It’s Getting All Warm And Cozy In Andersonville During Hygge Fest

George’s Ice Cream & Sweets

Embracing the things in life that give a sense warmth and comfort surrounded by the people we love makes Wintertime so much more enjoyable. To help us connect with that philosophy, Andersonville will host the second annual Hygge Fest to help counteract the cold weather.

It such a funny little Danish term “Hygge” which is pronounced even more interesting (hue-gah). But there is nothing funny about indulging ourselves in the simple pleasures life brings our way and the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) will help us explore those joyous comforts once again this year Feb. 1-2 with Hygge-inspired shopping and dining specials, music and more.

“Adopting the Hygge lifestyle is not only about enveloping yourself in coziness, but spreading warmth and comfort to others as well,” said ACC Community and Events Manager Laura Austin in a press release. “We hope this fest brings folks together in our vibrant neighborhood for coffee, cocoa, conversation and more.”

Enjoy National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at George’s Ice Cream and Sweets (5306 N Clark) on Feb. 1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Swedish comfort food such as Swedish split pea soup and Swedish pancakes at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N Clark) on Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., a kid craft and music morning at Rattleback Records (5405 N Clark) on Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (all supplies are provided), and special discounts at a diverse selection of 26 different Andersonville businesses along the strip both days.

New this year will be the Andersonville Coffee and Hot Cocoa Crawl on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sip on some delicious coffee and cocoa drinks along two routes with stops at seven different businesses on each. On the Bean Route, Replay (5358 N Clark) will feature local Chicago roaster Sparrow Coffee and on the Brew Route guests will experience blends from Dark Matter at Ridman’s Coffee (4756 N Clark). Tickets can be purchased online or at the event and check-in begins 9 a.m. at Elixir Andersonville (1509 W Balmoral). One route costs $20 and $35 for both (children 12 and under are free). Attendees of the crawl will receive a commemorative ceramic Andersonville coffee mug and a free pastry at check-in.

On Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. the second annual Pajama Fun Run that benefits local food pantry Care for Real will take place with runners (and walkers) participating in a 1-mile course that starts at Balmoral and Clark to Gethsemane Garden Center and back. There is a $15 suggested donation.

Here is a current list of participating businesses:

Andersonville Antiques | 5245 N Clark

Be Yoga Andersonville | 5715 N Clark

The Coffee Studio | 5628 N Clark

Colectivo Coffee | 5425 N Clark

Cowboys and Astronauts | 1478 W Summerdale

Early to Bed | 5044 N Clark

Foursided | 5061 N Clark

First Slice Pie Cafe | 5357 N Ashland

FRÍO Gelato | 5152 N Clark

George’s Ice Cream & Sweets | 5306 N Clark

Kopi Cafe | 5317 N. Clark