Plunge Into 2013: New Year's Dips Worldwide

Take the plunge! Ring in the New Year with an icy, refreshing dip -- a great way to get a fresh start to the New Year. Don't care for the cold? Warm waters also await for those seeking warmer climes.

Head to the mountains of North Carolina for this lively winterfest, which features a plunge into the icy waters of Lake Chetola. Afterward, warm up with hot chocolate and chili in downtown Blowing Rock. When: Saturday, Jan. 26

Run for your life! This group of hardy men and women rush from the freezing waters of Vancouver’s English Bay. 2013 marks the plunge’s 93rd year; it’s organized by the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club -- one of the largest and oldest clubs of its kind in the world. When: 2:30 p.m., New Year's Day

Courage, lads! Since its start in 1985, this annual event in Oakville, Ontario, has become the largest polar bear dip for charity in Canada. Money raised supports clean water projects organized by the advocacy organization World Vision Canada. When: Jan. 1

They’re freezin’ for a reason. Plungers take to the waters off Seattle’s Matthews Beach for the city’s annual polar bear plunge. Now in its 11th year, the event is one of 8 statewide plunges to benefit Special Olympics Washington. When: Saturday, Feb. 9

In search of warmer climes to take the plunge? Head to Aruba for the Caribbean island’s annual New Year’s dip. Hundreds of people gather at MooMba Beach for the plunge, which takes place at noon sharp. The event is open to everyone; no charge. When: Jan. 1

Cold enough for you? These 2 men take part in the annual New Year’s Day plunge organized by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, the oldest ice swimming club in the US. The yearly dip into the Atlantic begins at 1 p.m. sharp; there is no fee for swimmers. When: Jan. 1

Ring in the New Year in tropical splendor. As the clock strikes midnight, New Year’s revelers watch fireworks light up the sky over Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach. Then it's time for a dip in the warm, lulling waters.When: New Year’s Eve

In the name of the … holy cow, this water is cold! A Russian man celebrates the Russian Orthodox Epiphany with a dip in frigid waters. The age-old ritual commemorates Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River -- but we have a feeling the Jordan’s waters were a lot less cold. When: Jan. 19

Thousands of people flock to Tybee Island, near Savannah, GA, for an annual plunge into the brisk Atlantic Ocean. Plungers register for a nominal fee, with proceeds going toward the historic Tybee Post Theater, built in 1930. When: Noon, New Year’s Day

Showing their white-and-blue Scottish pride, these 2 “loony dookers” take a dip in Scotland’s River Forth. The annual New Year’s Day event began in 1987 with a handful of participants; it’s now grown to more than 1,000 people. When: Jan. 1

Holy moly, ma, Darth Vader’s not wearing any clothes under that cape! This wickedly cool plunger takes a dip in the Chesapeake Bay’s cold waters. The annual event kicks off in Annapolis, MD’s Sandy Point State Park, with proceeds going to Special Olympics Maryland. When: Friday, Jan. 25

Skip the clothes, grab a wig! That’s the motto of these 2 guys, among the hundreds who dive into the icy waters of Chicago’s Lake Michigan. 2013 marks the event’s 13th year, with proceeds going toward Special Olympics Chicago. When: Sunday, March 3

Wearing colorful vestments, this man takes a dip in the waters off Scheveningen, a beachside resort town in the Netherlands. The annual event began in 1960, and attracts well over 10,000 people, who plunge into the icy North Sea on New Year’s Day. When: Jan. 1