Nothing beats a hot cup of cocoa by a roaring fireplace while wearing comfy sweats wrapped in a blanket. Add a good book during a heavy snowfall, and it’s about as perfect a day as it gets! Invented by the Danish, “hygge” simply means cozy, and it’s how we should all winter. According to the official Visit Denmark website, “hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people…Perhaps hygge explains why Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.” Inspired by this way of life, we’ve put together 8 destinations to visit this winter to embrace a hygge vibe for a well-deserved break. 

Cities take on a certain magical quality during the holidays. The lights and decorations transform the urban landscape into a glittering space that brings joy to even the Scroogiest of hearts. An air of nostalgia tickles the brain in just the right way so that not even the gloomiest days can ruin the experience. Chicago is no stranger to the magic of the holiday season. While the city is known for soaking up every minute of summer, locals also love to embrace every moment that celebrates this festive time of year. 

January is an underrated time of year to plan a trip. Holiday travel is over, and much of the northern hemisphere is experiencing cold weather. Many people are inclined to stay home, whether that’s to avoid the risk of travel delays or blowing through precious PTO so early in the year. Whatever the reason, tourism crowds ease up after the holiday rush, and time seems to slow down. For those who choose to embrace the heart of winter, there’s something about exploring while the air is crisp and meeting people in warm, cozy restaurants. If you’re looking to get away, you might consider one of these destinations for January travel. 

Who doesn’t love a little Cajun food with a dessert of beignets? Something about the New Orleans-style cuisine is homey and comforting, exactly what you need while visiting Denver in February. Before heading up to the mountains, my friends and I had a day in Denver to explore with each other which means brunch was on the itinerary. After research, and arguments of course, we settled on Sassafras American Eatery in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. A few blocks away from the Molly Brown House Museum, Sassafras serves up Southern-style comfort food with beignets that, according to my friend, rival that of Cafe du Monde in NOLA. They had great reviews, something on the menu for each of us and, most important, a ton of different drink options…

Colder weather calls for cozy get togethers. If there’s one thing Chicago knows how to do well (other than take advantage of summer), it’s survive winter and the colder months. We’re a social city! We like going out for brunch and meeting friends for a cocktail after work. Five months of bitter cold won’t keep us hibernating...well, not the entire time at least. We can appreciate a good occasional hibernation. For those colder months when the tips of your fingers start to turn blue and your nose goes numb, the cozier spot to meet up, the better. Cozy, by definition, means “enjoying or affording warmth and ease.” In my words, that translates to a fireplace, casual and/or comfortable seating arrangements like couches or comfy chairs, and a warm drink with alcohol optional…