5 ways to embrace hygge in Michigan this winter
Get your cozy on during the snowy season with our roundup of hygge activities in Michigan.
If you’re a fan of all things cozy, you’re probably familiar with the concept of hygge. Pronounced “hoo-gah,” hygge originates with Danish culture and refers to a sense of comfort, coziness, and general contentment —often marked by candlelit conversations with friends, curling up under warm blankets with tea and a good book, or simply enjoying a meal by the fireplace as snow falls outside. Basically, if something makes you feel all fuzzy inside, it probably qualifies as hygge.
As winter approaches, the appeal of hygge grows—especially in places like Michigan, where dreary days and freezing temperatures quickly become the norm once December rolls around. Thankfully, we’ve taken time to gather up a list of activities and events in the Great Lakes State that will help you embrace hygge all season long. From toasty beverages to cozy Michigan getaways, there’s a little something in our roundup for everyone to enjoy.
1. Curl up in a homey cabin
Is there anything more relaxing and charming than unwinding in a warm, no-frills cabin in the woods while snow falls quietly outside your window? Thankfully, Michigan has its fair share of places to relax when the urge to hibernate strikes, including spots like this beautifully decorated A-frame in Indian River.
When you book a stay at this spot on Devereaux Lake, you’ll find everything from an indoor fireplace to a hot tub and a cabinet full of board games, all surrounded by snowcapped trees and natural beauty galore. Because the cabin requires a three-night minimum and sleeps four guests, it’s great for families or groups of friends looking to get away from it all—in true hygge style.
2. Make (and burn!) your own candle
If you ask us, candles are a necessity all year long. In the wintertime, though, their appeal only grows, adding a dash of warmth and light to those moody grey days. If you find yourself in West Michigan, a visit to Wax Poetic Candle Bar in Grand Rapids makes for the perfect hygge activity.
As its name suggests, Wax Poetic allows visitors to craft their very own candles by selecting scents and containers that speak to their style. It’s a popular activity for bachelorette parties, birthday outings, and date nights—and the best part is lighting your custom candle when you’re back home.
3. Stock up on Michigan-made tea
Tea fanatics and hygge enthusiasts alike will be enamored with Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop in Traverse City, which is just as charming as it sounds. Light of Day is the only tea farm in Michigan, and visitors can reap the benefits by visiting their retail store year-round to stock up on delicious drinks and other soothing products.
When the warmer weather rolls around, Light of Day even offers tea workshops and tours for curious guests—so add it to your spring and summer must-visit list, too.
4. Treat yourself to a spa day
If you don’t mind splurging to embrace your hygge dreams, there are all sorts of spas in Michigan where you can enjoy massages, skincare treatments, and other rejuvenating treatments during the dead of winter.
For an out-of-the-box experience, head to Sirona Wellness Spa in St. Clair Shores. In addition to soothing massages, Sirona offers “float therapy,” a sensory experience that will make you feel weightless—talk about relaxing.
5. Curl up with a good book
When you have time off from work or school, nothing beats an all-day reading marathon. Whether you’re partial to mysteries, romance novels, memoirs, or something in between, there are plenty of spots to stock up on reading material for a long winter.
The best part? Many Michigan bookstores are overflowing with hygge vibes—like the Book Nook & Java Shop in Montague, which features warm lighting, seating options galore, and endless reading material. Want to bring it all full circle? Pack up your new books and tea, then check in at your cozy cabin in the woods for the ultimate hygge adventure in Michigan.
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