We are trying to decide where to go on a family vacation in either November or December. Wife, 14 year old boy and 11 year old girl.
Thinking New York, California, or maybe Hawaii.
What is Hawaii like that time of year? My wife and I have been, but it was during the summer.
What other suggestions?
Thanks in advance!

And would New York be crazy crowded if we arrived the Thursday before Thanksgiving and left the following Tuesday?

AgBanker said:

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And would New York be crazy crowded if we arrived the Thursday before Thanksgiving and left the following Tuesday?

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It's been a few years, but that's when my son and I visited. Flew home on Thanksgiving Day. It was a great time to visit, but a little cold (it snowed).

AgBanker said:

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And would New York be crazy crowded if we arrived the Thursday before Thanksgiving and left the following Tuesday?

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i have been to NYC for Christmas and thanksgiving and it was crazy busy....i think you should be fine for the week before thanksgiving.

The week before Thanksgiving was perfect. Quite a bit of Christmas decorations up, weather still ok,.and not quite as crowded / expensive.

AgBanker said:

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And would New York be crazy crowded if we arrived the Thursday before Thanksgiving and left the following Tuesday?

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In 2022 we went to NYC Monday-Friday the week of Thanksgiving. 20+ trips to NYC and I think that was the most fun we've ever had. It was cold, but not miserably so. Started softly snowing on thanksgiving evening. We did the parade, saw the Rockettes, everything was decorated for Christmas. It was just all around delightful. I didn't think it was any more crowded than usual, with the exception of the parade of course. I made restaurant reservations months in advance, so no issues there.

AgBanker said:

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We are trying to decide where to go on a family vacation in either November or December. Wife, 14 year old boy and 11 year old girl.
Thinking New York, California, or maybe Hawaii.
What is Hawaii like that time of year? My wife and I have been, but it was during the summer.
What other suggestions?
Thanks in advance!

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Hawaii can be somewhat rainy at that time of year, and when it gets rainy it can also get surprisingly cool. Take a light rain jacket if you go, and don't be surprised if you find yourself buying a sweatshirt to go underneath it.

Nov. and Dec. is a good time of year to explore the desert southwest. Moab area and the Big 5 in Utah, Grand Canyon/Sedona/Monument Valley in Arizona. Tucson/Bisbee/Tombstone/Santa Ritas has a lot to do and see as well.

OK - I think we have decided on New York before Thanksgiving. Probably leave Friday and return Tuesday hopefully before the parade crowd.
For a family wanting to do the tourist things, should we stay in Times Square?