Thanksgiving is a bit of a hot-button debate when it comes to whether or not to stay home or travel elsewhere. For many, it means staying put or heading to another family member's house to gorge on delicious food and give thanks for what we have. For others, it means a full, four-day weekend to indulge in whatever place might be on the bucket list.

However, there's one thing that everyone can agree on: Thanksgiving in Yosemite sounds pretty good, albeit a totally random plan. In reality, it's not all that random - especially when Mariposa County is so well-versed in delivering a Thanksgiving experience like no other.

UPDATE: 2022/11/29 10:05 EST BY AARON SPRAY

Thanksgiving In Yosemite - That's The Quiet Part Of The Year.

One of the advantages of having Thanksgiving in Yosemite is that November is a quiet time of year. In the summer, the valley is full of tourists and accommodation is expensive and sells out routinely. In November, all of these problems are mitigated and visitors can enjoy a choice of accommodation at a lower price.

UPDATE: 2022/10/01 16:45 EST BY AARON SPRAY

Yosemite Is Magical

Yosemite is a magical destination, but for nostalgia and tradition, perhaps New England is the best place to enjoy Thanksgiving. If one would like a magical setting that feels something like the land of the Elves in Lord of the Rings, then Yosemite could be the better location. This article was updated to reflect this perspective.

Why Choose Yosemite As A Thanksgiving Destination?

For starters, Yosemite is absolutely beautiful during this time of the year. Sure, it's slightly cooler than it usually is temperature-wise since most people choose to visit during the summer or fall. This doesn't have any bearing on the sheer beauty of the landscape, however, which is just striking in November as it is in September or October.

Additionally, there are far fewer crowds during this time since it is the beginning of the slow season for many national parks. This doesn't mean that reservations aren't required and that hotels will be booked up, though - Thanksgiving still remains a popular time for Mariposa County, in general. When it comes to putting together a traditional Thanksgiving experience, there are many restaurants surrounding Yosemite that are positively dreamy in their turkey setups.

Yosemite Weather In November:

  • Average High/Low: 14° / 0° (57 F to 32 F)
  • Average Rain Days: 5 Rainy Days

There are several restaurants that offer Thanksgiving reservations to those staying in Mariposa County for the long weekend. Additionally, the Yosemite website suggests several lodging accommodations that absolutely shine during this time of the year.

Related: This North Carolina Wilderness Isn't Called 'Yosemite Of The East' For No Reason

Dining In Yosemite For Thanksgiving

With a number of restaurants to choose from, including some that are within the park, the toughest choice is deciding exactly where to have Thanksgiving dinner. These are some good places to start:

Tenaya Lodge At Yosemite: The great thing about going with Tenaya Lodge is that the restaurant is located on-site, so guests can book a stay without having to go far at all. The resort is full-service and is located about two miles from Yosemite, making it a very easy trip for those who want to hike off all of that stuffing and cranberry sauce. Tenaya Lodge has a number of options when it comes to accommodation types, and a delicious, traditional Thanksgiving menu is offered, as well.

  • Cost In Previous Years: $48 for Adults (13 to 54) | $38 for Seniors (55 and up) | $18 for Children (4-12)

Those who aren't interested in a buffet-style meal might be more inclined to consider Embers Restaurant, which is also at Tenaya Lodge. The scene is set perfectly at Embers Restaurant, with a huge stone fireplace in the center of the dining room to get diners in the holiday mood. The menu is already prepared using local, seasonal ingredients, which means that its Thanksgiving menu is bound to be just as mouth-watering.

Alternatively, consider staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge for Thanksgiving.

*Embers remains closed at the time of writing; guests should check with Tenaya Lodge to inquire about Thanksgiving reservations.

Related: This Is What It Would Have Been Like To Be At The Very First Thanksgiving

What To Do In Yosemite In November

Believe it or not, there's plenty to do before the snow starts falling in Yosemite. November brings with it a quiet sense of peace without the crowds, which means that many visitors might find themselves with plenty of solitude on hikes or tours throughout the park. Additionally, this is a great chance to catch the migration of certain animals, as well as catch a glimpse of those that poke their heads out when the crowds aren't around.

Yosemite National Park suggests trying these hikes in the late fall:

  • Sentinel Dome
  • Vernal Fall
  • Valley Loop Trail

Each one is scenic for a different reason and hikers might even be able to get in the last bit of color from the fall foliage, which usually peaks in early to mid-October.

Those interested in photography or even professional photographers will find that the more peaceful side of Yosemite lends itself well to the camera lens. There are plenty of chances to snap that perfect photo of a national park that few people see during the late fall.

There's really no wrong way to take in all the beauty of this national park, and visitors will find that even driving around or through it will yield incredible vistas from all around. Guests should check in with their hotel or resort to see what the concierge suggests, as they'll likely know when the foliage season is officially over and where guests can get the best views.

Yosemite Is Simply A Magical Place

Any time of year Yosemite is truly a magical place. It is a destination that boasts stunning vistas that seem out of a fairytale. Yosemite Valley looks more like something from a Disney movie with its Bridal Veil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, and other eye-catching landmarks.

While New England may feel more traditional with a greater sense of history with Thanksgiving (after all, the traditional started there), Yosemite is arguably a more mystical place to enjoy Thanksgiving.

  • Tip: Families Should Rent Cabins In Wawona

Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the United States for good reason. If one is planning to go there as a family then there are some cabins that one can hire in Wawona Village outside the valley near the Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoia trees.

November Is One Of The Quietest Times Of The Year

The busiest six months of the year are May to October - these months account for 75% of Yosemite's visitors. The two peak months are July and August and they each receive about 16% of the annual visitors (around 600,000).

As one moves into the shoulder seasons, the number of visitors soon starts to drop off. The quietest time of the year is December to February, these months receive around 110,000-120,000. But November is not far behind either. November only accounts for 4% of the annual visitors or around 160,000 people. Plus Thanksgiving is on the 24th in late November when it's even quieter.

  • November Visitors: Around 160,000 People

All this means that visitors during Thanksgiving to Yosemite get to enjoy almost the closest thing to the park to themselves.

The weather with the mists is (arguably) magical, the crowds are gone, the accommodation prices have dropped, and more accommodation is available. On the flip side, many of the seasonal programs will have ended, but still, the focus will be on having Thanksgiving in Yosemite - one of the most beautiful places on earth. One can wander around the mighty Sequoias without the annoying crowds too.

Next: Yosemite National Park: How You And Your Dog Can Make The Most Out Of Your Visit