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New Years Day Dive

Since 1965, it has been a Dutch tradition to take a dive into the new year! Thousands of people come together for a fun and inviting experience to start their year off fresh. Many individuals take a leap of faith into the cold waters or Scheveningen Holland. 10,000 people join the wild and festive new year’s plunge! The dive has received worldwide attention and is now being sponsored by a soup brand.After the traditional dive, enjoy the Dutch pea soup specialty or a cup of hot chocolate to end the celebration.


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FAQ - New Years Day Dive

What is the New Year's Day Dive?

The New Year’s Day Dive, or “Nieuwjaarsduik,” is an annual tradition where brave swimmers plunge into icy waters on January 1 to celebrate the new year. It’s famous in the Netherlands, especially at Scheveningen Beach, and has become a symbol of fresh starts and resilience.

The main event occurs at Scheveningen Beach in the Netherlands, attracting thousands. Other locations include Coney Island in Brooklyn, Bondi Beach in Australia, and Bradford Beach in the U.S., where communities gather for a collective plunge.

Thousands of people, including Dutch locals and tourists, take part in the dive. Many are part of swim clubs, and participants include young and old alike, each willing to brave the cold waters as part of this exhilarating tradition.

Swimmers typically wear swimming costumes or warm winter caps. Some wear fancy dress costumes like cow outfits, adding a fun element. After the plunge, warm clothes are essential to stay comfortable in the chilly winter air.

The tradition gained popularity in the Netherlands in 1960, thanks to ex-channel swimmer Jan van Scheijndel. His enthusiasm for cold-water plunges inspired an annual event, which has since grown to become a celebrated Dutch winter tradition.

Yes, food stalls and vendors offer Dutch snacks, hot chocolate, and Dutch pea soup, often complimentary for divers. The warm soup, especially a hot bowl of pea soup, is a welcome treat after the icy plunge.

Water temperatures vary, but in the North Sea, they are typically around 5°C (41°F) in January. Participants prepare for a cold water dive, immersing themselves in frigid waters that add an invigorating element to the experience.

Yes, safety measures include lifeguards on-site, and swimmers are advised to stay close to shore and wear warm clothes afterward. Personal belongings and clothes can be kept safe in designated areas, so participants can focus on enjoying the event.

The New Year’s Day Dive fosters a strong community spirit. Dutch culture and national attention highlight the event, which is a bonding experience for friends, family, and newcomers, symbolizing shared resilience in a beautiful coastal setting.

Hot Dutch pea soup, or “snert,” is a tradition at the dive. Often provided by the event sponsors, the warm pea soup is the perfect post-dive comfort food, helping divers warm up and adding a hearty, local touch to the celebration.

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