It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023! To celebrate the arrival of the new year and the end of the old, we’ve rounded up the most exciting and somewhat off-beat New Year’s Eve events in New York City. From uncovering the secrets of famous sites to taking part in an all-day poetry marathon, check out the many different New Year’s events happening this weekend:
1. Dive into the New Year with Coney Island’s Polar Bear Plunge
For a brutally refreshing start to the new year, you can take part in the 120th Coney Island Polar Bear New Year’s Day Plunge! Taking place at Coney Island Beach, participants are invited to run into the freezing cold waters in the name of charity. The plunge is free to join but swimmers are encouraged to make a donation.
Donations from the plunge go towards supporting local organizations such as the New York Aquarium, Alliance for Coney Island, Coney Island USA, Coney Island History Project, and more. Swimmers are advised to bring warm clothes, surf boots or old sneakers, and towels. The NYC Parks Department provides changing facilities on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue. On-site registration opens at 10 AM and the plunge happens at 11 AM. See all of the details here.
