconic moment.
_Please note: this VIP experience is for the qualifying participant only (no additional guests)._
HOW DO I REGISTER?
YOU WILL NEED YOUR PHONE TO REGISTER ONLINE OR IN PERSON
Before the Event:
Click the Register button in the top header to sign up online in advance. You MUST click on "complete registration" at the end in order to be registered. You will then receive an email with the QR code that you must present at the event check-in table.
At the Event:
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO REGISTER AT HOME OR ON YOUR PHONE BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE CHECK-IN TABLES.
If you need to register on-site, you will need to scan a QR Code with your phone to register digitally.
Registration Closes: 1:00 PM sharp
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE TO PLUNGE?
There is no minimum age requirement to participate in the plunge. Young children are welcome to join, but anyone under 18 must register and have a completed waiver signed with a parent or guardian present during the check-in.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Get ready to join thousands of excited plungers and spectators for one of New York Citys most iconic New Years Day traditions! All participants, whether pre-registered or signing up on-site, must check in on STILLWELL AVENUE at the Luna Park Scream Zone entrance.
At check-in, youll:
* Receive your wristband (required to participate)
* Pick up your I DID IT certificate (_while supplies last_)
* Claim your incentive beanie if you reached the fundraising minimum of $50 (_while supplies last_)
Then, head to the beach and kick off the New Year with a splash! Dont forget to visit our merchandise tables for exclusive Polar Bear Plunge gear
CHECK-IN:
Check-in is located on Stillwell Avenue in the Luna Park Scream Zone Lot. When you arrive at check-in, please have your confirmation email with QR Code ready to be scanned. EVERYONE MUST CHECK IN and receive a wristband. Failure to check in and plunging without a wristband can result in a fine.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE PLUNGE?
You can wear whatever you want to the Plunge! A bathing suit or even a costume, we've seen it all! Ring in this memorable new year experience as creatively and safely as youd like. After the plunge, be sure to bring a towel to dry off, some old shoes, and warm clothes!
LOCKERS & PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Lockers will be available for rent inside of Luna Park in Coney Island on a first-come, first-served basis near the check-in/registration area. Availability is limited. _PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EVENT ORGANIZERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST, STOLEN, OR UNATTENDED BELONGINGS, INCLUDING ITEMS PLACED IN OR AROUND THE LOCKER AREA. ALL RENTED LOCKERS MUST BE EMPTIED AND BELONGINGS REMOVED NO LATER THAN 2:00 PM._
WHERE CAN I CHANGE?
NYC Parks Department provides unmonitored changing facilities on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue. NYPD enforcement will be on the boardwalk, but please note that neither the event committee, NYPD, nor the City of New York Parks Department is responsible for any personal belongings left unattended during the event. _Leaving any items unattended is at your own risk._
"I DID IT" CERTIFICATES:
All registered participants will receive an I Did It certificate at registration check-in ONLY, _WHILE SUPPLIES LAST_. Celebrate your accomplishment and share your achievement with a fun keepsake to remember the day. You earned it!
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE ADDITIONAL CONEY ISLAND POLAR BEAR CLUB MERCHANDISE?
This years limited-edition Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Years Day t-shirts and beanies will be available for purchase for $50 near the registration area.
DIRECTIONS
_We strongly encourage the use of mass transit to the plunge_
VIA SUBWAY
D,N,F OR Q TO THE STILLWELL AVE. STATION
VIA BROOKLYN BUSES
B36 | CONEY ISLAND / AVENUE U
B64 | CONEY ISLAND / BAY RIDGE
B68 | BRIGHTON BEACH / WINDSOR TERRACE
B74 | SEA GATE / CONEY ISLAND
B82 | CONEY ISLAND / SPRING CREEK
VIA MANHATTAN EXPRESS BUSES
X28 | BENSONHURST / MIDTOWN
DRIVING
IF DRIVING, PLEASE USE GOOGLE MAPS [https://www.google.com/maps/dir//1500+Riegelmann+Boardwalk,+Brooklyn,+NY+11224/@40.5745712,-73.984399,17z/data=!4m18!1m8!3m7!1s0x89c244348d4559eb:0xecf7befdaa989cb1!2s1500+Riegelmann+Boardwalk,+Brooklyn,+NY+11224!3b1!8m2!3d40.5729114!4d-73.98075!16s%2Fg%2F11v19t33yw!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c244348d4559eb:0xecf7befdaa989cb1!2m2!1d-73.98075!2d40.5729114!3e3?entry=ttu] FOR DIRECTIONS. THERE IS LIMITED STREET PARKING ON STILLWELL AVENUE, WEST 15TH, AND WEST 10TH STREETS. PARKING IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE MAIMONIDES PARK PARKING LOT AT 1904 SURF AVENUE.
SCHEDULE
10:00 AM ON-SITE CHECK-IN OPENS
11:00 AM PLUNGE SHOOT OPENS
1:00 PM REGISTRATION CLOSES
1:30 PM LAST OPPORTUNITY FOR REGISTRANTS TO PLUNGE!
2:00 PM PLUNGE ENDS
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS OUR COMMUNITY
Coney Island, located at the southernmost tip of Brooklyn, is a proud and resilient community home to more than 50,000 residents. Yet, with nearly one in three families living below the poverty line, continued support is vital to help our neighborhood thrive. Each year, the Coney Island Polar Bear Clubs New Years Day Plunge raises essential funds for local nonprofits that strengthen our community. The Polar Bear Club carefully selects recipient organizations whose work includes offering free public programming, educational opportunities for local youth, workforce development initiatives that connect residents to jobs, and advocacy for clean water and ocean conservation through environmental education. Benefiting groups include the Alliance for Coney Island, Coney Island History Project, Coney Island Library, Coney Island USA, the New York Aquarium, and others dedicated to preserving, educating, and uplifting this beloved seaside community.
Every dollar raised makes a splash, right here in Coney Island!
FAQ'S
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PLUNGE?
There is no fee to participate; however, a minimum donation of $30 is strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated. _Please note that these generous donations are non-refundable_
ARE THERE ANY INCENTIVES FOR FUNDRAISING?
Yes! Participants who raise $50 or more in donations will receive a limited-edition New Years Day beanie, _WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, AT THE REGISTRATION TABLE. To view the limited-edition merchandise available on New Years Day at the merchandise stand, click here [https://runsignup.com/Race/ConeyIslandPolarBearPlunge/Page/merchandise]. _
WE ALSO HAVE A VERY SPECIAL VIP PACKAGE FOR THE TOP 5 FUNDRAISERS AS OF 12/30 AT 12PM. These five fundraisers will join the President of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club on the beach for official photos and will lead the New Years Day Plunge as the very first five people into the water! You have until 12 PM on December 30th to raise as much as you can and secure your spot at the front of this iconic moment.
_Please note: this VIP experience is for the qualifying participant only (no additional guests)._
HOW DO I REGISTER?
YOU WILL NEED YOUR PHONE TO REGISTER ONLINE OR IN PERSON
Before the Event:
Click the Register button in the top header to sign up online in advance. You MUST click on "complete registration" at the end in order to be registered. You will then receive an email with the QR code that you must present at the event check-in table.
At the Event:
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO REGISTER AT HOME OR ON YOUR PHONE BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE CHECK-IN TABLES.
If you need to register on-site, you will need to scan a QR Code with your phone to register digitally.
Registration Closes: 1:00 PM sharp
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE TO PLUNGE?
There is no minimum age requirement to participate in the plunge. Young children are welcome to join, but anyone under 18 must register and have a completed waiver signed with a parent or guardian present during the check-in.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Get ready to join thousands of excited plungers and spectators for one of New York Citys most iconic New Years Day traditions! All participants, whether pre-registered or signing up on-site, must check in on STILLWELL AVENUE at the Luna Park Scream Zone entrance.
At check-in, youll:
* Receive your wristband (required to participate)
* Pick up your I DID IT certificate (_while supplies last_)
* Claim your incentive beanie if you reached the fundraising minimum of $50 (_while supplies last_)
Then, head to the beach and kick off the New Year with a splash! Dont forget to visit our merchandise tables for exclusive Polar Bear Plunge gear
CHECK-IN:
Check-in is located on Stillwell Avenue in the Luna Park Scream Zone Lot. When you arrive at check-in, please have your confirmation email with QR Code ready to be scanned. EVERYONE MUST CHECK IN and receive a wristband. Failure to check in and plunging without a wristband can result in a fine.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE PLUNGE?
You can wear whatever you want to the Plunge! A bathing suit or even a costume, we've seen it all! Ring in this memorable new year experience as creatively and safely as youd like. After the plunge, be sure to bring a towel to dry off, some old shoes, and warm clothes!
LOCKERS & PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Lockers will be available for rent inside of Luna Park in Coney Island on a first-come, first-served basis near the check-in/registration area. Availability is limited. _PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EVENT ORGANIZERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST, STOLEN, OR UNATTENDED BELONGINGS, INCLUDING ITEMS PLACED IN OR AROUND THE LOCKER AREA. ALL RENTED LOCKERS MUST BE EMPTIED AND BELONGINGS REMOVED NO LATER THAN 2:00 PM._
WHERE CAN I CHANGE?
NYC Parks Department provides unmonitored changing facilities on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue. NYPD enforcement will be on the boardwalk, but please note that neither the event committee, NYPD, nor the City of New York Parks Department is responsible for any personal belongings left unattended during the event. _Leaving any items unattended is at your own risk._
"I DID IT" CERTIFICATES:
All registered participants will receive an I Did It certificate at registration check-in ONLY, _WHILE SUPPLIES LAST_. Celebrate your accomplishment and share your achievement with a fun keepsake to remember the day. You earned it!
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE ADDITIONAL CONEY ISLAND POLAR BEAR CLUB MERCHANDISE?
This years limited-edition Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Years Day t-shirts and beanies will be available for purchase for $50 near the registration area.
DIRECTIONS
_We strongly encourage the use of mass transit to the plunge_
VIA SUBWAY
D,N,F OR Q TO THE STILLWELL AVE. STATION
VIA BROOKLYN BUSES
B36 | CONEY ISLAND / AVENUE U
B64 | CONEY ISLAND / BAY RIDGE
B68 | BRIGHTON BEACH / WINDSOR TERRACE
B74 | SEA GATE / CONEY ISLAND
B82 | CONEY ISLAND / SPRING CREEK
VIA MANHATTAN EXPRESS BUSES
X28 | BENSONHURST / MIDTOWN
DRIVING
IF DRIVING, PLEASE USE GOOGLE MAPS [https://www.google.com/maps/dir//1500+Riegelmann+Boardwalk,+Brooklyn,+NY+11224/@40.5745712,-73.984399,17z/data=!4m18!1m8!3m7!1s0x89c244348d4559eb:0xecf7befdaa989cb1!2s1500+Riegelmann+Boardwalk,+Brooklyn,+NY+11224!3b1!8m2!3d40.5729114!4d-73.98075!16s%2Fg%2F11v19t33yw!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c244348d4559eb:0xecf7befdaa989cb1!2m2!1d-73.98075!2d40.5729114!3e3?entry=ttu] FOR DIRECTIONS. THERE IS LIMITED STREET PARKING ON STILLWELL AVENUE, WEST 15TH, AND WEST 10TH STREETS. PARKING IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE MAIMONIDES PARK PARKING LOT AT 1904 SURF AVENUE.
SCHEDULE
10:00 AM ON-SITE CHECK-IN OPENS
11:00 AM PLUNGE SHOOT OPENS
1:00 PM REGISTRATION CLOSES
1:30 PM LAST OPPORTUNITY FOR REGISTRANTS TO PLUNGE!
2:00 PM PLUNGE ENDS
Races
-
NYD Polar Bear Plunge
Thu 1st January 2026 (11:00AM EST)
Free
CLOSED
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Coney Island Beach at Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn, 11224, NY, United States
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Coney Island New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge
