Our Guide to Enjoying Christmas in your Campervan

Christmas is, they say, the most wonderful time of the year – and who are we to disagree? Though this might surprise you, Christmas can be even more wonderful if you’re in your campervan. There’s something truly magical about spending this favourite holiday season on the road, celebrating with loved ones and embracing the great outdoors at its romantically crispest. Whether you’re venturing to the Scottish Highlands, escaping down to Cornwall or simply staying much closer to home, a campervan Christmas promises adventure, warmth and joy.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to have the perfect Christmas in your campervan, from finding the right campsite to decorating your camper, and even cooking a delicious Christmas lunch in your small kitchen.

Finding the Perfect Campsite for Christmas

Counting down to a successful Christmas campervan trip, the first door to open on your advent calendar is choosing the right campsite. Not all of them remain open over Christmas, so look for sites that are open year-round or specifically cater to winter campers. Campsites that offer heated facilities, electricity hook-up and accessible amenities (such as hot showers) are ideal for Christmas campervanning. It’s absolutely essential to plan ahead and make bookings early.

 1. The coast or the countryside

For a truly festive atmosphere, think about staying in a location that offers the twin pleasures of beauty and solitude. Coastal areas or quiet countryside spots can provide you with a peaceful retreat where you can have a good time – and Christmas is all about peace and good will, right?

Enjoy winter walks and then cosy up inside your van for some festive cheer. On the other hand, if you’re after something a little bit more lively, you could opt for a site near a town that’s offering some festive charm with Christmas markets and local events.

2. Festive activities

Some campsites may offer Christmas-themed events (e.g. carol singing, winter walks or even visits to see Santa). These certainly aren’t as common as summer activities, but it’s worth checking in advance to see if your chosen campsite has anything special going on to make your stay extra merry.

3. Winter road safety

Before heading out for Christmas, check the weather forecast and prepare for roads that may be icy. Campsites should provide information on accessibility during the winter, but it’s always worth also doing your own research on conditions. If you’re heading to locations in higher altitudes, make sure your van is correctly equipped for winter driving – including that old stand-by antifreeze.

Decorating Your Campervan for Christmas

The true magic of Christmas is often in the ambience or the smaller details, and it’s totally possible to bring festive spirit to your campervan. A few simple touches can transform your vehicle into your very own winter wonderland.

1. String lights

Fairy lights are compact and easy to hang, and when they’re tastefully put up in a campervan they can generate a warm, magical glow to the interior. Draping them around windows or reflective surfaces will give a twinkling effect. There are Christmas lights sets powered in the traditional way (i.e.. via plugging in to the mains electricity), but increasingly battery-operated or USB-powered lights are becoming popular. Using this sort will help you to avoid draining the van’s power supply.

2. Christmas tree

If you’re tight on space but still want a Christmas focus point, a full-sized tree is not really an option – but there are plenty of creative alternatives. A great choice is a miniature or tabletop tree, and these can easily be placed on a worktop, table or small shelf. You could even make a DIY tree by stringing up some ornaments across the van or hanging them from the ceiling. The ‘key to your tree’ is to get creative and make the most of the space available.

3. Blankets and cushions

Warm up your van with festive throws, blankets and cushions. These will not only add to the Christmas decor, but they’ll also keep you properly snug on those chilly nights. Buy a mixture of plain blankets in traditional Christmas colours (red, green, white and gold) and ones which have patterns like snowflakes for extra Christmas vibing.

4. Candles and essential oils

A festive scent in your campervan (and we really don’t mean post-brussels) will make it feel cosy and inviting. Use scented candles or seasonal-smelling essential oils such as cinnamon, pine or clove. Just a few drops in a diffuser can instantly fill the van with a pleasing Christmas aroma.

 5. Advent calendar

Bring the excitement of drawing nearer to Christmas right into your campervan with a small Advent calendar. This is an easy way to make each individual day feel special leading up to Christmas, and it’s a great tradition that you can share with your travelling companions.

Christmas Dinner in a Campervan Kitchen

When you’re in a campervan, cooking a full Christmas dinner might seem like, at the very least, a daunting task – but it’s actually possible with some clever planning. You might not have the luxury of a large oven or multiple burners, but your campervan stove is up to the challenge…

1. Simple festive dishes

Opt for dishes that require minimal cooking or simple one-pot meals. Christmas lunch doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious, and you could consider dishes such as Christmas dinner casserole (that you’ve prepped prior to your trip and kept refrigerated), simple roast chicken or turkey breast or a warming stew.

 2. Roasting

If your campervan does happen to have a small oven, you can still roast a joint of meat or vegetables. Choose smaller cuts that cook faster, like turkey crowns, or go for a roast chicken. Be very mindful of the cooking times – small ovens often require careful monitoring to avoid overcooking.

 3. Stovetop cooking

If you don’t have an oven, don’t worry! Your stove can still help you create a delicious Christmas meal. A roasting rack can work wonders for things like stuffing or vegetables, and you could always make a gravy or sauce using a simple saucepan. You could even cheat by boiling the kettle and making your gravy in a jug, from granules. One-pot dishes like a hearty Christmas stew or a rich casserole can also be made on the stove.

 4. Pre-made

If you’re looking to enjoy completely stress-free Christmas dinner prep, consider going pre-made and sorting things out in advance at home. You could also buy pre-prepared elements (stuffing, pigs in blankets, ready-made sides). Heat them up on the stove (or in the microwave, if your campervan has one, to save time and hassle).

5. Christmas Pudding

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Christmas isn’t going to be complete without a festive pudding of some kind. Not everyone is a fan of actual Christmas pudding, so find an alternative if that’s not for you. Consider making something relatively easy such as a fruit crumble, a chocolate cake or even no-bake treats (e.g. trifle). These can be prepared in advance and then served up with a dollop of cream or custard.

Keeping Warm and Cosy

The British weather in December is likely to be cold but can also be unpredictable. With a few simple tricks you can keep your campervan toasty.

• Insulation: Your campervan being well-insulated can make all the difference during the winter. Think about adding window insulation or thermal blinds to keep the heat in and the cold out. If you’ve got enough available storage space, take along some extra blankets and sleeping bags.
• Heaters: Investing in a portable heater is a great way to warm the inside of your campervan. Electric or gas-powered heaters are great, but make sure you choose one that’s safe for use in confined spaces. Follow all safety instructions.
• Layers: Wearing layers is key to keeping warm. Thermal wear, wool socks and good slippers are great for staying comfortable throughout the day, and it’s also a good idea to have hats, scarves and gloves on hand (unintentional pun) for when you step outside the van.

Christmas Day Activities

Christmas in a campervan doesn’t just have to be about preparing food, eating and decorating. There are fun activities you can indulge in to make the day special.

1. Walks

After your Christmas dinner, a great way to burn off some calories is to take advantage of the natural beauty surrounding you. Whether you’re at a campsite in remote location or near a town, a bracing winter walk can enhance your Christmas. Strolling through forests or through frosty countryside., or even along a winter beach, is the perfect way to get some fresh air.

2. Games

If you’re on your Christmas break with family or friends, bring along some festive games. Classic board games, card games or even a deck of Christmas-themed trivia cards can keep everyone entertained.

3. Films

There’s nothing quite like curling up in your campervan with a blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and a Christmas film on your tablet or TV. The extra layer of magic provided by a heartwarming film can remind you what the festive season is all about and make your Christmas. There are some real classics, too!

• Home Alone: This 1990 comedy about a young boy defending his home from burglars is a mix of slapstick humour and heartwarming moments for all ages.
• It’s a Wonderful Life: A classic from 1946 that reminds us of the value of life, love, and community, with a timeless message of hope and gratitude.
• Love Actually: A romantic feel-good 2003 film intertwining stories of love, friendship and festive cheer. Perhaps the ultimate feel-good movie for Christmas.
• The Muppets Christmas Carol: A charming and humorous 1992 take on Dickens’ classic, with catchy songs, beloved characters and a message of redemption.
• The Polar Express: A magical animated 2004 film about a boy’s Christmas Eve adventure aboard a mystical captures Christmas wonder and joy.

4. Music

Create a festive playlist on your device, or tune into a radio station playing Christmas bangers to fill your campervan with holiday music. Carols and classic tunes will add to the merry atmosphere and make it feel like home, even on the road.

Spending Christmas in a campervan offers the opportunity to experience this special season in quite a unique and perhaps meaningful way. Although it’ll take a bit more planning, it will be a truly memorable experience – and (just like in all the Christmas movies we mentioned) you’ll maybe even discover the deeper meaning of it all! Remember – a campervan is for Christmas, not just for life!