Have you ever heard of the word "hygge"?

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Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah", listen to the pronunciation HERE) is about everything warm, cozy, and just a general sense of comfort.

Read Related: Will Michigan See Snow on Christmas in 2023?

Think of this word as a warm hug for your soul, because here's what it means;

hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Cosying up with a loved one for a movie – that’s hygge, too.

So basically, cozy. Hygge is all about the cozy vibes. And if you still don't get its true meaning, listen to the Hygge song from Frozen! You'll get the idea!

Now that you understand the true meaning of hygge, let's talk about which Michigan cities embody that sense of comfy coziness.

The Coziest Towns in America

MyDatingAdviser.com recently took a look at what factors make a town "cozy".

Here are the factors that went into determining the coziest towns in America:

  • Weather - average winter temps, average snowfall, how long the winter season is, and how many days below freezing were had
  • Food - how many cafes, restaurants, and bakeries are in the area offering up warm and hearty treats
  • Activities - what kinds of crafts, books, and parks are available to be enjoyed

After assigning all of these factors a point total, MyDatingAdviser determined the 170 coziest towns in America, and on that list, two Michigan towns rank in the top 15.

The Coziest Towns in Michigan

These two places in Michigan are so cozy, that you may want to plan a little trip this winter to go experience the hygge vibes yourself.

Coming in at number 14 on the list is...

Saugatuck, Michigan

A Complete Waste of Time via YouTube
A Complete Waste of Time via YouTube
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Here's why they rank Saugatuck as number 14;

Nestled in the heart of Saugatuck, Michigan, you’ll discover a town that fully embraces the hygge lifestyle. Known for its award-winning beaches, the town invites you to savor the cozy and welcoming atmosphere that hygge represents. With scenic waterways and grassy dunes that provide a sense of tranquility, Saugatuck’s connection to nature and its charming surroundings create a perfect backdrop for embracing the Danish concept of hygge. In Saugatuck, the locals have woven hygge into the very fabric of their community. The thriving art scene is a testament to their creative and open-minded culture. Visitors and residents alike find solace in the cozy galleries, where you can immerse yourself in art, often created by local talents. The sense of togetherness and warmth is palpable, making every art event a hygge-inspired experience.

  • Winter Temperature: 29.5 °F
  • Winter Season: 3.2 months
  • Snowfall: 80.3 inches

Holding down the number 9 spot on the list is...

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Photo by Emily Studer on Unsplash
Photo by Emily Studer on Unsplash
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Here's what makes Mackinac Island so cozy;

Mackinac Island, cradled within its serene natural embrace, is a haven of Hygge on this car-free paradise. This entire island, carefully preserved by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, offers a comforting retreat for all who visit. The island effortlessly embodies the principles of Hygge, with its charming horse-drawn carriages ambling through streets, welcoming fudge shops that exude warmth, and breathtaking natural surroundings that beckon you to cozy up with nature. At the heart of it all stands the iconic Grand Hotel, a beacon of elegance and comfort, where Hygge is not just a concept but a way of life. On Mackinac Island, the timeless embrace of nature and tradition creates an atmosphere of pure, unadulterated coziness for all to savor.

  • Winter Temperature: 25.5 °F
  • Winter Season: 3.4 months
  • Snowfall: 88.9

LOOK: 50 cozy towns to visit this winter

Stacker created a list of 50 cozy American towns to visit each winter. Towns were selected based on visitor opinions, ratings from nationwide publications, and tourist attractions.

Gallery Credit: Laura Ratliff

Cozy Midwestern Cabin is Perfect for a Winter Wonderland Getaway

This cozy Midwestern cabin is what winter dreams are made of. If you enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing, skiing, or hiking, this Minnesotan getaway could be the perfect place for a vacation. The cabin has gorgeous views, a private firepit area, a sauna, and wifi. It feels like a whole world away while being just minutes from town. Check out the pictures below and see if you'd like to book some winter wonderland time in Minnesota.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

10 Adorable A-Frames Stay at This Winter in Michigan

Enjoy your Michigan staycation at one of these unique A-Frame homes. They're all available for rent on Airbnb. They are incredibly cute and cozy. Some of them have fireplaces, some of them have hot tubs, and they all have excellent views. Start planning your next vacation now.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

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