Hundreds of people rang in 2025 with a chilly, drizzly plunge into Boston Harbor Wednesday.

“This new year feels a little ominous,” said Newton resident Rachel King, standing on the M Street Beach in South Boston still damp from a early morning dip into the Harbor minutes before. “So it’s good to start it with something daring and bold. Sort of stating that we’re still here.”

People from Boston and beyond gathered in masses to take part in the annual South Boston New Year’s tradition led by the L Street Brownies, running into the icy Harbor waters just after 10 a.m. Wednesday. The L Street Brownies were founded over 100 years ago in South Boston, one of the oldest polar bear clubs in the country.

King and her friend Ellen Rothman have taken part in the polar plunge every year for the last 15 years.

“Even this morning, walking out of the house in the pouring rain, we said, ‘We’ve got to do it,'” said Rothman. “You can’t pick and choose your days. Remember two or three years ago, it was like 70 degrees and sunny. Occasionally that happens, but you can’t be a fair weather plunger.”

The group of plungers marched from the L Street Tavern to the beach, led by the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes and Drums. The Brownies sold long sleeve shirts throughout the event to support neighborhood groups.

Despite the rainy cold weather throughout the morning, energy was warm among the polar bear plungers on the beach.

“This is all of our first time, and it was amazing,” said Kara Petronio, walking away from the water with four friends. “And its such a nice community.”

The group said they “definitely” plan to come back again and hopefully do it every year.

Plungers, decked out in bathing suits, thick furry robes and colorful Christmas towels, called the experience “so rejuvenating,” “invigorating,” and the “best start to a new year.”

“It’s so freaking cold,” said Robin Jackson, wearing a giant flannel onesie and still drying his hair. “But awesome every single time. I feel like I’m a little more ready for 2025 now.”