Costume contest: who dives into the new year in style?
Open up the dressing-up box! On 1 January our jury picks the best costumes, and there are real prizes to win. On your own, with friends or with your whole street: everyone who dives in costume takes part automatically.
The prizes
- Hertstikke Origineel (a Dutch pun on “really original” and our deer): the most original costume wins the Golden Deer, our rotating trophy. Your name goes on it and it’s yours to polish for a year. On top of that, you and your group (up to 10 people) dive for free in 2028.
- Best Herd: the best group costume (3 people or more) gets a round on the house for the whole group.
- Shiver Prize: for the best act. The craziest entrance, the best dance or the bravest show. You win a warm surprise and a New Year’s Dive scarf.
- People’s Choice: in the week after the dive we post the best costumes on Facebook. The photo with the most likes wins a framed print of itself.
How it works
- Come in costume and report to the registration desk by 11:30.
- The jury walks around from 11:30 until the dive. Feel free to strike a pose!
- At 12:30, right after the group photo, we announce the winners.
Dress up safely
Your costume has to be safe in the water. Don’t choose anything that gets heavy when wet, or anything that limits your view or your movement. Always follow the instructions of the organisers and the lifeguards. Not sure? Email info@nieuwjaarsduikarnhem.nl.
By taking part you agree that we may post photos of your costume on our website and social media.
Need inspiration? Santa, a mermaid, a family of penguins or a whole group of friends as little deer in orange beanies: anything goes.