In Scandinavia, hygge is a way of life all year round, but it’s during the winter months that this cozy, togetherness-focused lifestyle truly shines. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, hygge winter activities become a lifeline, bringing warmth, joy, and family bonding even during the coldest of days. Where I live in Sweden, we embrace the chill and make the most of winter by filling our days with simple pleasures. Here are some of our family’s favorite hygge winter activities that are perfect for creating lasting memories
Set up a hot chocolate bar
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than warming up with a rich, steaming cup of hot chocolate. In our home, we take it up a notch by creating a DIY hot chocolate bar. We’re big fans of real hot chocolate. Rather than cocoa that’s made with cocoa powder and sugar, we prefer to melt real chocolate into warm milk, making it extra decadent. We offer a variety of options, including dark, milk, and white chocolate, along with flavorings like peppermint syrup. And of course, no hot chocolate is complete without toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Setting this up lets the kids get creative, and it turns an ordinary cup of cocoa into a special, hygge-filled moment.
Make it even more hygge: Let the kids help you arrange the bar and pick their toppings. For added coziness, pair your hot chocolate with a winter-themed movie or storytime by the fire.
Go on a winter hike
In Sweden, we have a saying: “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.” This couldn’t be truer, especially in winter. Bundled up in layers, you can enjoy the outdoors no matter how cold it gets. Winter hikes are one of our favorite hygge activities – there’s something magical about walking through a snow-covered landscape. The crisp air, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the peaceful quiet of the forest create a calming, almost otherworldly experience. Just remember that snowy terrain can slow you down, so shorter hikes with frequent breaks are key. Pack a thermos of hot drinks and take your time soaking in the beauty of winter.
Make it even more hygge: Bring along some simple snacks like homemade pastries or sandwiches to enjoy during your break. Pausing for a little outdoor fika makes the hike even more special.
Roast marshmallows
Roasting marshmallows isn’t just for summer campfires! This is one of our go-to hygge activities in the winter, whether we’re in the backyard, on a hike, or even just at home. We bring firewood just about anywhere we know there’s a fire pit, on hikes or to the sledding hill. On particularly cold nights, we’ve even roasted marshmallows over candle flames while watching a movie – it’s all about being creative and making those small moments count.
Make it even more hygge: all members of our family have their own designated marshmallow roasting stick with their names engraved. It makes the tradition of marshmallow roasting even more special.
Enjoy a cozy movie night
When the temperature drops below -25°C (-13°F), even the hardiest among us will admit defeat and stay indoors. Those are the nights we fully embrace indoor hygge activities, and family movie night becomes the highlight of the week. We pile up blankets, light candles, and create a nest of coziness on the couch. We also love creating a “snack buffet” with popcorn, fruit, and homemade treats. Everyone in the family takes turns choosing a movie that we can all enjoy, ensuring that the night is fun for everyone.
Make it even more hygge: Let each family member build their own “movie snack plate” with a mix of sweet and savory treats to keep the movie marathon going.
Bake, bake and bake some more
Winter is the season for baking in our home, and it’s one of the best ways to make the house feel warm and full of life. Whether it’s cinnamon rolls, gingerbread cookies, or Swedish no-bake chocolate balls, baking together is one of our family’s favorite hygge activities. As the snow falls outside, we knead dough, roll out cookies, and let the smell of cinnamon and chocolate fill the air. Baking becomes even more fun as our oldest grows more independent, proudly making treats all by herself.
Make it even more hygge: Involve the kids as much as possible, from mixing ingredients to decorating. And don’t forget to enjoy the fruits of your labor with an impromptu fika!