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BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM WINTER 2026 | VOLUME 11 ISSUE 11

2 BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

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CONTENTS

14 Ways to Hygge Create joy and warmth in your life this winter season through the traditional Danish value hygge. Photo by Melanie Sioux Photography

33 Giving Hearts Day

Volume 11 Issue 1

Winter 2026 PUBLISHERS

Hannah Haynes hannah@bismarck-magazine.com Caroline Crary caroline@bismarck-magazine.com

Bismarck Magazine is published four times a year and is complimentary. Copies are available across the Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln communities or online at bismarck-magazine.com.

Bismarck Magazine Corporation, Copyright 2015 Bismarck Magazine and bismarck-magazine.com. All rights reserved. This periodical cannot be reproduced without the written permission of Bismarck Magazine. Bismarck Magazine will not be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Bismarck Magazine Corporation accepts no liability for statements made by advertisers.

Photo by Melanie Sioux Photography

LAYOUT EDITOR

Jenna Kluting

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cloud Watcher Melanie Sioux Photography

CONTRIBUTORS

Maria Brezny

COPY EDITOR

Jennifer Kranz

ADVERTISING

info@bismarck-magazine.com

Printed in the USA

PUBLISHERS

LETTER

Photo by Melanie Sioux Photography

As winter settles over North Dakota and our days grow shorter, there’s a special kind of magic that arrives with the season — a feeling the Danish call hygge, pronounced “HOO-gah.” Rooted in Danish and Norwegian culture, hygge describes a deep sense of coziness, comfort, and well-being. But it’s more than warm blankets and soft candlelight. Hygge is a mindset — an intentional way of slowing down, savoring simple pleasures, and finding joy in the quiet beauty of winter. For centuries, Scandinavians have embraced hygge as a way to not just endure the colder months, but truly celebrate them. And here in North Dakota, where winter is woven into who we are, that spirit feels right at home. In this issue, we’ve leaned into that feeling wholeheartedly. From the glow of winter gatherings to the crisp air of snowy adventures, we’re celebrating everything that brings warmth to the coldest time of year. Our community truly comes alive in winter. Flurry Fest fills the season with familyfriendly fun and colorful bursts of activity that brighten even the frostiest days. Vinterfest honors our region’s Scandinavian roots with traditions, tastes, and celebrations that remind us of where we come from. And all across the area — from sledding hills and cross-country trails to cozy cafés and candlelit dinners — North Dakotans continue to find joy in embracing winter rather than wishing it away. This issue also highlights something just as meaningful: the spirit of generosity that defines our community. With Giving Hearts Day 2026 approaching, we’re proud to showcase local nonprofits, volunteers, and everyday heroes who dedicate themselves to lifting up others. Their stories remind us that hygge is not only about comfort — it’s about kindness, connection, and taking care of one another. As you turn these pages, I hope you feel inspired to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the warmth winter can bring. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home, a snowy adventure outdoors, or a moment of giving from the heart, may this season bring you comfort, connection, and a true sense of hygge.

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Photo by Melanie Sioux Photography

W w

Hygge is all about slowing down, cultivating a deeper joy, and connecting to the people around you and the place you are from. The winter is ideal hygge weather with countless opportunities for creating pockets of coziness, contentment, and peace within the bustle of daily life. Read ahead for 14 suggestions on how to embrace the long wintery season in North Dakota.

Visit Vinterfest Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Provided

While hygge is often considered synonymous with coziness which naturally has connotations of snuggling under blankets at home, hygge also emphasizes connections, especially with friends and family, for deeper contentment. This year’s Vinterfest event offers a chance for connection outside of your home and the chance to learn a new hobby that can contribute to lifelong hygge.

2026 will be Vinterfest’s third year of winter activities and traditional celebrations. The event will kick off January 18th from 2-4 PM at the BSC Advanced Technology Center. The kickoff will offer a taste of the many different events going on throughout Vinterfest, like traditional flute playing and rosemaling. If you are unsure about signing up for a class on something you’ve never heard of before, the kickoff can help you feel more confident before registering. Vinterfest will run from January 18th through February 21st.

Lacey Heid, program manager for the Northern Plains Heritage Foundation (NPHF) who first helped bring this event to Bismarck with the Sons of Norway Bismarck Lodge, is excited to continue expanding the event’s programming which includes traditional Scandinavian skills and crafts, opportunities to learn new winter sports, and an introduction to other cultures’ winter traditions. The NPHF partners with various organizations like the ND Heritage Center, the Bismarck and Mandan Libraries, and Bismarck Parks and Rec, who will host different events and workshops including a kid’s accordion class, 12

BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

traditional flute lessons, laurel crown making, cross

that we were doing something and so excited to be

country skiing, and a Ukrainian painting class, in

a part of something in the winter… We can still build

addition to many others.

community and have fun in the winter and that’s what we’re trying to do. It’s so heartwarming when

While the winter here is long, Lacey hopes Vinterfest

people capture that.”

helps people embrace the season and instill some hygge into their own lives. “The community’s

For more information on Vinterfest, please visit

involvement really does matter,” she explains. “Last

vinterfest.org

year, when people showed up, it was so cold, but people were so happy to be there and so excited

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Warm Drinks

Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Provided

Any winter activity can be made cozy by incorporating a warm drink. Take a sip of whatever hot drink is your favorite and let it warm your soul. From hot chocolate to hot coffee and tea to hot cider, there is no wrong option. A traditional warm winter drink is mulled wine which is made of red wine and brandy seasoned with warming spices. You can serve it at your Christmas party or enjoy it all winter long with friends.

Traditional Mulled Wine Recipe: From NYT Cooking

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

2 large oranges 4¼ cups/1 liter red wine 1¼ cups/10 ounces brandy ½ cup dark brown sugar 2 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves 3 cardamom pods, slightly crushed

Preparation

Step 1 | Using a peeler, remove the peel in strips from 1 orange then juice the orange. Slice the other orange into rounds and reserve for garnish. Step 2 | In a nonreactive saucepan, combine orange peel, juice and the rest of the ingredients. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Increase the heat to high, bring mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently until flavors meld, about 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, discarding the solids. Step 3 | Ladle into cups or mugs. Garnish each with a reserved orange round. 14

BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

Read A Good Book Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Provided

Pull up your softest blanket, dim the lights, light a candle, play quiet background music, have a cozy drink or snack with you, and pull out an old favorite book of yours or a new one you’ve had on your tobe-read list forever. Time spent with a book you love, without the distraction of screens, guarantees a hyggelig evening. If you love to talk about the book you are reading, the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library is hosting a “winter walk and talk” November through March on the first and third Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. Walk around the block, get some exercise, and have a delightfully bookish conversation.

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Adventure to Huff Hills Story: Maria Brezny Photos: Melanie Sioux Photography

Ski resorts were made for hygge. You can spend the day outside enjoying the snowy weather, connecting with your friends and family, then cozy up in the lodge afterwards in comfy clothes, with warm drinks and delicious foods. What could be more perfectly hygge than that? The Bismarck-Mandan area is fortunate to have a ski area right here, Huff Hills, where kids and adults alike can enjoy affordable skiing and snowboarding on a variety of terrains that run from beginner to challenging. Andrew Beck, general manager at Huff Hills, is proud to continue the legacy of his family who founded the ski area almost 35 years ago. “It was founded… to offer winter recreation opportunities for families,” he describes. “That’s at the core of what we do and who we are. We want to be a place where kids can go outside and explore.” Small ski resorts like Huff Hills make skiing accessible to more people, with lower prices, less travel required, and familiar terrain. With opportunities for lessons every day, ski and snowboard rentals, 16 runs with two double chair lifts spread across 70-80 skiable acres, plus a lodge for the non-skier, Huff Hills opens up outdoor winter recreation to everyone. This year, Huff Hills is planning to host more events, like night skiing, racing, snowboarding events, and more. “It’s a great opportunity to get outside in the winter,” Andrew says. “We can slip into that thought process of surviving winter, but we want to flip that script and remember there are fun things still like cross-country skiing and downhill skiing, so just embrace it.” More information, including a full event calendar, can be found at www.huffhills.com.

BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

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Experience Flurry Fest Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Provided

Hygge is all about cultivating interior contentment despite exterior circumstances. In North Dakota, we experience one of the coldest and longest winters in the United States. To embrace hygge, we also need to embrace our winter weather and the fun that cold and snow bring with them. To help North Dakotans embrace their surroundings, Bismarck Parks and Recreation hosts Flurry Fest in the month of February offering free or low-cost family-friendly events every single day. “February is really cold, really long, and there are no holidays to look forward to,” describes Spencer Aune, recreation specialist with Bismarck Parks and Recreation, “so a lot of people sit back and try to wait it out. Our goal with Flurry Fest is to get people excited, get people out and active, and provide opportunities for people to try something they haven’t before and embrace the winter we have.” These events are both indoor and outdoor. Some of the larger events planned for 2026 Flurry Fest include Skiing Glow, Movie on Ice, S’mores Walk, and a Treasure Hunt. Skiing Glow is a nighttime crosscountry skiing event held at Riverwood, weather permitting. Movie on Ice is currently planned for February 17th, a Tuesday BPS schools have off, at VFW on rink three. Parks and Rec will set-up an inflatable movie screen on the ice rink where you can either enjoy the movie while skating or from the rink’s bleachers. The S’mores Walk will be held on Sunday the 22nd at General Sibley along a plowed trail with stops for s’mores set up over open fires. The Treasure Hunt will run for a week, with new clues out every day, designed to give hints to the location of a hidden treasure at a park or facility. Whoever finds the treasure wins a prize pack from Parks and Rec. This is just a sampling of the events offered for Flurry

Melanie Sioux Photography 18

BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

Fest. For more information, visit www.bisparks.org.

Melanie Sioux Photography

Melanie Sioux Photography BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM

Sit in a Sauna

Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: Provided

Winter is cold and dark in North Dakota. An important part of embracing hygge is bringing warmth and light back into your life. Saunas are an age-old Finnish tradition that have seen a recent surge in popularity for their physical and mental health benefits, ideal for anyone living through extreme winters. If you’ve used a sauna before, the relaxation benefit is evident, but saunas have many different health benefits. Saunas support healthy circadian rhythms, healthy cardiovascular systems, muscle recovery and pain relief, healthy immune systems, detoxification and skin health, improves mental clarity, and reduces stress. Nordak Sauna is passionate about saunas, crafting custom-made saunas that can be built indoors or outdoors, in your personal home or at commercial spaces. “Our mission at Nordak Sauna aligns with the idea of hygge,” explains Brittany Hugelen, head of business admin for Nordak Sauna. “It’s to create a luxurious sauna experience that connects people to their heritage, the natural world, and ultimately to themselves, taking the time to relax, rejuvenate, and connect.” These saunas are built with large windows, options for various heating methods, high-quality materials, and insulation that keeps the warmth and quiet in and the cold and noise out. Saunas can be enjoyed solo or with a group. “It creates a space where people can slow down,” she describes. “They can connect with each other, really spend that quality time together.” Another option for sauna lovers is renting a mobile sauna from SolTrek Sauna, owned and operated by Preston and Stephanie Debele. Preston bought a rental sauna from Nordak with the hopes of making saunas available to more people. The mobile sauna

BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

seats 4-6 people and can be rented for a weekend or a week. The sauna is a traditional wood-fired sauna, embracing the origins of the sauna. Your rental experience includes delivery and pick-up, a wood bench filled with firewood to last the duration of your rental, and a propane torch, all designed to make your rental experience low-effort and relaxing. “I want to bring cool things to Bismarck,” explains Preston. He encourages people to share the sauna experience, spreading the feeling of hygge with friends and family. If you are interested in learning more, please visit nordaksaunaco.com or www.soltreksauna.com

Dine in an Igloo Story: Maria Brezny Photos: Melanie Sioux Photography

When the weather turns bitterly cold, a fun and cozy way to get outdoors is by renting an igloo at either The Paddle Trap or Shakers on 3rd. These igloos sit outdoors on the deck and patio areas and are heated, so they stay warm and snug despite exterior conditions. With cute holiday decorations and lights, these igloos create a hygge atmosphere, perfect for a girls’ night out, family dinner, or special occasion dinner. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the winter landscape, with delicious food, crafted cocktails, and the company of your family and friends. Owner Michelle Kaufman first experienced igloo dining while on vacation and immediately saw the value for North Dakota. She explains, “With both The Paddle Trap and Shakers, we have such an amazing outdoor space, and obviously in North Dakota, the typical outdoor season is so short that we didn’t want those spaces to only get utilized and appreciated in the few short months of summer. Once we found these igloos as an option, it was just a perfect fit to bring to our patios, so people could enjoy them yearround, no matter what the weather was.” Time and time again, Michelle has heard from customers who have made igloo reservations much they enjoy them. “It’s one of those things where you don’t realize how much fun it is until you do it,” Michelle explains. “It’s something you need to experience for yourself.” The Paddle Trap offers winter menu specials with carefully crafted holiday cocktail options, along with their highly-popular year-round food and drink menu. Igloos there seat up to six people, are familyfriendly, and offer a close up view of the Missouri River. At Shakers on 3rd, you can order a limited time martini off their winter menu in addition to their staples. Shakers does not make and serve their own food, but you are welcome to bring in your own food or order in from The Fire Pit next door. Igloos there seat 8-9 people and are 21+. There is a non-refundable $10 reservation fee, and as it is a dining area, pets are not permitted. To reserve your igloo at The Paddle Trap, visit www. thepaddletrap.com. To reserve an igloo at Shakers on 3rd, visit www.shakerson3rd.com.

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Eat Comfort Foods Story: Maria Brezny Photos: Cloud Watcher

Baking and cooking comfort foods brings warmth, happiness, and indulgence to your evenings. To elevate the hygge experience even further, try pulling out a family recipe to honor your roots and bring back nostalgic childhood memories. Paulette Bullinger has a variety of titles behind her name, including author, photographer, Grandma, volunteer, and co-owner of Circle Diamond Ranch Supply. Recently, she teamed up with her good friend, Kevin Kremer, to co-author a cookbook titled, Wonderful Mothers and Their Favorite Recipes. After asking for contributions, they edited and compiled the submissions into the published version. The book honors the love of mothers through stories, pictures, and their favorite recipes. Honoring family and past-traditions is invaluable to Paulette who grew up in Huff, ND, living in the back of the grocery store her parents owned until they moved next door when she was 16. She attended a one-room school house and grew up going to Saturday dances at the town hall. “It was really fun growing up in a small town,” she recalls. “Sometimes you think you missed a lot growing up in a small town because you didn’t have all the activities of a large town, but really you didn’t.” Her kitchen is filled with possessions passed down from her family. The dining table is her greatgrandmother Catherine Graner’s, who was born in Austria in 1851 before immigrating to Huff. The dishes that grace the table are her mother, Donna Miller’s, best set of dishware. One of Paulette’s favorite recipes to make from her mother is her Apple Pie Bars. Donna was known far and wide for her apple pies and loved baking anything with apples in it. To honor her, Paulette loves pulling out the recipe and making it, reminding her of the many joy-filled days she spent baking with her mother.

Create a Cozy Corner

Hyggekrog is a Danish word that describes an intentionally created cozy corner of your home. Think a cushy armchair, mood lighting or candles, easy access to a table for snacks and drinks, warm blankets, and whatever decorations would make it perfectly yours.

26 BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

Light a Candle

Candles are synonymous with hygge in Denmark. To combat the darkness of winter, light a few candles around your home. The flickering light evokes a relaxed ambience.

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Stories: Maria Brezny | Photos: Provided

Listen to Relaxing Music

BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

Whatever the occasion, pick out a mellow and homey playlist to create a hygge atmosphere in the background to instantly add another level of comfort.

Turn Off Screens

Avoid the distraction of screens and put away your phone for the evening. Play a board game, put together a puzzle, or engage in friendly, but meaningful conversation.

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Stories: Maria Brezny | Photos: Provided

Gather Around a Bonfire

Story: Maria Brezny Photos: Melanie Sioux Photography

BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

If you have a firepit or fireplace, make the most of it this winter. The warmth and light it provides are central to hygge. Plus, many of the best hygge activities can be done around its cozy warmth.

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STORY: JENNIFER KRANZ | PHOTOS: PROVIDE

Last Giving Hearts Day wasn’t just a day of donations in Bismarck-Mandan—it was a full-scale community celebration, anchored by a fun headquarters event at The 701 Venue, formerly Send-It, in Mandan and hosted by Deirdre Hillman with 13th Hat . Throughout the day, the site became a hub of connection, energy, and generosity, welcoming an estimated 200 to 250 people. Approximately 20 to 25 of the 60 participating charities gathered under one roof, each hosting an informational booth where community members and local businesses could stop by, learn about the participating charities, and make donations on-site. The atmosphere was lively and accessible, designed to make giving personal and engaging. Adding to the buzz, multiple radio stations broadcast live from the venue, extending the event’s reach far beyond BisMan. Businesses played a key role in the event, with an estimated 25 to 30 local companies participating. Donors had the chance to take professional photos with oversized checks, meet nonprofit leaders face-to-face, and be part of a shared experience rather than a solitary online transaction.

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33 33

The day concluded with a live broadcast with Giving Hearts Day partners in Fargo and a special Golden Ticket check presentation to the Dream Center, an unforgettable moment that captured the spirit of the day. What stood out most was the momentum. What began as a quieter morning gradually built into a packed room by evening, filled with charities, volunteers, and business partners all celebrating together. “The energy was collaborative, affirming, and joyful,” shares Deidre. For nonprofit leaders, the event offered more than fundraising, it provided validation, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that their year-round work is seen and supported by the community. Looking ahead, Giving Hearts Day will once again feature a headquarters celebration this year at The 701 Venue. The event will include charity booths, live media partnerships, donor photos, interactive business participation, and a flexible come-and-go format. Creative activities like Scheels’ putt-putt course and

BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

Thrivent’s donation game showcased how businesses can turn giving into an engaging experience—and organizers would love to see even more interactive ideas this year. DEIDRE ENCOURAGES INTERESTED BUSINESS TO GET INVOLVED IN THESE WAYS: • Register your business on the Giving Hearts Day website (even if you’ve participated before) • Join the local distribution list for event updates and opportunities • Work with the 13th Hat team and GHD Ambassadors to brainstorm a Giving Hearts Day workplace or customer campaign • Participate in media/PR opportunities to share your story of giving • Host an activity or engagement idea at the Headquarters Event Businesses can reach out directly to events@13thhat.com for more information and to get involved.

GIVING HEARTS DAY WITH DOOSAN BOBCAT

BM: What does it mean to your organization to

AND ABUSED ADULT RESOURCE CENTER

participate in this day of giving?

We had the opportunity to chat with Casey Nyhus from

Nyhus: Participating in GHD reflects our belief in

Doosan Bobcat to learn more about the company’s 12-

building a brighter tomorrow through compassion

year involvement in Giving Hearts Day. This year Doosan

and collective action. It’s more than a donation, it’s a

chose to spotlight the Abused Adult Resource Center.

way to stand with our neighbors and help address real

Read on to learn about the importance of giving back for

community needs.

the Bobcat family and the impact their generosity has had on AARC. Bismarck Magazine: Why does Doosan Bobcat participate in GHD?

BM: What charities do you give back to? Nyhus: Bobcat supports a wide range of nonprofits that align with our values, focusing on education, essential services and local community needs. Each fall,

Nyhus: GHD aligns with our commitment to strengthen

our annual giving campaign encourages employees to

the communities where we live and work by supporting

support causes they care about, while our disaster relief

meaningful causes and amplifying the generosity of

efforts provide additional support to communities and

our employees. It’s an opportunity to create a positive

individuals facing crisis.

impact together. Giving back is part of who we are at Bobcat.

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BM: How do you get employees involved? Nyhus: We encourage participation through donation matching, volunteer opportunities and companysupported campaigns. These programs empower team members to champion causes they care about while amplifying their impact. BM: What does it mean to the employees? Nyhus: For our employees, GHD is a chance to live out our shared purpose and make a tangible difference. It fosters pride, connection and a sense of belonging to a company that values community engagement.

Nyhus: Supporting AARC is an opportunity to help restore hope and stability for those facing difficult circumstances. By giving back, we help ensure individuals in crisis have access to emergency housing, counseling and legal resources—critical services that protect lives and empower survivors to rebuild with dignity and hope. BM: What is your favorite aspect of AARC and what it does for the community as a whole? Nyhus: Bobcat supports the AARC because their mission reflects the values we care about most—people, safety, and community. AARC provides critical support, shelter, and advocacy for individuals facing incredibly difficult

BM: What does it mean to give back to the AARC in

situations, and their work creates real stability and hope

particular?

for families across Bismarck–Mandan.

BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

For AARC, the lasting impact from businesses like Doosan Bobcat is paramount to fulfilling their mission and assisting adults in need. We sat down with Michelle Erickson, Executive Director of the AARC to learn more.

BM: Why do you love being part of this nonprofit? Erickson: What I love about AARC is the work we do in general. I'm thankful we can offer people safety and a path to a life that doesn't include violence. I love that we

“The Abused Adult Resource Center has been providing

have a variety of services to offer and hopefully be able

services in our community for almost 50 years,” Michelle

to meet the needs of our clients. We have an amazing

explains. “Our target population is survivors of domestic

management staff and wonderful employees that all

violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking.

believe in the mission of AARC and understand how

We provide a myriad of resources such as crisis

important our work is to our community and surrounding

intervention, emergency shelter, assistance with applying

counties.

for protection orders, transitional and permanent supportive housing, safe visitation, offender intervention programming, an education and employment program and support groups, among other services.”

BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM

BM: How does GHD help your mission? Erickson: The money raised on GHD enables us to close some of the gaps where we may not have funding. For instance, we receive requests for things that aren't generally covered by grant funding. We've had requests from clients in our shelter for their child to participate in band but couldn't afford the instrument, a mom that needed car repairs done so she could continue to drive her kids to school and for her to work, or a child that wanted to be on a travelling sports team but couldn't afford some of the expenses. We have also been able to help survivors buy needed supplies so they can enroll in college or trade school. BM: How does Bobcat’s role in GHD and supporting AARC help? Erickson: Bobcat has been a supporter of AARC in various ways for many years. For Bobcat to be such an integral part of GHD and helping out so many charities over the years, it says something about the culture of Bobcat. For businesses like Bobcat to see and recognize the hard work that nonprofits are doing and strive to support, makes them an important part of our community. BM: What is something you use the money from GHD and Bobcat’s support? Erickson: It will help with upgrading our security equipment at our shelters and visitation center. Safety is our number one priority for our clients and ultimately our staff as well. This will ensure we have dependable security systems and reassure our clients that they are safe when with us.

BISMARCK MAGAZINE | WINTER 2026

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