The Small American Towns Where You’ll Find the Most Holiday Cheer

• #toc_item_0 • #toc_item_1 • [Visit an Actual Town Called North Pole or Any of These Other Towns to Get in the Holiday Mood](#toc_item_2) • [Have yourself a merry little Xmas](#toc_item_3) • [Julia Sherman Gives Advice for Hosting a Perfectly Imperfect Potluck Party](#toc_item_4) • [Get some tips!](#toc_item_5) • [Great Wine and UFOs: What More Do You Need?](#toc_item_6) • [🍷🛸](#toc_item_7) • [7 More Countries Were Added to the CDC's 'Avoid Travel' List](#toc_item_8) • [Learn more](#toc_item_9) • [Great Gifts Under $75 for Anyone on Your List](#toc_item_10) • [Show me the gift guide](#toc_item_11) *Header 728x90 [] The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to fluctuate rapidly and impact communities all over the world. If you’re venturing out, triple-check the opening status, entry requirements, and safety protocols for both your destination and home city upon your return. Be safe out there. [] The leftovers have turned, the final leaves are falling… that can only mean one thing: It’s the holiday season! Ditch the gourds, fill your mug with ‘nog, spin a dreidel! It’s time to really bring the pine needles inside and make tonight a cozy one. I just sent a 75th email to my landlord asking if we can install a working fireplace in my third floor walk-up apartment (I wonder why he won’t respond…) and I’m looking up how to make candles that “smell like childhood.” Is it “the most wonderful time of the year”? Time will tell. Speaking of wonderful, here are today’s headlines—from the small towns with the most holiday cheer to Julia Sherman’s tips for hosting a potluck to Oregon’s UFO capital to the CDC’s “Avoid Travel” list to the best gifts under $75. Wishing you a festive shift from turkey to tinsel. Ciao! [Ned Riseley, Senior Copywriter]( [ [( travel [] [Visit an Actual Town Called North Pole or Any of These Other Towns to Get in the Holiday Mood]( Here are the small towns around the country that really deck the halls right. These towns really go all out for the holidays… and they’re all around us! Vermont, Louisiana, California, Alaska. And, yes, there’s even a town that’s called North Pole. Put on your Santa outfit and bask in the Christmas cheer this season. You deserve it! [] [Have yourself a merry little Xmas]( [( [( food & drink [] [Julia Sherman Gives Advice for Hosting a Perfectly Imperfect Potluck Party]( Julia Sherman is the author of Arty Parties, and she has some excellent ideas for how you can mix a little festive extra care with a little more c’est la vie attitude to create the perfect low-stress potluck experience this holiday season. She wants you to embrace the funky, forget the perfectionism, and host a bring-your-own fête that will have people marveling at your creativity and your utter chill. [] [Get some tips!]( [( [( travel [] [Great Wine and UFOs: What More Do You Need?]( A little ways from Portland is McMinnville, Oregon. It’s a picturesque little Pacific Northwest city that has delicious wine, pizza, and—to top it all off—a bunch of UFO sightings over the years. Where else can you get an especially delicious glass of chardonnay, an authentic Italian pizza pie, and a healthy investigation of the extraterrestrial world? There are a lot of great things to do in McMinnville and we have the scoop on the best of them! [] [🍷🛸]( [( *Sponsored Ads List [( travel [] [7 More Countries Were Added to the CDC's 'Avoid Travel' List]( I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are some new countries on the CDC’s list of countries you probably shouldn’t visit right now. We’re getting better, but it’s still a lil dangerous out there and we’ve gotta stay informed about how to keep ourselves and others safe. Check out this list of the countries on the CDC’s list and stay safe out there! [] [Learn more]( [( *720x300 Ad Banner [( shopping [] [Great Gifts Under $75 for Anyone on Your List]( Why spend more than $75 on a gift when you have this excellent list of gifts under $75 this holiday season? There are some really great gifts here that will warm the heart of your loved one and keep your wallet nice and plump! JK, I don’t know your situation! As far as I’m concerned, $75 is a very nice and reasonable sum to spend on a holiday gift! And with these gifts?! You’ll feel like you really nailed it. [] [Show me the gift guide]( [( *Footer 728x90 Thrillist Editorial - Favorable reviews cannot be bought. Read our [Terms & Conditions](, [Privacy Policy]( Delivered by Thrillist.com, 568 Broadway, Suite 507, New York, NY 10012 [212.966.2263]( Sent to {EMAIL}. Add themove@newsletter.thrillist.com to your safe-sender list so our emails get to your inbox. [View On The Web]( [Content Settings]( [Unsubscribe](