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Jan1 Fun Holiday – Polar Bear Plunge Day

Also known as Polar Plunge, Polar Bear Swim Day, New Year's Dive, Loony Dook

Start off the year with an act of daredevilry. Celebrate Polar Plunge Day on January 1 by taking a dip in the cold, freezing waters of your local lake, river or pond.

Start off the New Year by jumping into a cold water body for charity.

©iStockphoto.com/Jen Grantham

The Polar Bear Plunge, where participants jump into a cold water body, is an activity usually held in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a popular New Year’s Day tradition in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Netherlands. In these countries, many people organize and participate in a Polar Bear Plunge for charity.

Too cold? Celebrate Swim a Lap Day in June instead.

How to Celebrate?

  • If you are brave enough to participate, find a pond, lake, the sea or just fill up your bath with freezing cold water and take a plunge.
  • Support someone who is participating in a Polar Bear Plunge for charity.
  • In the Southern Hemisphere? Then you probably want to celebrate Polar Bear Plunge Day every day until the summer is over.

Did You Know…

… that polar bears have 2 layers of fur and are insulated from the cold with 4 inches (10 cm) of blubber?

Polar Bear Plunge Day Observances

Fun Holiday: Polar Bear Plunge Day Observances
YearWeekdayDateName
2024MonJan 1Polar Bear Plunge Day
2025WedJan 1Polar Bear Plunge Day
2026ThuJan 1Polar Bear Plunge Day
2027FriJan 1Polar Bear Plunge Day
2028SatJan 1Polar Bear Plunge Day
2029MonJan 1Polar Bear Plunge Day
2030TueJan 1Polar Bear Plunge Day
2031WedJan 1Polar Bear Plunge Day
2032ThuJan 1Polar Bear Plunge Day
2033SatJan 1Polar Bear Plunge Day

See all Fun Holidays

Other Fun Holidays around January 1

30 Dec

Bicarbonate of Soda Day

Celebrated on December 30, the holiday recognizes the multi-purpose chemical compound also known as baking soda.

31 Dec

Make Up Your Mind Day

No more second guessing and no more waffling. Spend the last day of the year being decisive and resolute.

2 Jan

Buffet Day

Wear your favorite stretchy pants and enjoy a wide variety of dishes with family and friends.