Long Island polar plunge schedule 2025-2026
Color-coordinated participants run into chilly water at Tobay Beach in Massapequa during the Town of Oyster Bay polar plunge. Credit: Tom Lambui/Tom Lambui
No matter the temperature, the challenge of a plunge into icy water for a good cause is enough to get swimmers suited up this winter. Register in advance and don't look back. Those who want to avoid the chill can cheer on the participants.
❄️ DECEMBER ❄️
HEART OF THE HAMPTONS POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Coopers Beach, 268 Meadow Lane, Southampton; 631-259-3550, heartofthehamptons.org
Date Dec. 13, 9 a.m. registration, plunge at 10 a.m.
Cost $25, additional donations accepted
More info Hundreds of plungers in festive costumes jump into the Atlantic Ocean to help support locals in need. Warm up following the plunge with hot cocoa and treats.
❄️ JANUARY ❄️
EAST HAMPTON POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Main Beach, at the end of Ocean Avenue off Montauk Highway, East Hampton; 631-324-2300, easthamptonfoodpantry.org
Rachel Wilson, of East Hampton, rides an inflatable polar bear at the East Hampton Polar Bear Plunge. Credit: John Roca
Date Jan. 1, registration at 11:30 a.m., plunge at 1 p.m.
Cost $40 minimum donation
More info Benefits East Hampton food pantries.
❄️ FEBRUARY ❄️
LONG BEACH POLAR BEAR SUPER BOWL OCEAN SPLASH
Riverside Boulevard, Long Beach; 212-957-9474, ext. 4583, wish.org/newyork
Tara Pearse, of Malverne, watches her son and his friends take the plunge at the Super Bowl Splash in Long Beach. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Date Feb. 8 at 1:30 p.m., merchandise sales at 10 a.m., festivities begin at noon.
Cost Donation accepted
More info Benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
NORTH HEMPSTEAD POLAR PLUNGE
North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 W. Shore Rd., Port Washington; 631-254-1465, polarplungeny.org
Date Feb. 7, registration at 9-10 a.m., plunge at 10:15 a.m.
Cost $25 suggested donation
More info Benefits the athletes of the Special Olympics. Raise at least $150 to receive an official plunge sweatshirt.
❄️ MARCH ❄️
POLAR PLUNGE
Long Beach, 552 Long Beach Rd., St. James; 516-521-7234, smithtownchildrensfoundation.com/events
Date March 7, 10 a.m. registration, plunge at 11 a.m.
Cost $30 for single dip, $50 for two, $25 for group of 5 or more; $20 for virtual plunge
More info Be cold for a cause for the Smithtown Children's Foundation. All registered will receive a commemorative T-shirt.
TOWN OF OYSTER BAY POLAR PLUNGE
Tobay Beach, Ocean Parkway east of Jones Beach, Massapequa; 631-254-1465, polarplungeny.org
David Hees, of Wheatley Heights, runs through freezing water at Tobay Beach. Credit: Tom Lambui/Tom Lambui
Date March 28, registration at 9-10:30 a.m., plunge at 11 a.m.
Cost $25 suggested donation
More info Benefits the athletes of the Special Olympics. Raise at least $150 to receive an official plunge sweatshirt.
