Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

About a 90-minute ride from Chicago, and even less from Milwaukee, Lake Geneva started drawing the wealthy to its shores after the Civil War. That’s when grand summer homes started appearing — the Midwest counterpoint to Newport, Rhode Island — owned by families like the Wrigleys, of chewing gum fame, and the bike manufacturer Schwinn. With plenty of full-time residents in town, visiting after Christmas means taking advantage of the area’s cold but manageable early winter weather before the deep freeze sets in, and saving about 30 percent off a room compared to peak summer.

On a sunny day, the temperatures in the mid-30s can feel warmer, which is perfect for walking along the path around the lake taking you past the historic estates. The north side of the lake hosts most of the homes as well as the Yerkes Observatory (which will be closed that week). The most impressive house, Stone Manor, sits on the eastern shore just south of downtown. The lakeside dining scene here provides sweeping views across the water. Spots like Pier 290 allow you to dine al fresco without freezing within reservable igloos that include a small heater to keep you comfortable. Most of the town’s quaint shopping is clustered on the east side of the lake, where the non-chain offerings run from home decor purveyors to cheesemongers.

For a few holiday seasons, Melissa Bardzinski, who is in her 50s, and her family have stayed in Lake Geneva after Christmas because the tempo is a bit slower. “It is a great time to visit Lake Geneva because the hustle and bustle of Christmas is over and our family can relax and enjoy ourselves without any stress,” says the Batavia, Illinois, resident. “The town is situated on a beautiful lake, so we like to walk in town and enjoy the beauty.”

Lake Geneva’s ski season gets busier in January, but the resorts can make their snow in December and those machines cover the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa’s tamer Midwestern hills with powder, which makes for tamer skiing and a great opportunity to learn on skis. For a more boutique stay, the Maxwell House, once one of the first lavish summer homes in the area, is now a trendy hotel with a cocktail bar and subterranean speakeasy. From Thursday through Saturday, the speakeasy is accessible with a password delivered through the hotel’s Facebook page.

Taos, New Mexico

Sitting about 7,000 feet above sea level, Taos is in the thick of northern New Mexico’s high desert with a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, representing the southern end of the Rockies. The ski season in Taos Ski Valley, about 20 miles north, opens around Thanksgiving, but the town’s landscapes offer plenty for those without a lift ticket — especially if you want to spend time learning about Pueblo Indian history. About 2½ hours from Albuquerque and twice as far from Denver, Taos’ daytime temperatures can reach into the low 40s, which when combined with the abundant sunshine is comfortable when bundled, but the nights do dip below freezing.

Make the most of your stay with a hotel in town. The upscale El Monte Sagrado is a short drive to the heart of the historic district, and its Native American suites feature fireplaces and private patios or balconies. Even closer is the more casual Taos Inn, with its bright red neon sign juxtaposed with an outcropping of adobe-style homes that date back to the 1800s, many of which have fireplaces. From either, it’s easy to reach the shops and restaurants on Route 64, including Magpie, which showcases the work of local artists, and Chokolá, a small-batch chocolate shop.