We've spent Thanksgiving at Eleanor many years ago. No snowshoes were required...
but you certainly couldn't drive to the TH even if the road restrictions were what they are today.
(I mentioned the road which you told me about about 5 times now... Old Dude no listen)
Vernon was Xmass. And that was 2 very difficult days of snowshoeing with many many many feet of snow.
Last year was an aberration. No way would I count on that happening again.
Still... into December there are many options. All trails out of the valley are nice. No bugs. But
very very very short days. Nearly every trail out of the valley we've done in November or December.
The best bet imhco for this person is to go up Merced River. It will almost assuredly be free of snow...
and if it does snow... it's the best bet for clearing up quickly.
Do not take things lightly though. In 2008 a guy got stuck in early November doing Red Peak Pass.
He didn't leave much of anything with anyone and nearly perished.
A week or so later the weather was gorgeous and I hike to Tenaya Lake from the valley and thru
Cath Lakes and Sunrise / JMT to valley....
I highly recommend NOT doing anything more than 4 days unless you are fully prepared for
winter and think long and hard of bringing snowshoes. A brand new 4 ft. dump of snow
can leave you stranded for days.
Anyway... blah blah blah
To original poster:
Go up Yosemite Falls Trail
Go up Snow Creek Trail
Go up by Half a Dome or by Bunnell
It all good. It can be done into December
Have fun