Would you brave a swim in the icy Atlantic on a winter’s day? For Polar Bear enthusiasts, a plunge into the icy cold Atlantic Ocean is an annual New Year’s tradition.
If you’re looking to participate in a Polar Bear Plunge this year (yes we know it’s not for everyone), here are a few to choose from along the Jersey Shore, or you can head to New York City and join the polar bears at Coney Island.
January 1
Sons of Ireland Polar Bear Plunge
The Berkeley Hotel, Asbury Park
Supports Hazlet’s Hope Network and The Samaritan Center at The Jersey Shore.
Polar Bear Plunge – Plunge for a Purpose
Landshark Bar & Grill, Resorts Casino & Hotel, Atlantic City
Supports Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club.
Brigantine Polar Bear Plunge
Brigantine Beach
Supports Fisher House Foundation for military families.
Polar Bear Plunge
Essex Avenue Beach, Margate
Robert’s Place will hold its 30th annual plunge.
First Day Plunge
Music Pier, Eighth Street side, Ocean City
Part of the First Day (New Year’s Day) festivities include the Polar Plunge and First Day 5K.
Ventnor City Polar Plunge and Winter Festival
Polar Plunge: Newport Avenue Beach, Ventnor City
Winter Festival: St. James Memorial Hall, Ventnor City
Cool off in the Atlantic Ocean during the plunge, then warm up inside the church hall after. New this year is a winter festival that will have food trucks and vendors, inflatable sports games for kids, DJ music, and a chili cookoff between police officers and firefighters.
Polar Bear Plunge
Luna Park at Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
Close out the season of Frost Fest by jumping into the Atlantic, then warm up at the after-party.
January 18
Special Olympics New Jersey Polar Bear Plunge
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
All plungers are encouraged to dress up in costume (or a bathing suit), break out the plunge props, and make banners and signs. Immediately following the plunge on the beach behind the convention center, plungers, and children under age 12, can warm up inside the convention center with a free lunch.
2025 LADACIN Plunge
Manasquan
Support the Lifetime Assistance for Developmental and Challenging Individual Needs (LADACIN) Network by jumping into the ocean, and then warm up at Leggett’s Sand Bar and Restaurants for a party after the plunge.
February 1
Patriot Polar Plunge
Sea Girt
Supports the LIFT Fund for veterans at Habitat for Humanity, providing critical home repairs for veterans in Monmouth County. The 2025 parade is in honor of State Trooper and National Guardsman Juan Fajardo. There is an after-party with breakfast at Rod’s Tavern.
February 8
Valentine Plunge
Manasquan
Plungers collect donations for ALS patients.
February 14-16
Polar Bear Plunge Weekend 2025
Sea Isle City
Come out Presidents Day Weekend, with a highlight being The Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism on February 15. The weekend is packed with live music at local bars and restaurants, themed parties, fresh seafood, and a cup of hot chocolate after the plunge.
February 22
Polar Bear Plunge
Seaside Heights
Supports Special Olympics New Jersey.
April 5
Fallen Hero Plunge
15th Avenue Beach, North Wildwood
Brave the chilly waters to support families of fallen police officers. Warm up at Keenan’s Irish Pub for the afterparty.
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