9 towns that look like a Hallmark Christmas movie

View this email in your browser Hello! Happy Monday! Christmas in in the air (well, Christmas has been in the air since the first Halloween decorations went up, but we'll ignore that for now). Whether it's perusing fried and doughy food at a German Christmas market or skiing under the northern lights, there's no shortage of seasonal fun. But there's more to December than just Christmas.  How about this Nepalese village that made it back from a major earthquake? Or visiting the world's largest pyramid... in Mexico?   Also, Airbnb is cracking down on parties. But first... HOLIDAYS 9 charming small towns that look just like a Hallmark Christmas movie It's that time of year when you get home, plop yourself down on the couch, and start scrolling through your phone while a Hallmark Christmas movie plays in the background. And what you might miss while ignoring the screen are the fantastic holiday settings many of them inhabit, from classic old homes to charming town squares. While most of the towns in those movies are fictional, dozens of small towns around America look just as magical in the winter. Here are nine that feel just like the movies. DISCOVER TOWNS THAT EMBODY CHRISTMAS LATEST ARTICLES SKIING 5 places where you can ski under the northern lights this winter ACTIVISM An earthquake nearly destroyed this Nepali village. Now, they're rebuilding stronger than ever. MEDITATION + SPIRITUALITY How to access demanding spiritual experiences around the world NEWS Airbnb is cracking down on parties in host properties FOOD + DRINK The best fried, doughy, decadent vegetarian foods at German Christmas markets ARCHAEOLOGY The largest pyramid in the world isn't in Egypt, it's in Mexico MATADOR CITY GUIDE TRIP PLANNING The Ultimate Guide to Amsterdam With one of Europe's largest and best preserved medieval cores, Amsterdam is a stunning capital known for Golden Age mansions, world-class museums, and a well-established counterculture that blurs boundaries and lowers inhibitions. More than 18 million tourists are drawn to the city every year. Some come for the enchanting canals (which outnumber those in Venice), tolerant vibe, and historic landmarks. Others come for tulips, cheese, and windmills. Some still are lured by Amsterdam's reputation for easy sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. Whatever brings you to this water-laced capital, Amsterdam will never disappoint in meeting your expectations — just be prepared to still be surprised with what it has to offer beyond the tourist trail. EXPLORE AMSTERDAM ADVENTURE Shinrin Yoku: The Art of Forest Bathing Stuck swiping Insta every day? The practice of "forest bathing" can change your life. Unplug with Mike and Kati on an ancient Japanese trail, learning the creative and health benefits on Shinrin Yoku. WATCH THE FILM FOLLOW US AND FIND YOUR NEXT #TRAVELSTOKE Copyright © 2019 Matador Network, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Matador Network PO Box 7775 #40021 San Francisco, CA 94120 Add us to your address book Need to change something? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from our newsletter. We'll be here when you need us!