Get Cozy! Hygge Winter Reads
By Madalyn Rogers, Children's Associate, Hardesty Regional Library
The Scandinavian cultural concept of “hygge,” pronounced “hoo-gah,” has gained popularity worldwide over the last decade. For good reason, too! Hygge and all things “hyggelig,” or hygge-like, are all about being comfortable and cozy. Spending time with loved ones, a warm blanket, and a steaming mug of cocoa is especially important during the dreary winter months. Snuggling up with a good book is one of the most hyggelig things you can do!
If you want to start with a beloved Denmark classic, look no further than Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen. This beautifully illustrated retelling of the classic fairy tale is filled with bravery, love, and the enduring power of friendship.
A Day So Gray reminds us that brightness and color can be found even in the grayest of days. All we have to do is look a little deeper to find bits of joy in everything.
In Snow Globe Wishes, a power outage brings a community together to enjoy quiet evenings by the fire and the beauty of their snowy park. The lyrical rhyming of this story lends itself perfectly to the cozy vibes.
Few things embody the concept of hygge better than A Cozy Winter Day. This beautifully illustrated picture book follows a community of woodland animals as they come together to make the most of a snowy day.
What’s more hyggelig than a warm oven full of tasty treats? The Bakery Dragon just might take the cake. These soft illustrations are sure to lure you into their dragon's hoard of coziness.
Still want more cozy titles to snuggle up with in your reading nook? Look no further! Check out this booklist full of classics from across the Nordic region and a few others we think will definitely pass the vibe check.
Ready to get your hygge on? Join us for a Hygge Hangout at Hardesty Regional Library on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 1-3pm in the Book Jungle. We’ll supply the chill vibes, good reads, and quiet crafts (while supplies last). Check out our event guide for more details.
