The Christmas Day Swim

Join in on this 165 year old tradition that truly encapsulates the Brighton spirit.

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Thu, 25 Dec 2025 Brighton Beach
Hoards of frozen and fearless Brighton residents enthusiastically run toward the sea on Christmas day, taking part in the traditional Christmas Day Swim. In the foreground, a teenage girl dressed in an elf outfit appears pensive about the prospect of getting in the water.
Image credit: Chris Ison/ PA Wire

For the fearless, for the aimlessly tough, the machines among us, for those who brush their teeth with WD40 and eat a bowl full of warm drillbits every morning.

Join your merry band of nutters for a daytime swim on Christmas day in the English Channel. There are colder seas surrounding Britain, sure, but it's still not great is it.

Every year at 11am on Christmas day since 1860, Brighton's hardnuts gather for a brief dip, seeing how long they can last in the bitter, briny shallow before their legs turn to stumps of meat and fall off.

No official organiser, this community-organised event has no real website, just an agreed upon time and a social obligation to go full Wim Hof with a merry band of strangers. You’ll be out in time for your Christmas lunch at least. 

Venue details

Address:
Brighton Beach
Brighton
BN2 1ET

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