01/01/2025
Take a plunge in the ocean to kick off the new year.
It’s become quite a beloved Lowcountry tradition to jump into the ocean, preferably in costume, to celebrate the start of a brand new year.
You have two fun options...
Sullivan’s Island
First, you can head to nearby Sullivan’s Island for the annual Dunleavy’s Pub’s Polar Plunge which benefits the Special Olympics. In fact, at last count there were 30,707 Special Olympics athletes in the State of South Carolina.
Dunleavy’s Polar Plunge has grown tremendously over the years and has become quite the spectacle. Thousands of folks dress in all kinds of kooky costumes to head into the water. Some years it’s positively polar, which fits with their motto, “Freezin’ for a Reason.” Other years the weather can be pretty balmy, with temps in the 70's.
All the action kicks off at Dunleavy’s Pub, located at 2213 Middle Street, with the pre-plunge fun starting at 9:00 a.m. Folks will make their way to the beach nearby about 1:30 p.m., with the actual plunge happening at 2:00 p.m.
Folly Beach
Second, you can check out Folly Beach’s own unique spin on the polar bear plunge. 2023 will mark the 9th annual Bill Murray Look-A-Like Polar Plunge, where you’re encouraged to “Freeze Your Bills Off.”
Participants are encouraged to dress like local resident Bill Murray or one of his many movie characters. There will be judging and prizes, along with commemorative T-shirts and other cool stuff. The fun centers on the beach near the Tides Hotel.
Registration starts at 11:00 a.m. It costs just $5 to enter the costume contest for anyone 18 and over. They’ll award prizes in these categories: Best Girl, Best Guy, Best Kid, Best Team, and Best Overall Bill Murray.
The plunge is free and will happen at 1:00 p.m.