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Polar Bear Plunge Day

Brave the chill and take the plunge! Join in the fun of Polar Bear Plunge Day and experience a wild and daring adventure!

Friday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 1

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYUnique

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Start the New Year with a splash with Polar Bear Plunge Day on Jan. 1! This fun tradition has been around since the early 1900s, when brave people would take a dip in the freezing cold water on the first day of the year to bring luck and good fortune in the upcoming year. This tradition is still going strong today and is celebrated all over the world. Whether you choose to brave the plunge or watch from the sidelines, it's a great way to start off the year with a sense of adventure and excitement. So grab your friends and family and join in on the fun!

TIMELINE

Polar Bear Plunge Day Timeline

First Polar Bear Plunge in U.S

The Boston Sea Rovers participated in the first reported Polar Bear Plunge in the United States, though the date of their first plunge is disputed.

Canada's Club Origin

The Polar Bear Club in Canada was formed, becoming one of the earliest known clubs to engage in the annual plunge practice.

Beginning of Polar Bear Plunge for Charity

The Maryland State Police begin the "Polar Bear Plunge", an annual event to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland, a notable turning point where the plunge becomes associated with fundraising.

Guinness Record by Netherlands

Netherlands set the Guinness World Record for 'largest polar bear swim' with 10,000 participants, adding further worldwide attention to the event.

Minnesota's Record Participation

Minnesota had over 15,000 plungers participate in Polar Bear Plunge events across the state, raising about $3.2 million for Special Olympics Minnesota.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Polar Bear Plunge Day

Go for a polar bear swim

Take a dip in a cold body of water and feel the exhilaration of a cold plunge. Check with your local recreation center or beach to make sure it is safe to enter the water.

ORGANIZE

Organize a polar bear plunge contest

Challenge your friends to see who can stay in the coldest water the longest. If you are feeling brave, you can even make it a competition with prizes.

DRESS

Dress up as polar bears

Gather your friends and dress up in white fur coats and hats to look like you jumped right out of an arctic landscape. To add to the fun, create a series of challenges for participants to complete such as fishing for ice cubes with tongs or do a snowball fight.

Go sledding

Grab your sleds and hit the slopes! Fly down the hill and feel the chilly breeze as you take on the winter wonderland. Don't forget your hot cocoa when you're done.

WATCH

Watch polar bear documentaries

Grab some popcorn and settle in for a night of watching documentaries about polar bears and their environment. Learn about their habitat, behavior, and conservation efforts.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Polar Bear Plunge Day

It brings people together

Taking part in a polar bear plunge can be a great way to bond with friends. Everyone experiences the same thrill and afterwards you get to talk about your experience - it's an event that almost anyone can appreciate!

It's an adrenaline rush

Taking the plunge and jumping into icy cold water can be a thrilling experience for some people. The sudden shock of cold adrenaline is hard to describe, but it's something that everyone should try at least once!

It's for a good cause

Most polar bear plunges are held to raise money for charity or other causes. This is a great way to make a difference in someone else's life while also having a fun time - you can't beat that!