If you are ready to leap into the holiday season and want your shimmering decor with a side helping of history, you can immerse yourself in seasonal cheer at one of New York’s many historic sites.

Deck your exterior with gorgeous garlands, wreaths, planters, and so much more.

Is your house on fire, Clark? No, Bethany, those are Christmas lights on a house in New York that’s decorated just like the Griswolds' in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Clark Griswold would ...