Spending Christmas or New Year in a motorhome is an increasingly popular idea for anyone after a different kind of festive season: Christmas markets, illuminated cities, snow, or simply escaping the cold and heading south. It's a magical experience, but you need to prepare well for winter. Here are ideas and tips for celebrating the festive season on the road.
Two ways to experience a camper Christmas
- A cold Christmas with markets: touring cities with their lights, Christmas markets (spectacular in Central Europe, but also found closer to home) and, if you like, snow.
- An escape-to-the-warmth Christmas: heading south, or even to Portugal and Morocco, where winter is mild.
Festive destinations
- Christmas markets: German and Central European cities (see Germany), and closer to home, markets in various cities.
- Snow and mountains for a white Christmas (see snow and skiing).
- The warm south for a New Year in the sun.
Preparing for the cold
If your plan involves cold weather, preparation is key:
- Good heating (see heating) and insulation.
- Protect the water system from freezing.
- Watch your power: in winter the battery is pushed to its limits by less sunlight and higher consumption (see travelling in winter).
- Manage condensation, which spikes with cold outside and warmth inside.
Celebrating on board
Christmas dinner or seeing in the New Year in the camper, perhaps shared with other travellers at a stopover or campsite, has a special charm. Decorate a little, cook something delicious (see easy recipes) and enjoy a festive season without stress or big expenses.
In short
Christmas in a camper can mean cold weather and markets or an escape to the warm south; either way, if it's cold, prepare heating, the water system and power well. The step to take today: decide whether your Christmas will be cold or warm and prepare the vehicle accordingly (heating and water for the cold, or a route south); with that, you'll enjoy a different and unforgettable festive season on the road.
