Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Dips are set to take place up and down the south Wales coast once again in 2024/25.
Thousands of brave participants take to south Wales waters as part of these dips every year, enjoying some festive frivolity and perhaps helping to wake themselves up from a Christmas Day full of food and drink.
So if you are looking to brave it this year and take on a Boxing Day or New Year’s Day dip, here are the events taking place in south Wales.
Unique British Christmas traditions
Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day dips in South Wales
Porthcawl Christmas Swim
When: December 25, 2024 – arrive from 10.30am, into the water at 11.45am
Where: Coney Beach (meet at The Hi-Tide Inn, Mackworth Road, Porthcawl, CF36 5BT)
Cost: Free
The Porthcawl Christmas Morning Swim is a “festive tradition” that has been running since 1965, according to the event’s website.
More than a thousand people take part every year in an effort to raise money for local charities and organisations.
Participants are encouraged to dress up for the dip, with this year’s theme being ‘The Deep Blue Sea’.
Boxing Day Dip at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
When: December 26, 2024 at 9am, 9.30am or 10.15am
Where: Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs, Cardiff, CF14 0BB
Cost: Free
Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs will be holding its first-ever Boxing Day Dip in 2024.
To take part in this event, entrants are required to do a cold-water dipping induction prior to the day.
For more information about the event and to book your place, visit the Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs website.
For those that do take part, there are changing rooms with hot showers and a café on site for after the event, to help participants warm up.
Lido Ponty: Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Swims
When: December 26, 2024 and January 1, 2025 – five sessions running on both days between 8am to 2pm
Where: Lido Pontypridd
Cost: SOLD OUT
Despite a challenging few weeks due to damage caused by Storm Bert, Lido Pontypridd is ready to go for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day dips in 2024/25.
Repair and restoration works were further affected by Storm Darragh but thanks to the dedication of staff, it’s all set for the popular festive season events.
Tickets for the event went on sale Tuesday (December 17) and have already sold out.
For those lucky enough to secure a spot, it’s not like other Boxing Day and New Year’s Day dips where you’re running into a freezing cold ocean.
Instead, you’ll be diving in to a heated (at 28 degrees pool) before enjoying a festive hot chocolate after the event.
For more information about the event visit the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council website.
Pembrey Country Park Walrus Dip
When: December 26, 2024 – 10.30am arrival for 10.45am dip
Where: Cefn Sidan Beach, Pembrey Country Park
Cost: Free
For more information about the Walrus Dip visit the Pembrey Country Park website.
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The annual Walrus Dip, which was first held back in 1984, is back again in 2024.
Hundreds of participants take part in the dip every year in an effort to raise money for a cause “close to your heart”.
Entry into the event and Pembrey Country Park is free, while all participants receive a certificate.
The event is supported by the RNLI, Coastguard and St John’s Ambulance all of who will be on duty throughout the event.