Sure, there are plenty of New Year’s Eve celebrations across New York City. And you might already have celebratory plans to ring in 2023 on December 31st. But don’t forget, there are also plenty of things to experience on New Year's Day in NYC, too. And one such January 1st tradition involves the Polar Bear Club and the chilly Atlantic swim. Behold the enthusiasts who line up and race into the wintery waters this year at the Coney Island Polar Bear Club's New Year’s Day official swim! Here are the details so you can make plans to witness this iconic tradition for ringing in the new year.
The Coney Island Polar Bear Club
Every January 1st, dating back to 1903, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club takes to the oceanfront for an arctic winter swim. In addition to the membership group, this annual tradition typically opens up to the public, so non-members can sign up to participate.
Witness the hundreds of brave souls who race to the water, featuring average temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the already sub-freezing NYC air temps. The participants line up and await their signal to charge into the Atlantic Ocean. For spectators, it's a sight to behold, and thought alone of the icy waters might give you goosebumps!
The Polar Bear Club actually swims every Sunday from November through April every year. But this iconic New Year’s Day tradition has since become a fan-favorite January 1st event to attend for spectators.
About the Polar Bear Plunge
If you’re looking to register as a participant for the 2023 Polar Bear Plunge, follow the Coney Island Polar Bear Club on their website and social media. More updates will be posted as the new year approaches.
Website: https://polarbearclub.org/pb-site/
Email: coneypolarbear@gmail.com
Phone: 917.533.3568
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConeyIslandPolarBearClub/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CIpolarbearclub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coney_island_polarbear_club/
If you don’t want to be a participating Polar Bear swimmer, you can still attend this New Year’s Day event as a spectator. It’s free to the public. However, instead of charging an admission fee, the organization encourages those who come to donate to community organizations and charities.
If you need plans for New Year’s Day 2023, head over to Coney Island to cheer on the swimmers of the Polar Bear Swim!
The EMRG Media team is excited to ring in the new year with you and is available to help you plan all your upcoming events in 2023. Get in touch to tell us about your events!
