Submitted by Downtown Evanston
Downtown Evanston is hosting the fifth annual Hygge Fest throughout the month of February. Pronounced “hyoo-gah,” this Danish expression is an attitude towards life that emphasizes finding joy in everyday moments and celebrates coziness, warmth, family and mindfulness, especially during the winter months.
Throughout February, local businesses and artists will host workshops, offer special promotions on products or food items that encourage people to incorporate more coziness, warmth and mindfulness in their lives. New this year, Downtown Evanston is transforming the vacant storefront at 1630 Orrington Ave. into The Hygge Lounge, a cozy space for several of the workshops. A special thanks to Farnsworth Hill, Inc. for donating the space for this event.
Participants can learn to make a macrame bracelet, floral bouquet, floral embroidery design, a mosaic wall hanging, wall weaving and more. The month-long event also promotes cozy products available at local shops like Madison Grace’s “Hygge Box” and comfy eats like Nakorn’s Tea & Snack Kits, Patisserie Coralie’s High Tea To-Go, Scrappy Hearts at Artem Pop Up Gallery, Bingo at Ridgeville Tavern, and Graduate Homestead Room’s “Tipsy Tea.” There will also be a Winter Dreaming Meditation by The Clairvoyant Center and Yoga for Self-Care class with Grateful Yoga.
“We work with businesses to create new events and promote existing events that fall in line with the hygge theme. In addition to providing residents and visitors with fun, creative and cozy activities, this event supports local businesses during a typically slow part of the year,” said Director of Downtown Evanston Annie Coakley.
Visit downtownevanston.org for a full list of events.
Community Hygge Celebration
From noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, Downtown Evanston is hosting a community hygge event at Fountain Square. Everyone is invited to bundle up to watch live ice sculpture carving, warm up with hot chocolate and take part in other winter activities. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., My Sauna Club will be stationed for 30-minute sauna sessions. Special thanks to Beth Lewis Team CrossCountry Mortgage for supporting this event and providing a special treat to take home!
Visit downtownevanston.org for details and to register or purchase tickets (note that some events are free, and others are ticketed).