National New Year’s Dive confirmed for Scheveningen Beach
The largest New Year's Dive in the Netherlands will take place at Scheveningen Beach on January 1, 2025. This year, the event will move approximately 400 meters south, closer to the Beelden aan Zee Museum, due to construction near the Kurhaus. The event, organized annually since 1965, attracts thousands of participants eager to start the year with a plunge into the icy North Sea.
Registration for the dive begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a group warm-up with music at 11:45 a.m. The dive officially starts at noon. Entry costs 4 euros and includes an iconic orange Unox hat. Registration must be completed on-site, as pre-booking is not available. Participants are encouraged to bring warm clothes and take part in the pre-dive warm-up. After the dive, divers can warm up with a traditional cup of hot pea soup, provided by event sponsor Unox.
The North Sea's average water temperature on New Year’s Day is around 5 degrees Celsius. Alex Schuttert, chair of the Dutch New Year’s Dive Association, described last year’s event as a "very pleasant experience" and expects another large turnout despite the location shift.
The Scheveningen New Year’s Dive began in 1965 when Jan van Scheijndel, a former swimmer from the Swimming Club Residentie, organized the first plunge with just seven participants. Over the decades, it has grown into a massive celebration with about 10,000 participants annually at Scheveningen alone. Across the Netherlands, the event is held at 171 locations, including 17 abroad, according to Unox.
"From Monnickendam to Monte Gordo and Hengelo to Hong Kong, there are plenty of places to take a plunge,” stated the organization. A detailed map of all dive locations is available on the Unox website.
Scheveningen is easily accessible by public transport, car, or bicycle. Event organizers recommend using public transport or cycling due to expected large crowds. Park + Beach options are available, allowing drivers to park near the A12 and continue their journey by tram.
For those needing to secure belongings, lockers are available for rent at the APCOA Parking Nieuwe Parklaan within walking distance of the beach.
In 2024, the New Year's Dive set a participation record, with over 65,000 attendees across the Netherlands. The Scheveningen dive alone saw roughly 10,000 people run into the sea.
