Thanksgiving and Christmas Near Yosemite: Holiday Dates Still Open
If you’ve been meaning to sort out the holidays, here’s the short version: as of October 29, 2026, all five Epic Yosemite homes still show open dates for Thanksgiving week, and four of five show open dates over Christmas and New Year’s.
Each home can take one group per stay, so once your week is booked, it’s gone. Here’s how to pick the right one.
Quick guide: which home fits your group
- Up to 24 people, several households: The Epic A
- Two or three families, up to 12: The Cove
- One family or two couples, up to 8: The Peninsula
- A group of up to 10 who want quiet, pets welcome: Kowana Valley Lodge
- Couples or a small family of up to 4, pets welcome: Kowana Valley Cabin
The Epic A: the whole family, one table
Sleeps 24 | 6 bedrooms | 6 baths | Pine Mountain Lake, Groveland
This is the home for the Thanksgiving where everyone actually comes. Four king bedrooms give the adults their own space, and two bunk rooms (five bunk beds and four) turn the cousins’ sleepover into the highlight of the trip. The chef’s kitchen can handle the big meal, the home theater and game room handle the after-dinner slump, and the hot tub and fireplace take care of the rest.
Holiday dates: Open Thanksgiving week and Christmas through New Year’s as of Oct 29.
The Cove: two or three families together
Sleeps 12 | 4 bedrooms | 3 baths | Pine Mountain Lake, Groveland
The Cove was designed for two or three families traveling together. There’s a king master, a queen room, a second king room and a dedicated bunk room for the kids. Ping pong and bocce keep everyone busy between meals, and the lakeside backyard is a nice spot for coffee on a cold, clear morning.
Holiday dates: Open Thanksgiving week and Christmas through New Year’s as of Oct 29.
The Peninsula Lake House: a smaller family holiday on the water
Sleeps 8 | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | Pine Mountain Lake, Groveland
The Peninsula sits right on the water with panoramic views across Pine Mountain Lake and its own private dock. It’s a good fit for one family or two couples who want a holiday with a view. There’s a king master, a queen guest room and a bunk room with four twin beds, plus a game room for rainy afternoons.
Holiday dates: Open Thanksgiving week and Christmas through New Year’s as of Oct 29.
Kowana Valley Lodge: a quiet holiday on 300 private acres
Sleeps 10 | 3 bedrooms plus bunks | 4.5 baths | Coulterville area
If your idea of the holidays is fewer errands and more quiet, this is it. The lodge sits on a private 300-acre property surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest, with trails, a year-round creek and dark night skies. It runs completely off-grid, has a recreation room with ping pong, and pets are welcome. It’s remote: the nearest medical facility is at least about 45 minutes away, so plan accordingly. Winter access is good unless there’s been a recent snowstorm, the off-grid power is reliable, and the lodge has a backup generator. If a big storm rolls through before your trip, check in with us and we’ll tell you how the road looks.
Holiday dates: Open Thanksgiving week as of Oct 29. Booked December 26 to January 1, so Christmas works only for stays that check out by December 25.
Kowana Valley Cabin: a cozy Christmas for two or four
Sleeps 4 | 2 bedrooms | 1 bath | Coulterville area
Two queen bedrooms, a wood stove and a forest outside the door. The cabin shares the 300-acre valley only with Kowana Valley Lodge, so it’s a real escape for couples, two friends or a small family. Pets are welcome here too. Same good winter access and reliable off-grid power; after a big storm, just check with us before you head up.
Holiday dates: Open Thanksgiving week and Christmas through New Year’s as of Oct 29.
Holiday trip tips
- Yosemite is open in winter. The National Park Service says Yosemite Valley stays accessible by car all year. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road usually close sometime in November.
- Carry tire chains. Chains are often required on park roads in winter, and you must carry them when they are.
- Plan around holiday crowds. The Park Service warns late December and early January can be very busy, so start your Valley day early.
- Ice skating may be an option. The Curry Village rink typically runs mid-November to mid-March, conditions permitting. The 2026 to 2027 opening date hasn’t been announced, so check travelyosemite.com first.
- Pine Mountain Lake gate fee. The Epic A, The Cove and The Peninsula are all inside Pine Mountain Lake, which charges a $50 per-car entry fee that isn’t included in the rate. Carpooling helps.
- Know the cancellation policy. Full refund at least 30 days before check-in, partial refund 7 to 30 days before.
Book direct for the holidays
Book on epicyosemite.com instead of Airbnb or VRBO and you save on their fees. You can also ask for early check-in or late check-out, depending on availability, which on a holiday trip can mean a full extra morning together.
Check holiday dates now, or call +1 (209) 266-2155 or email bookdirect@epicyosemite.com.
