With winter upon us, it's time to break out the fluffy blankets and settle down on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.

But if you feel like braving the freezing temperatures and venturing outside, New England is filled with cozy and charming towns to visit, many of which resemble those in Hallmark movies during the colder months.

Last year, Trips to Discover shared this list of the 50 most magical winter wonderland towns in the country, twelve of which were in New England. Stacker later shared something similar, this time highlighting 50 of the nation's coziest towns to visit in the wintertime. Now, MyDatingAdviser has published their own take on the nation's coziest towns, only they're incorporating a word you probably haven't heard of before: 'hygge' (pronounced 'hyoo-guh').

"What the heck does 'hygge' mean?", you're probably wondering. Well, we're glad you asked.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, 'hygge' is a word of Danish and Norwegian origin that refers to:

...a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being; contentment from simple pleasures, such as warmth, food, friends, etc.

'Hygge' is typically used in reference to Danish culture, but MyDatingAdviser has broadened the scope of things with their list of the 170 "Coziest Hygge Towns in America". Of these 170, eight are located in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

"Whether you’re an enthusiast of skiing, historical charm, or tranquil waterfront seclusion, you’ll find the ideal destination on this list," the list promises. So, what are we waiting for? Let's learn more about these eight hygge New Hampshire and Massachusetts towns you can visit for the ultimate winter getaway.

8 of New Hampshire and Massachusetts' Most Cozy and 'Hygge' Towns to Visit in Winter

"Hygge...a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being; contentment from simple pleasures, such as warmth, food, friends, etc." – Oxford English Dictionary

Gallery Credit: Megan

8 of the Coziest New England Towns to Visit This Winter

Stacker published this list of the nation's 50 coziest towns to visit during the wintertime, including these eight New England locations.

Gallery Credit: Megan

12 of the Most Magical Winter Wonderland Towns Are in New England

Gallery Credit: Meg

More From Seacoast Current