Photo caption: Participants gather along the shoreline for a winter cold-water plunge, one of several New Year traditions drawing crowds across coastal Delaware. Photos courtesy of event organizers.
Whether you are a seasoned cold-plunge fan or considering your first icy dip, these confirmed New Year and winter plunges offer a bold way to start 2026.
Jamie Kleman | Contributing Writer Delaware Live | January 2026
For some Delawareans, the New Year does not truly begin until they have sprinted into icy water surrounded by cheers, laughter, and a whole lot of adrenaline. Each winter, cold-water plunges across the state invite the brave and the curious to kick off the year with a literal splash, blending tradition, community spirit, and a memorable challenge.
Whether you are a seasoned cold-plunge fan or considering your first icy dip, these confirmed New Year and winter plunges offer a bold way to start 2026.
Dewey Dunk
Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
Dagsworthy Street Beach, Dewey Beach
The Dewey Dunk is one of Delaware’s most recognizable New Year’s Day traditions. Participants gather along the shoreline before making a quick dash into the Atlantic Ocean and back out again, often wearing costumes, hats, or festive accessories. Spectators line the beach to cheer on friends, family members, and complete strangers as they take on the cold together. The atmosphere is lively, lighthearted, and welcoming, making it a favorite for first-time plungers and longtime participants alike.
Registration and event details are available at https://www.visitrehoboth.com/things-to-do/new-years-eve-and-new-years-day-celebrations-at-the-delaware-beaches
Lewes Polar Bear Plunge and Plunge Weekend Festival
Friday, January 30 through Sunday, February 1, 2026
Main plunge: Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
The Lewes Polar Bear Plunge is part of a full weekend of events benefiting Special Olympics Delaware. Thousands of plungers take part in the signature ocean dip, raising funds and awareness while taking on one of the coldest challenges of the year. The weekend includes music, community gatherings, and celebratory events that turn the plunge into a shared experience rather than a solo dare.
Registration and fundraising information can be found at https://plungede.org
5K Run to the Plunge
Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
For those who prefer to warm up before cooling down, the 5K Run to the Plunge offers a scenic boardwalk route leading into Plunge Weekend. Runners and walkers of all paces participate, often using the race as a lead-in to the next day’s plunge or as a stand-alone winter fitness goal.
Details and registration are available at https://plungede.org/weekend-festival/5k-run-to-the-plunge/
Why People Keep Coming Back
Cold-water plunges are about more than braving low temperatures. Participants often describe the experience as energizing, communal, and empowering. Whether plunging for charity, tradition, or the thrill, many say it sets a tone of courage and connection for the year ahead.
From cheering on the shore to charging straight into the surf, Delaware’s New Year plunges offer a unique way to welcome 2026 with enthusiasm, laughter, and a shared sense of adventure.
Photo caption:
Participants gather along the shoreline for a winter cold-water plunge, one of several New Year traditions drawing crowds across coastal Delaware.
Photo attribution:
Photos courtesy of event organizers.
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