From Visit Cook County:

The Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) has been around for a long time. It refers to the ritual of embracing life’s simple pleasures. Feeling relaxed, cozy and surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, community and fire all encompass the idea of hygge. Local business have gathered together to celebrated this ritual, and Cook County, Minnesota is the perfect background. Enjoy a curated week of snowshoe hikes, the cozy annual Fireplace Tour, specially themed foodie menus, and more at Hygge Festival!

Schedule of Events:

• Daily | 7 am – 2 pm
  Special Hygge Themed Menu | Blue Water Café
• Daily | 9 am – 4 pm
  Along Shifting Surfaces: Snow Drifts and Shoreline Spaces
  Exhibit by David Andree | Grand Marais Art Colony | Free
  David will work primarily on-site in January in the landscape to investigate the transitory topography of snow drifts and shoreline spaces through painting and sculptural intervention. David’s residency will culminate in a month-long exhibition that will include paintings, drawings and photographic prints.
• Daily | 9am – 5:30 pm
  Cozy Sock Sale | Joynes Ben Franklin
  Keep your feet cozy and shop a 10% off sale on Darn Tough socks.
• Daily | 10 am – 5 pm
  Hygge Bike Adventures | Fireweed Bike Coop
  Guided Fat bike, E bike Tours, bike rentals and Hot Cocoa all week long.
• Thursday – Saturday | 10 am – 4 pm
  Sunday | 1 – 4 pm
  Winter Plein Air Exhibit | Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery
  This annual exhibit will feature plein air paintings created during OPM’s annual winter painting retreat at YMCA Camp Menogyn.

FRIDAY 2/7

• 2/7 – 2/8
  Snowarama | Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
  Snowarama is an annual event hosted by Grand Portage Lodge & Casino to raise money for Easter Seals Kids. During the weekend snowmobilers from across Northwestern Ontario and Northeastern Minnesota are invited to hit the trails, enjoy live music, and a fabulous dinner. For more information on registration and participation contact Jean at Grand Portage, 1 (800), 543-1384 ext. 2914.
• 3 – 8 pm
  Hygge Market | Voyageur Brewing Company
  Hannah Palma Ceramics and The Big Lake will set up shop in the back of the brewery along with a few other friends and delight you all with Hygge inspired goodies! Think handmade mugs with beautiful northern energy, incredible weavings waiting to fill your home with the warmth of fiber, and of course hilarious and/or heartwarming Valentine’s Day cards to gift to friends, family and partners (Valentine’s day is not just for lovers!).
• 7 – 9 pm
  Luminary Candle Holders | Grand Marais Art Colony | $35
  Invite the Danish concept of Hygge into your home this winter with your own clay luminary candle holder. Learn basic hand-building techniques to form luminaries and carve shapes and holes that will reveal light and cast interesting shadows. Students will decorate with colorful underglazes and luminaries will be glazed, fired, and available for pick-up one week later. Dessert and cozy beverages will be provided and all supplies are included.
  Instructor Karin Holen
• 2 pm
  Mellow Snowshoe Hike | Lake Superior Trading Post
  Pre-registration suggested for those needing to borrow snowshoes (limited supply). Call for more info (218) 387-2020. $5 Suggested Donation benefits the Cook County Food Shelf.
• 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  Hygge Night Ski | Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply
  Revel in the magic of cross-country skiing at night. Meet at Stone Harbor in Grand Marais to get fitted for gear for those who need it, and to fill out waivers before forming a caravan up to Pincushion Ski Trails to enjoy the stars and moon in the forest. Pre-registration is recommended for those who need gear.

SATURDAY 2/8

• 2/8 – 2/9 | 9 am – 4 pm
  Conceptual Self Portrait | Grand Marais Art Colony | $175
  Have you ever wanted to create an artwork that reflects your unique identity? This class will challenge you to dive deep into what it means to be you. We will step away from the traditional self-portrait and into the world of conceptual self-portraits, in which we explore places, memories, relationships, dreams, experiences, and more. After looking at artist examples and developing sketches, each student will create one final artwork. Students are encouraged to work in the drawing or painting material of their choice
  Instructor Nan Onkka
• 11 am – 2 pm
  Curl Up With Critter Felting | Joy & Co. | $20
  Hosted by Joy & Co. staff, learn to felt your own furry critter. Felting Kit and supplies included in fee. Pre-registration encouraged.
• 3 – 8 pm 
  Hygge Market | Voyageur Brewing Company
  Hannah Palma Ceramics and The Big Lake will set up shop in the back of the brewery along with a few other friends and delight you all with Hygge inspired goodies! Think handmade mugs with beautiful northern energy, incredible weavings waiting to fill your home with the warmth of fiber, and of course hilarious and/or heartwarming Valentine’s Day cards to gift to friends, family and partners (Valentine’s day is not just for lovers!).
• 6 – 9 pm
  Mukluk Ball | Voyageur Brewing Company
  Grab your mukluks and get to dancing, featuring musicians Rod Dockan and the Sled Hounds!
• 7 – 10 pm
  Jazz Music with Briand Morrison | Lutsen Resort Lobby
• 8:30 pm – 1 am
  Cloud Cult | Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountains | $23 Advance, $26 Door | 21+
  Cloud Cult has crafted sprawling, cathartic albums that have won them the attention of the New York Times, MTV, Spin, Billboard and a devoted following of fans. This show will feature an acoustic set followed by an electric set. This show has sold out the past four years. Advance tickets recommended–purchase online.
• 9 pm – 12 am
  Blue Collar Cocktail | Grand Portage Lodge & Casino | 21+
  Playing some of today’s “hottest” country music, old favorites and more, this free concert is not to be missed.

SUNDAY 2/9

• 10 am – 12 pm
  Jazz Brunch Music with Briand Morrison | Moguls Grille & Tap Room
• 12:30 – 2:30 pm
  Hand Knit a Hat | Voyageur Brewing Company | $40
  Learn this super easy project using just your hands! No experience necessary. Lots of colors to choose from.
• 6 – 9 pm
  Open Stage with Joe Paulik & Pat Flack | Wunderbar
  Bring your voice, instrument, book, skit, jokes, and talent to the Harbor Light Stage at Wunderbar.

MONDAY 2/10

• 6 – 8 pm
  BEERthoven: On Tour | Voyageur Brewing Company
  Join the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra on a brewery tour across the northland. There will be music, a raffle with some prizes worth over $125, beer, tickets, and more.
• 7 – 9 pm
  Beer Bingo | Grandma Ray’s
  Free to play, winners receive a drink token!

TUESDAY 2/11

• 2/11 – 2/17
  10th Annual Fiber Week | North House Folk School
  Celebrate with an entire week of hands-on textile exploration! Choose from a dozen multi-day courses in everything from felting to weaving to spinning, dyeing, knitting and more. Find registration and more information at northhouse.org.
• 2 pm
  Mellow Snowshoe Hike | Lake Superior Trading Post
  Pre-registration suggested for those needing to borrow snowshoes (limited supply). Call for more info (218) 387-2020. $5 Suggested Donation benefits the Cook County Food Shelf.
• 5 – 8 pm
  Puzzle Time | Voyageur Brewing Company
  Spend some time relaxing and putting a puzzle together with family or friends. We have puzzles available or feel free to bring your own.
• 6 – 7:30 pm
  Family Night Ski & Dessert Potluck | Pincushion Mountain Trails
  Join the NSSRC and Cook County YSki program for a night of outdoor fun! Bring a dessert to share and a hefty appetite. You’ll have a chance to ski the lit trail at Pincushion and then meet at the chalet for a cozy gathering. The whole family is welcome–and please bring a headlamp if you’d like to explore other trail sections. Ski rental available through Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in downtown Grand Marais. Ages 16+ need a Great Minnesota Ski Pass.
• 6 – 8 pm
  Live Music with Joe Paulik | Poplar River Pub at Lutsen Resort
• 7 – 9 pm
  Trivia Night | Grandma Ray’s
  Bring a team or join a team, even last place gets a prize.

WEDNESDAY 2/12

• 5 – 8 pm
  Scrabble Time | Voyageur Brewing Company
  Join other Scrabble enthusiasts for a couple hours of game time fun. Beginners welcome!
• 6:30 pm
  Hygge Trivia & Wine | Lutsen Resort
  Get cozy around the historical Lutsen Resort Lobby and enjoy themed trivia and wine.
• 7 – 9 pm
  Jam Session | Gun Flint Tavern
  Join musical hosts at the Gun Flint Tavern for a fun and informal Jam Session.

THURSDAY 2/13

• 2 pm
  Mellow Snowshoe Hike | Lake Superior Trading Post
  Pre-registration suggested for those needing to borrow snowshoes (limited supply). Call for more info (218) 387-2020. $5 Suggested Donation benefits the Cook County Food Shelf.

• 2 pm
  Knit-a-Long | Voyageur Brewing Company
• 4:30 – 6:30 pm
  Galantine’s Day Market | Skyport Lodge
  Celebrating local women makers and businesses in our community. Cozy up in front of one of our fireplaces and indulge in a special Martini or oversized cup of hot chocolate with your girlfriends. It’s a long winter, let’s get cozy. Happy Galentine’s Day ladies! Event hosted by The Big Lake & Skyport Lodge
• 6 – 8 pm
  Live Music with Rob & Jill | Poplar River Pub at Lutsen Resort
• 6 – 8 pm
  Date Night at the Winery | North Shore Winery
  Grab your date, the winery is open late! Featuring music by Eric Frost.
• 6:30 – 8:30 pm
  Film Screening: Shepardess of the Glaciers | North House Folk School
  What better way to spend a dark winter evening with friends than kicking back and watching a movie with friends? Popcorn provided– BYO beverage or snack of choice. The featured documentary film transports viewers to the far northern mountains of Ladakh, India, where Tsering, one of the last shepherdesses in this dry and desolate landscape leads her flock of 300 sheep and goats to graze on the Himalayan Plateaus.

FRIDAY 2/14

• Fiber Friday | North House Folk School
  A full day of hosted speakers, demonstrations, open studios and community gatherings–free for all North House Folk School enrolled students. This popular model will allow students and instructors alike the opportunity to meet on another, expand their interests and enjoy the cozy campus learning atmosphere. Come early and stay late; you want to miss Fiber Friday! More info and registration for Fiber Week available at northhouse.org.
• Dessert Pairings | Voyageur Brewing Company | Cost to participate
  Get dessert and beer pairings all day!
• 10 am – 12 pm
  Luminary Candle Holders (Ages 8 – 12) | Grand Marais Art Colony | $30
  Enjoy making your very own clay luminary candle holder. Karin will teach basic hand-building techniques to form luminaries and carve shapes and holes that will reveal light and cast interesting shadows. Students will decorate with colorful underglazes and luminaries will be glazed, fired, and available for pick-up within two weeks. All supplies will be provided. Students are asked to wear clothing suitable for working with clay.
  Instructor Karin Holen
• 6:30 – 9 pm
  A Night Out in the Pottery Studio | Grand Marais Art Colony | $35
  Looking for a fun and unique activity to share with your partner or good friend? Couples, singles, and mates are welcome to join us in the pottery studio to learn the ins and outs of wheel throwing and hand building. Participants will make two projects that will be glazed by the instructor and available for pick-up one week later. Dessert and wine will be provided and all supplies are included.
• 7 – 10 pm
  Jazz Music with Briand Morrison | Lutsen Resort Lobby

SATURDAY 2/15

• Board Games in the Brewery  | Voyageur Brewing Company
  Play board games in the brewery all day long. Bring a game or borrow one of the taproom’s.
• Pincushion Ski Festival | Pincushion Trail Systems
  All day family fun including classic ski races, group family ski, human bowling, marshmallow roasting, free ski rentals from Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, and more! This is an event not to be missed and will be fun for the whole family.
• 9 am – 4 pm
  Star Book with Pop-Up (Ages 9 – Adult) | Grand Marais Art Colony | $30
  Create a three-dimensional book with a rainbow of pages each with your own unique choice of kirigami or pop up images. Students will create book covers and then Sharon will demonstrate how to cut and finish the pop ups. All pages will be bound into the cover to finish the piece.
  Instructor Sharon Giesfeldt-van Ruiswyk
• 9 am – 4 pm
  The Write Time | Grand Marais Art Colony | $85
  All are invited to explore the written word in a supportive group. Cilla will introduce students to a variety of writing prompts and ways to draw upon personal reflection. Students will practice the discipline of writing, gain confidence in their individual voice, and define personal goals to continue beyond the class.​
  Instructor Cilla Walford

• 11 am
  Snowmobile Drag Races | Hungry Jack Lodge | $20
  Got a need for speed? Participate in any of this winter’s Snowmobile Drag Races! Spectators also welcome, dress for a day on the ice and enjoy live music and lots of fun in the beauty of the northwoods. Families, kiddos, and dogs welcome. Registration for racers starts at 11 am in the lodge.
• 11 am – 2 pm
  Cozy In with Mixed Media | Joy & Co. | $20
  Local artist Rae Klesser will facilitate guests in the hands-on creative experience of mixed media art on canvas or wood panel. All supplies are included in fee. Pre-registration is encouraged.
• 6 – 8 pm
  Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe | Oberg Mountain Trailhead
  Head up to the Oberg Mountain Parking lot on the Onion River Road for a memorable evening of xc skiing, snowshoeing or hiking along the candlelit trails.   This event is a great way to enjoy the quiet beauty of the North Woods after dark by the flickering lights of candles in the snow.  Come spend the evening with us and stop by the bonfire either before you leave or when you return for a cup of cocoa, a cookie and a little conversation with other folks.
• 7 – 10 pm
  Log Cabin Concert with Michael Monroe | Michael Monroe Log Cabin | Call for Cost
  Reserve a spot at this exclusive and intimate concert with award winning musician Michael Monroe. (612) 789-2255
• 7 – 10 pm
  Live Music with Gordon Thorne | Lutsen Resort Lobby

SUNDAY 2/16

• 10 am – 12 pm
  Jazz Brunch Music with Briand Morrison | Moguls Grille & Tap Room
• 2 – 4 pm
  Author Presentation: Alex Messenger | Voyageur Brewing Company
  Come for a presentation by Alex Messenger, author of The Twenty-Ninth Day

  This true-life wilderness survival epic recounts seventeen-year-old Alex Messenger’s near-lethal encounter with a grizzly bear during a canoe trip in the Canadian tundra. The story follows Alex and his five companions as they paddle north through harrowing rapids and stunning terrain. Twenty-nine days into the trip, while out hiking alone, Alex is attacked by a barren-ground grizzly. Left for dead, he wakes to find that his summer adventure has become a struggle to stay alive. Over the next hours and days, Alex and his companions tend his wounds and use their resilience, ingenuity, and dogged perseverance to reach help at a remote village a thousand miles north of the US-Canadian border.

  The Twenty-Ninth Day is a coming-of-age story like no other, filled with inspiring subarctic landscapes and a trial by fire of the human spirit.

• 6 pm

  SVEA Singers Bonfire Concert & Ice Lantern Fundraiser| Drury Lane Books
  This outdoor acapella concert has become an annual part of the Hygge Festival in Grand Marais. SVEA is a group of four local women who combine traditional Swedish folk songs and stories for a beautiful musical experience. Our local Sawtooth Elementary PTA hosts a fundraiser at the same time, decorating our outdoor beachfront with many ice lanterns. You may pledge $5/lantern at Cook County Schools, or donate at the event. Dress warmly, and join us outside Drury Lane Books!

• 6 – 9 pm
  Open Stage with Joe Paulik & Pat Flack | Wunderbar
  Bring your voice, instrument, book, skit, joes, and talent to the Harbor Light Stage at Wunderbar.

The Danes know how to do hygge, their word for cozy.

Over centuries (millenniums?) they’ve honed the art of enjoying winter by going for a hike and then relaxing by a crackling fire in a sweater and warm pair of socks, sipping a hot drink and snuggling with a loved one — or a favorite pooch or kitty. 

This cultural phenomenon has caught on around the world in the past decade as others try to emulate how the Danes achieve conviviality, wellness, appreciation of family and friends — resulting in the feeling of overall contentment.  

Several books have been published on the subject in recent years, including “Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness” by Marie Soderberg, and “The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well” by Louisa Thomsen Brits.

Denmark, the southernmost Scandinavian country with a population of less than 6 million, is regularly ranked among the top four happiest countries in the world by the World Happiness Report, right up there with Finland, Norway, Iceland and Sweden. The U.S. ranked 19th in the 2019 report.

Several communities around the Midwest are celebrating the hygge trend in coming weeks, but none are doing it with more enthusiasm than Grand Marais, a city of less than 2,000 people on the shore of Lake Superior in northern Minnesota. 

Lake Superior freezes along the shoreline in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Photo: Kjersti Vick

Grand Marais’ Hygge Festival runs Feb. 7-16 and will feature everything from fireplace tours and candlelight cross-country ski and snowshoe outings to a traditional Scandinavian folk song concert and music by a string quartet from the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra at Voyageur Brewing. 

The Hygge celebration coincides with Fiber Week at North House Folk School. The week features classes and artist talks dedicated to the fiber arts, including knitting, sewing, weaving, crocheting and felting. 

Kjersti Vick said the Hygge Festival is now in its fourth year and took off as the hygge concept migrated from Denmark to the U.S. and grew in popularity. 

“We toyed with the idea of this festival for a couple of years and then it just clicked,” she said. “Enough people said that yeah, that’s a cool concept and a great way to promote visiting up here in the winter.”

In the summer and fall, Grand Marais is a jumping off point for paddling trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on the U.S.-Canadian border. The town's North House Folk School offers a myriad of courses, ranging from building your own canoe to furniture-making to rosemaling, a Norwegian decorative art.

In the winter, visitors come to Lutsen Mountains, a ski resort with a 1,000-foot vertical descent about 20 miles southwest.

Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota has an outdoor fire pit for warming up around after skiing. Photo: Per Breiehagen

The Hygge Festival is another reason to visit in winter, especially for the fireplace tour. While many of the stops are noteworthy, Vick said the famed Gunflint Lodge, 143 S. Gunflint Lake Road, Grand Marais, is of special note. It has two fireplaces, one that was made from debris from one of the world’s largest and oldest meteorite impacts, which struck nearby Ontario, Canada, more than 2 billion years ago and left a crater with a diameter of 150 miles. The second one was made from split granite. 

“Few things make you feel more cozy than coming in from a chilly hike, ski or snowshoe tour with your eyebrows frosted over than a crackling fire,” said Vick, who grew up skiing at Lutsen Mountains. “That’s long been our way of life up here in the north. Then once we warm up, we go back outside and play again.”

More information: Grand Marais is about 500 miles northwest of Milwaukee. For more on the festival, see visitcookcounty.com/event/hygge-festival.

Closer to Milwaukee is the Andersonville Hygge Fest Feb. 1-2 in the Chicago neighborhood about seven miles north of downtown. It was settled in the late 1880s primarily by Swedish immigrants as well as a few Danes. Farther north in Evanston, the downtown will devote the entire month of February to welcoming visitors with coziness.