4 cozy rituals to experience hygge this winter around Boston

Since moving here from Arkansas, I’ve been on a quest to understand what New Englanders actually like about winter. While it seems everyone loves to talk about — OK, hate on — the cold, I’ve discovered that many not only survive but actually thrive during these wintery months. This got me thinking about how other northerners around the world cope with the frost, and one word rose to the top: hygge.

The term captivated our hearts in 2016 after it was featured on the Oxford English Dictionary’s shortlist of “word of the year,” but has been a core part of Norwegian culture since the 16th century. It roughly translates to “coziness,” and refers to the conviviality or comfort that makes us feel content. While Danes celebrate hygge year round, they mostly embrace the feeling in the winter as a way to counter the long, dark days.

Think about curling up with a good book under a heavy blanket, sharing a homemade meal with friends or sipping a warm drink by candlelight. It’s about savoring small joys, even when it’s 20 degrees outside.

Here are WBUR’s favorite ways to experience hygge, from our favorite activities to comfort foods and winter drinks to lift our cold spirits.

Rooted in Scandinavian culture, the tradition of alternating between hot steam rooms, also called löyly in Finnish, has existed for centuries. Studies from the Mayo Clinic show exposure to hot water can improve cardiovascular health, reduce muscle tension and release endorphins.

Luckily, you don’t need to travel to Norway to experience this. Greater Boston offers several spots to embrace this tradition — at different price points to suit most budgets.

Some WBUR staffers are fans of a good steam, too. Cognoscenti senior editor Cloe Axelson suggests Kelo Spa in Newton for its simple spa with a steam room, sauna and cold plunge. “You can go on your own — it's about $100 per session — or you can rent the place out with friends and take it over for three hours,” Cloe says. “You go through the sauna, cold plunge, steam cycle as many times as you like, and rest in between at a very nice bar area in the front that has comfy seats, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and snacks. It’s a very lovely way to spend an evening in the dead of Boston winter.” Eva Rosenberg, our festival booker, says her “more gritty version” to Cloe’s rec is Dillon’s Russian Steam Bath in Chelsea. It’s been open since 1885 and lets you cycle between showers, a hot steam room and a hot dry room for under $40. While it’s men’s only most of the time, Monday is ladies night.

From hotel lounges to high-end restaurants, Boston has plenty of places to enjoy a radiant glow. Boston Magazine has a full guide for dining hearthside around town, but here are some highlights:

Occasionally indulging in foods that are nostalgic or evoke happy memories is thought to potentially trigger feel-good chemicals like dopamine. And for Here & Now resident chef Kathy Gunst, nothing is more comforting or nostalgic than a hearty bowl of warmth, like this roasted squash soup or sausage and white bean soup. If you’re looking for something with a little more meat to it, try a slow-cooked chuck roast. For a twist, Gunst suggests experimenting with different cuts of meat, like lamb shanks or pork belly.

For a sip that feels like a warm embrace, mulled wine is a go-to winter classic. Spiced with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves and citrus, it’s not only a drink but an experience. Plus, heating these spices creates a fragrant, rich aroma, perfect for making your home smell great.

Make a soothing ritual out of brewing this homemade chai infused with ginger, cardamom and cinnamon.

Escape into a heartwarming story or join a book club to share your love of reading. Romance fans can check out Lovestruck Books in Cambridge’s Harvard Square, while those interested in social justice literature can engage with the community at JustBook-ish in Dorchester. (And if you need a book rec, check out NPR’s database of 350+ best reads throughout the years.)

While Boston Public Library no longer has any of its popular “hygge kits” available, they did recommend to us their many puzzle and learn-to-knit events if you want to try a cozy activity surrounded by books.

P.S. — If you want to have a little ruckus before you settle down and get cozy, our WBUR staffers have plenty of recommendations for places to play indoors with friends. We're talking bowling, escape rooms and even combat archery. Want to know where to go? All you have to do is sign up for another one of our newsletters with this link before March 21 to get our go-to spots sent to your inbox.