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.
Plunge Weekend Budget
Make it a weekend trip! January hotel rates are the lowest of the year.
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fundraising Minimum | $110-125 | Early registration = lower minimum |
| Hotel (Fri-Sat night) | $80-150 | Winter rates are LOW. Make it a weekend! |
| Gas & Tolls (avg NJ trip) | $40-70 | GSP + AC Expressway tolls from North Jersey |
| Post-Plunge Lunch | FREE | Included for all registered plungers! |
| Food & Drinks (weekend) | $75-150 | Wildwood restaurants open year-round |
| Total Weekend Trip | $305-495 | Plus your fundraising donation to Special Olympics |
First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
20 years of plunges means 20 years of lessons learned. Don't make these rookie errors!
Waiting until January to fundraise the minimum
Stressful last-minute asks, missing perks, potential disqualification from plunging.
✓ Start fundraising in November. Set up your donation page early. $110-125 is easy if you give people time.
Not bringing enough warm clothes for AFTER the plunge
You're soaking wet in 40°F weather with just a towel. Hypothermia risk is real.
✓ Pack: warm robe, multiple towels, dry clothes in a bag, hat, wool socks. Change immediately after.
Skipping the costume (it's "just a plunge")
You miss out on the best part - the camaraderie, photos, team spirit, and costume contest prizes.
✓ GO ALL OUT. This is the 20th anniversary! Team themes, creative costumes, and props are encouraged.
Not arriving early enough for check-in
Registration closes at 12:45 PM sharp. Late = no plunge, no shirt, money raised for nothing.
✓ Arrive by 10 AM when registration opens. Get your wristband, grab coffee, enjoy the pre-plunge energy.
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!
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
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
Other Polar Bear Plunges
Join the 20th Anniversary Celebration!
Be part of history - register today for the milestone Wildwood Polar Plunge.