Here's a webpage that shows the opening and closing dates of Tioga Road:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm
You're cutting it close, but it (Tioga Road, aka Highway 120 east) will probably be open.
You should monitor this webpage prior and during your trip for information on Tioga Road:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Although the road is open, there are no services--you need enough gas to make it between the gas station at Crane Flat Junction in Yosemite National Park and the gas station at Lee Vining (Highway 395) at the east end of Tioga Road.
Otherwise, head west out of Yosemite down to Highway 99, head south on 99 to Highway 178 at Bakersfield. Head east on 178 over the southern Sierra Nevada mountains at Lake Isabella pass (open all year), then north on US 395 to Highway 190. Head east on 190 into Death Valley National Park.
You can also cross the Sierra Nevada on I-80 over Donner Pass, north of Yosemite, but that will take a lot longer and the road is icer and more dangerous than heading over the Sierras on 178.
You can camp in Yosemite Valley in winter at the North Pines Campground (open all year), although it will be cold that time of year (no snow yet though). You have great views of Yosemite Valley when you get up in the morning.