New Year's plunge 2027

Saturday 2 January 2027

The annual New Year’s Dive in Ostend is the invigorating tradition where thousands of enthusiastic “polar bears” kick off the new year with a plunge into the North Sea. The 2027 edition takes place on Saturday 2 January 2027, with the starting signal at 15:00.

What can you expect from the New Year’s Dive in Ostend?

On Saturday 2 January 2027, thousands of brave participants gather on the beach to give the new year a truly refreshing start. The participant zone with tents, changing area and storage is on the Groot Strand, near De Drie Gapers on the Koning Boudewijnpromenade.

An icy but heart-warming tradition: The New Year’s Dive began in 1987 when a polar bear club from Deinze requested an exemption from the winter swimming ban. What started with a small group of daredevils grew into a national event with thousands of participants. On Saturday 3 January 2026 around 4,500 people took part.
Festive atmosphere: Warm up in the Red Bull Party Zone with upbeat music, costumed swimmers and enthusiastic spectators cheering from the beach.
Colourful costumes and team spirit: Many participants dive in dressed up, from carnival wigs to superhero capes, the crazier, the better! It’s a joyful spectacle where humour and courage take centre stage.
New Year’s resolutions with a splash: This dive is the perfect symbol of a fresh start. You don’t need to be an experienced swimmer, just bring plenty of courage and a sense of adventure.
Warming up afterwards: After the dive you get a hot drink and a free glass of jenever, and food trucks line the promenade.

New Year’s Dive Ostend programme 2027

12:00: Start of on-site registration and wristbands, opening of the changing area and the Red Bull Party Zone
14:40: Group warm-up with Basic-Fit
15:00: The starting signal, mass plunge into the sea! If you arrive after 15:00, you are too late.

Practical information

Tickets: via Visit Oostende: €10 in advance up to and including Friday 1 January 2027, €12 on the day itself (online until 14:30 or at the ticket desk from 12:00 to 14:30, Bancontact or Payconiq only).
Extras: a T-shirt costs €12 with your ticket or €15 on site; a locker costs €5.
Children: there is no minimum age, but children under 12 must wear a wetsuit. Babies cannot take part.
Accessibility: 3 beach wheelchairs are available; book in advance via the Visit Oostende form and bring your own assistant.
Spectators: spectators also need a ticket for the participant and party zone. Dogs are not allowed.
Weather: the dive goes ahead subject to the weather. On 3 January 2026, high waves meant a limited scenario in which participants could only go into the water up to their knees.
Organiser: Toerisme Oostende (Visit Oostende); all participants are insured.

Also nearby

New Year's Dive in Bredene: a week later, on Saturday 9 January 2027, the small-scale dip at Strandpost 2 in Bredene follows.
New Year's Dive in Wenduine: in Wenduine there is traditionally a New Year's dive on the first Saturday of January.