It’s not too early to start planning for 2026, and registration is officially open to bring in the new year the Brooklyn way — at the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge.

Thousands of people are expected to join the Coney Island Polar Bear Club for their annual New Year’s Day swim in the frigid Atlantic Ocean. The event is free and open to the public, and swimmers can sign up online through New Year’s Eve or in-person on New Year’s Day, but advance sign-up and donations of at least $30 are encouraged. While supplies last, participants who raise more than $50 will receive a limited-edition Polar Bear Plunge beanie.

Money raised at the Plunge is donated to local nonprofits — last year, the event raised $60,000 for seven groups, including the New York Aquarium, Coney Island USA, and the Cone

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