Brrrrrr! Every year we brace ourselves for a couple of brutal cold snaps, but somehow it never gets easier! Sure, we might be riding a little January warm spell right now, but let’s be real—it’s only a matter of time before the temps drop again and the snow starts falling. Now’s the perfect time to prepare for any future deep freezes. Take a look at our best tips for staying cozy—the Green Bay way!
Hygge at Home
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Scandinavian concept that’s all about creating a sense of warmth, comfort, and joy. That’s right, coziness isn’t just chunky sweaters and blankets (although it’s those things too)—it’s a whole state of mind. It’s about slowing down, embracing the season, and finding happiness in those simple, cozy moments.
Want to bring a little hygge into your life? Here’s how we do it in Green Bay:
Bundle up in cozy local finds
Stock up on soft blankets, warm sweaters, and fuzzy socks from local shops like Besselli, Loco Wisco, and Josephine’s Attic. Want something with a little vintage flair? Check out Wonderland Vintage Market, The Vintage Lair, or Mañana Vintage for unique, retro-cozy pieces.
Brew yourself a cup of cozy
Nothing says “cozy” like wrapping your hands around a hot mug of tea. Pick up a special blend from Aurora’s Apothecary, The Attic Corner, or Cultivate Taste, where local tea experts craft unique flavors that’ll warm you from the inside out.
Set the mood with candles
Make your home smell as cozy as it feels with locally made, hand-poured candles from Green Bay Candle Company (available at Loco Wisco). Or, for something extra charming, visit Painted, inside of Uniquely Yours Antiques, where you can snag a hand-poured candle in a vintage teacup or a candle-making kit so you can make your own!
Curl up with a good book
There’s nothing better than getting lost in a book while the snow piles up outside. Grab your next great read from local bookstores like Lion’s Mouth Bookstore or Book Stop and spend the day under a blanket with a great story. Don’t have the attention span for a book? Stop by Bosse’s News & Tobacco and grab an interesting magazine or newspaper.
Host a board game night
Would you rather gather with family and friends? Swing by Gnome Games to find the perfect board game or TTRPG to keep everyone entertained. Want to elevate the experience? Order a cheese board from Bountiful Boards and snack on small-batch Wisconsin cheeses from the only artisanal cheese shop in Green Bay. Now that’s peak Wisconsin hygge!
A Furry Pal to Keep You Warm
They don’t call it a three-dog night for nothing! When the temperatures drop, there’s no better way to stay warm than by snuggling up with a four-legged friend. Plus, adopting a pet doesn’t just bring cozy vibes into your life—it also gives a deserving animal a loving home and a chance to be cozy, too!
If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry companion to your household, check out one of Green Bay’s amazing local rescues. Your new best friend (and personal space heater) is waiting!
Hot Beverages at Cool Cafes
Take the chill out of a winter day in a cozy café and warm yourself up from the inside out. Settle into a comfy chair, sip on a seasonal latte (or maybe a rich hot chocolate) and let the world slow down for a while. Bonus points if there’s a fireplace involved. Check out some of these fave local cafes:
Comfort Food
A warm, hearty meal is just what you need to chase away the chill. Whether it’s a steaming bowl of soup, fresh-from-the-oven bread, or a plate of Southern comfort, these local spots serve up the kind of cozy that sticks to your ribs.
Hey Soup Sister
What’s cozier than soup? Stop by Hey Soup Sister in De Pere to try one of their three daily hot soups, complete with all sorts of delicious add-ons. Want to bring the cozy home? Grab a quart of your favorite or even book a Soup Party to learn the art of soup-making (or just enjoy an excuse to sample your way through their signature offerings).
Voyageurs Bakehouse
If the smell of freshly baked bread doesn’t instantly make you feel warm inside, are you even human? Voyageurs Bakehouse is known for some of the best handmade bread in the area. Grab a loaf, a couple of chocolate croissants, or some gooey cinnamon buns. Carbs are the best antidote for those winter blues.
Delilah’s
Get cozy Southern-style with a plate of hot grits, biscuits and gravy, or a hearty bowl of gumbo. Plus, you can get your caffeine needs met with their full espresso bar.
The Drift Inn
Few things evoke “Wisconsin comfort food” better than The Drift Inn’s legendary chili, served over spaghetti noodles for a true local classic vibe. One bite, and you’ll be ready to brave even the coldest of Green Bay days.
Turn Up the Heat with a Yoga Class
If you’ve got a bit of cabin fever but still want to stay warm and toasty, a heated yoga class is the perfect solution. Stretch, sweat, and shake off the cold weather blues at one of Green Bay’s fantastic yoga studios offering heated yoga:
Igloo Dining
For a “cool” dining experience that’s as unique as it is cozy, enjoy a meal with your favorite people inside your very own private, heated igloo. These dining spots offer the perfect mix of warmth, ambiance, and winter magic—whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a fun evening with friends, or a cozy family gathering.
Hagemeister Park
Snuggle up in one of Hagemeister Park’s private igloos, decked out with soft pillows, blankets, and candlelight for the ultimate cozy vibe. Enjoy your pick of food and drink packages, play board games (provided), or just soak in the wintery charm with a view of the river and a glowing firepit nearby.
Paradise North Distillery
Overlooking the Bay of Green Bay, Paradise North’s igloo dining experience includes delicious seasonal cocktails, appetizers, and twinkly lights. Their igloos come fully equipped with heaters, blankets, a wireless Bluetooth speaker, and games, making it the perfect setting to unwind.