Coney Island New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge

Start the New Year with one of New York City’s most iconic traditions! For 124 years, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club has welcomed thousands of BRRRRave participants from New York City and around the world to take the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day.

More than a century after the tradition began, the New Year’s Day Plunge continues to bring people together while giving back to the Coney Island community. Proceeds support local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives, making every icy dip a chance to give back.

Whether you’re returning for another New Year’s Day tradition or taking the plunge for the very first time, we’re excited to welcome you to Coney Island and kick off the New Year together!

HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS OUR COMMUNITY

Coney Island, located at the southernmost tip of Brooklyn, is a proud, 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 Club’s New Year’s Day Plunge raises essential funds for local nonprofits that strengthen our community. The Coney Island 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 New York Aquarium, Coney Island History Project, Coney Island Public Library, Coney Island USA, Parachute Literary Arts, 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 in the plunge; however, a minimum donation of $30 is strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated. Your donatioin helps support Coney Island nonprofits and community programs.

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 Year’s Day beanie, while supplies last, at the registration table. To view the limited-edition merchandise available on New Year’s Day at the merchandise stand, click here. 

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 Year’s 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 City’s most iconic New Year’s 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, you’ll:

• 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! Don’t 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 you’d 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 year’s limited-edition Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s 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 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