Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge
Celebrate 20 YEARS of brave plungers! The 20th Anniversary Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge brings thousands to the beach for an unforgettable winter tradition supporting Special Olympics NJ.
🎉 20th Anniversary Celebration 🎉
Two decades of courage, community, and changing lives for Special Olympics athletes!
Commemorative 20th anniversary shirts for all registered plungers
Quick Facts
Jan 17, 2026
Saturday
1:00 PM
Plunge Time
$110-$125
Fundraising Min
Included
Post-Plunge Lunch
About the Wildwood Polar Plunge
For 20 years, the Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge has brought together thousands of brave souls for an incredible winter tradition on Wildwood Beach. What started as a small gathering has grown into one of New Jersey's signature charity events, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Special Olympics athletes.
The 2026 plunge marks a major milestone - the 20th Anniversary! To celebrate, organizers are offering commemorative anniversary shirts and introducing the new "Wave Maker" option for supporters who want to participate without getting wet.
Located on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center, the event features a festive atmosphere with music, costumes, team competitions, and of course, the thrilling dash into the frigid January Atlantic. Post-plunge, participants enjoy a complimentary lunch and warm up with friends and fellow plungers.
NEW: Wave Maker Option
Want to support Special Olympics without plunging? The new Wave Maker option lets you fundraise and receive the commemorative 20th anniversary shirt without getting in the water. Perfect for supporters, family members, or anyone who wants to contribute differently.
How to Participate
Early Registration
$110
Lower minimum, commemorative 20th anniversary shirt
Standard Registration
$125
20th anniversary shirt, post-plunge lunch
Wave Maker (NEW!)
Fundraise only
Support without plunging, 20th anniversary shirt
Plunge Day Schedule
Location & Parking
Plunge Location
Beach behind Wildwoods Convention Center
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Look for the Rio Grande Avenue beach entrance
Parking
Free winter parking is available throughout Wildwood. The Convention Center has adjacent parking. Arrive by 10am for the best spots.
Where to Stay
Wildwood Hotels
On-site
Many boardwalk hotels offer winter rates
Cape May
5 miles
Victorian B&Bs, year-round dining
Rio Grande
3 miles
Chain hotels, easy access
Pro tip: Many Wildwood hotels offer special winter rates. The Wildwoods are also hosting the Fishing & Boating Expo on the same weekend!
Same Weekend in Wildwood
Make it a full Wildwood weekend! The Polar Plunge coincides with other great events:
Wildwood Fishing & Boating Expo
Jan 9-11, 2026 at Convention Center
Wild Con Comics Festival
January 17, 2026 at Convention Center
Event Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 20th Anniversary Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge?
The 20th Anniversary Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge is Saturday, January 17, 2026. Registration opens at 10am, and the plunge happens at 1pm.
What is the fundraising minimum for the Wildwood Plunge?
The fundraising minimum ranges from $110-$125 depending on when you register. Earlier registration means a lower minimum. Check PlungeWildwood.org for current rates.
What is the Wave Maker option?
NEW for 2026! Wave Maker is a way to support Special Olympics without plunging. You still fundraise and receive a commemorative 20th anniversary shirt, but you don't have to get in the water.
Is lunch included for Wildwood Plunge participants?
Yes! Post-plunge lunch is included for all registered participants. Children under 12 eat free.
Can I wear a costume to the Wildwood Plunge?
Absolutely! Costumes, props, and team banners are encouraged. Many plungers go all-out with creative costumes, and there are prizes for best costumes.
Where exactly is the Wildwood Plunge location?
The plunge takes place on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center at 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260. Look for the Rio Grande Avenue beach entrance.
How cold is the ocean water in January at Wildwood?
Mid-January water temperatures at Wildwood typically range from 38-42°F (3-6°C). The cold is intense but brief - most plungers spend under a minute in the water.
Who benefits from the Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge?
All proceeds benefit Special Olympics New Jersey, supporting 27,000+ athletes with intellectual disabilities who compete in 24 sports year-round.
Join the 20th Anniversary Celebration!
Be part of history - register today for the milestone Wildwood Polar Plunge.