Best Places to Spend Christmas

Bjarki Reyr MR / Alamy

Reykjavík, Iceland

Why Go: In this otherworldly landscape, daylight is a four-hour affair and the liquid-green aurora borealis illuminates the nighttime sky. Statues of the 12 Yule Lads (the Icelandic version of Santa Claus) peer out from every corner shop and window.

Where to Stay: For covetable views of the Hallgrímskirkja cathedral and reasonable room rates, check in to the Hótel Leifur Eiríksson.

Holiday Dinner: The seafood restaurant Vid Tjörnina lures locals and visitors alike with its classic Icelandic cuisine. How about fermented shark meat followed by shots of Brennivín (a.k.a. schnapps, or “firewater”)?

—Jennifer Coogan

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Travel + Leisure

Best Places to Spend Christmas

Reykjavík, Iceland

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