Start the New Year with a cold splash at Three Tree Point’s annual Polar Bear Plunge

All are invited to celebrrrrate the New Year of 2026 at Noon on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, with a refreshing Polar Bear Plunge into the frigid waters of Puget Sound in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood.

Burien’s annual plunge will be held at the south beach in Three Tree Point (map below) at Noon – rain, floods, snow, clouds, wind chill, ice storm or sun – and as usual will involve a costume contest.

“Hey Three Tree Point/Burien community – come ring in the new year together – we had record turnout last year! Let’s welcome 2026 with a great community turnout!” organizers said.

Participants are strongly encouraged to practice safety protocols, including wearing waterproof footwear to protect your soles from sharp rocks and shells, bringing big towels or blankets for drying off and warming up afterwards, watching out and taking care of each other, as well as plenty of courage and joy.

And did we mention that there’s a Costume Contest? Wear something fun and clever (this contest is for plungers only), or appropriate to the times we live in. A winner of the coveted Polar Bear Plunge trophy will be determined by a small group of organizers.

Three Tree Point’s south beach is located at the intersection of Maplewild Ave SW and SW 172nd Street (be sure to get there early though, as parking is limited).