Where Polar Bear Plunges Are Happening in 2023
Cold and clear 🐻❄️
December 22, 2022
Sunday, January 1
One big cultural shift nobody is talking about: the lack of “New Year, New Me” rhetoric as we close out 2022. Post-pandemic, life doesn’t work like that. It never did, and I’m here for that collective change in mindset. It’s a relief to be the same me, with a new perspective.
In 2023, resolutions are out, but rituals are in. An icy, cleansing plunge is my favorite tradition for welcoming the new year. Swimming clubs worldwide intentionally enter frigid waters at annual events on January 1; the first documented Polar Bear Plunge took place in the Boston Harbor in 1904.
Seattle’s proximity to swimmable bodies of water means abundant opportunities to polar plunge communally. Check out one of these local events below for the full experience. Some events require a fee, most are free, and many include entertainment like music and after-parties. Pro tip: pack a big blanket and fuzzy socks to cozy into afterward. MEGHNA JARADI
Seattle Polar Bear Plunge @ Matthews Beach
9300 51st Ave N, Seattle
What to know:
🐻❄️ This is Seattle’s first Polar Bear Plunge since 2020. Registration begins at 10 am, and the plunge plunges at noon.
🐻❄️ Fun costumes are encouraged. There will be “warming refreshments,” food trucks, games, a photo booth, and music.
🐻❄️ If you go neck deep, you get a “2023 Commemorative Badge of Courage.”
Edmonds Polar Bear Plunge @ Olympic Beach Park
200 Admiral Way, Edmonds
What to know:
🐻❄️ This is Edmonds’ 15th annual Polar Bear Plunge.
🐻❄️ It kicks off at 1 pm.
🐻❄️ Meet at the beach or at Daphne’s and march down to the water with the group.
YMCA Camp Seymour Polar Bear Plunge @ Glen Cove
9725 Cramer Rd NW, Gig Harbor
What to know:
🐻❄️ This family-friendly event happens at YMCA Camp Seymour and starts at 10 am.
🐻❄️ There’s limited space, so reserve your spot. It’s free for Y members and campers; $5 for other community members.
🐻❄️ There are hot showers available afterward!
Lake Sammamish Polar Bear Plunge @ Lake Sammamish State Park
2182 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah
What to know:
🐻❄️ Show up at 10:30 am to check in and collect a “hat, sticker, and pin,” which are included in your reservation. The plunge happens at noon.
🐻❄️ Speaking of reservations, make yours here.
🐻❄️ Costumes and group t-shirts are also encouraged.
Des Moines Polar Bear Plunge @ Des Moines Beach Park
22030 Cliff Ave S, Des Moines
What to know:
🐻❄️ Plan to meet at Des Moines Park at 10 am, then join your fellow plungers at Quarterdeck for an “after plunge party and holiday bingo drawing.”
🐻❄️ The holiday drink bingo has been happening all month long in Des Moines and culminates after the plunge.
🐻❄️ You can register for right here.
Renton Polar Bear Plunge @ Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
1201 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton
What to know:
🐻❄️All the details for this one are in one handy little video.
Meghna leads with her curiosity when writing about travel, food, and beverages. She previously wrote about cookbooks at Kitchen Arts & Letters, and has managed events & communications at Book Larder, Peddler Brewing Company, and Cascade Bicycle Club. She is newly pescatarian and a Seattle native. Follow along at @wanderingthali.
