The Wildwoods, NJ – December 16, 2025 – Special Olympics New Jersey returns to the Wildwoods to kick off 2026 with a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean during the 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1 p.m. on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center. Get ready for a beach day in January and dig out your bathing suit and join in the fun!
The Polar Bear Plunge in the Wildwoods is a FREE event for spectators to watch, but plungers pay donations at tiered levels. ‘Now I’m Ready Bear’ plungers must raise a minimum of $110 by December 31, 2025. The ‘Better Late Than Never Bear’ plungers must raise $120 minimum by January 16, 2026. Early registration is available online by visiting www.PlungeWildwood.org. Additional registration for the ‘Almost Missed It Bear’ plungers will be available on-site the day of the event for a minimum donation of $125.
All plungers are encouraged to dress up in costume, break out the plunge props, make banners and signs, and most importantly, have FUN! Immediately following the plunge, participants, and children under the age of 12 can enjoy a free lunch inside the warm Wildwoods Convention Center.
New for 2026: Celebrate 20 incredible years of the Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge without taking the icy dive! As a Wave Maker, attendees will join a community of passionate supporters who want to make a difference for Special Olympics New Jersy athletes – while staying warm and dry. The Wave Maker registration includes an exclusive 20th Anniversary Commemorative Shirt and recognition as an official event supporter. Please note: Wave Makers do not participate in the plunge and are not eligible for plunger fundraising incentives. This option is perfect for those who want to support the cause and celebrate this milestone year without jumping into the cold Atlantic!
The Polar Bear Plunge Wildwood is so much more than an icy swim in the ocean. Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training, competitions, leadership opportunities, and health screenings for thousands of athletes. All these programs and services are completely FREE thanks to fundraising events like the Polar Bear Plunge in the Wildwoods. The Polar Bear Plunge is a family-friendly event benefiting athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey. There are incentives based on the total funds raised, and there will be special recognition for the top three people who raise the most money, as well as the top three highest fundraising teams.
Registration will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. The plunge is at 1 p.m. with lunch immediately following.
The New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is sponsoring the Polar Bear Plunge in the Wildwoods. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is comprised of law enforcement officers who volunteer and are dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey. Each year the Law Enforcement Torch Run hosts major fundraising events across the state, along with hundreds of local events, and raises more than $4 million for the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey. Additional sponsors include the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, Wawa, and the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.
Year after year, the Polar Bear Plunge at the Wildwoods Convention Center continues to grow in popularity and is just one of the many FREE events to attend in the Wildwoods. Beat the winter blues by showing support for a worthy cause and come join in the excitement of the January Polar Bear Plunge.
For additional information about Special Olympics New Jersey, visit www.sonj.org.
For additional information about the Polar Bear Plunge at the Wildwoods Convention Center, visit www.PlungeWildwood.org.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
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