Kasol and Manikaran in December

Are Kasol and Manikaran lively in mid-December?. Do pilgrims
crowd in Manikaran in peak winter or are these places semi-deserted (Deserted anyplace would be impossibility in India).

How hard is to find a hotel for 2-3 nights stay in Kasol. I have read reviews saying they prefer to have long-staying foreigners rather than short-staying Indians.

Also if possible, please recommend a hotel/guest house in Kasol and Manikaran for mid-December,
Thanks

Kasol is deserted at this time apart from one or two hardcore hangeroners, usually Italians. Mani will be much livelier but still relatively quiet, pilgrims still visit the Gurdwara at this time & there will be a few Italians & French around, they tend to move into the valley when the Israelis leave for Goa.
I usually recommend staying in Kasol, but i think Mani's the better option at this time since it will be verreee cold, a lot of the hotels in Mani have natural hotbaths from the hotsprings you will pay 1-150 rs at this time. KK

I have read it somewhere that Parbati valley tends to be dark in winter, not getting sufficient sun, just 1-2 hrs.

Is it safe for a family with small kid to go for walks about Manikaran?

Perhaps a better option might be to stay in Manali and make a day trip to Manikaran.

It gets dark there early all year round, because the valley is so steep & tight, but you will get a lot more than 1-2 hrs sun. I think Manali would be your best option with a day visit to Mani. KK