Roaming around the Christmas Tree
Celebrating Christmas in a campervan or motorhome can be a unique and joyful experience. Many people choose this lifestyle for its freedom and adventure, and the festive season is a great time to embrace it. Here are 7 ways to celebrate the festive season from your tiny home on wheels, wherever you are in the world!
I'm not a huge traditionalist when it comes to Christmas. Of course, I love the festive season, but I've never been set on following tradition strictly. In the UK, this often means a big lunch or dinner with roasted meat (typically turkey) and vegetables, gathered around a big family table, adorned with Christmas crackers, table decorations and bottles of wine. Of course there's always way too much food to eat and everyone falls into a food coma by the evening. That's also part of the tradition 😉
I do love this hearty feast and time spent with family, but it isn’t a regular occurrence for me. I also enjoy alternative Christmas experiences. One year, I spent Christmas snorkelling off the coast of a Vietnamese island, followed by a seafood lunch. Another year, I enjoyed Christmas in 40-degree heat in Melbourne, surrounded by kookaburras. And in the UK, instead of a traditional Christmas roast dinner one year, I had a winter BBQ in my garden, followed by cocktail making.
The un-Christmassy Christmases 🎄
Van life doesn’t mean you have to abandon tradition—unless you want to, of course! Celebrating Christmas from a campervan or motorhome can be a blend of the traditional and the unique, depending on how you choose to spend it.
So let's dive into 7 ways to get into the Christmas vibe from your van!
1) Cook a festive meal using local produce
Cooking a festive meal in your campervan can be a fun way to celebrate Christmas, especially if you select dishes based on the local traditions of the area you’re visiting. For example, in Spain, the Christmas festivities often begin with Cava, followed by a roast suckling pig or lamb.
Keep in mind that your cooking options will depend on the kitchen setup you have available in your motorhome. Keep it simple and focus on dishes that are easy to prepare in a small space.
Start by sourcing local produce from markets or farm shops to support local farmers and enjoy fresh ingredients. Look for seasonal vegetables, meats, and dairy products, as well as local specialities that can add unique flavours to your meal.
2) Decorate your campervan with fairy lights
Using fairy lights can add a warm glow to your campervan. There's something magical about the ambience created by those twinkly little lights!
LED lights are a great choice because they use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. They come in various styles and colours, allowing you to choose what fits your taste.
You can decorate both inside and outside your van. String lights are perfect for wrapping around the awning or draping along furniture inside. Consider solar-powered lights for outdoor space.
3) Attend a local Christmas market
One of the best ways to get a festive feeling is to visit a local Christmas market. Many towns host these events starting at the end of November or early December, featuring unique stalls and activities.
You can find handmade gifts, decorations, and delicious seasonal treats. Sampling mulled wine or hot chocolate adds to the experience.
Also look for live performances, such as Christmas carols or nativities or, of course, a Christmas lights switch on!
Christmas lights switch on in Málaga, Spain
4) Listen to a classic Christmas playlist
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything."
– Plato
It's no secret that music is powerful. Love it or hate it, as soon as you hear Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" you're instantly propelled into Christmas!
Listening to a classic Christmas playlist while cooking, cleaning or just relaxing can create a festive atmosphere inside your camper. Find a selection of songs that you enjoy - or use platforms such as Spotify that have playlists available.
5) Cosy up with a Christmas movie night
A Christmas movie night is a perfect way to get into the vibe of Christmas. Each year, I would enjoy wrapping up gifts while watching Christmas classics like 'The Grinch', 'Elf' and 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', all while sipping on mulled wine!
Who's to say you can't do this from your camper?! Use your laptop, tablet, or a portable projector, grab a festive drink and soak it all in!
You can make the experience even cosier by getting out a comfy blanket, cushions and preparing a mini snack bar with popcorn, nuts, and hot chocolate (or mulled wine if you’re in the mood for something stronger!).
6) Create handmade gifts crafted during your travels
Traditional Christmas gifting can be tricky for van lifers. With limited space, it's tough to store presents for everyone, and shipping large parcels back home from abroad can be both challenging and costly.
Instead, consider creating unique gifts as you travel. You can use natural materials like shells, stones, or local fabrics. Maybe knit scarves from locally sourced wool, paint small canvases or make jewellery. Crafting while you travel can be a joyful experience.
Keep gifts small so they're easier to mail back home or save them for exchanges with family when you return. When it’s time to share gifts, explain the stories behind each item—how you made it and what it represents. This adds depth and connection to your gift-giving.
7) Enjoy a Christmas morning walk in nature
A Christmas morning walk in nature is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday, allowing you to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
This is something I do every Christmas Day morning. As most people are indoors, everywhere is less crowded. There's something magical about the peacefulness of these mornings and the excitement of the feasting and fun of the day ahead.
All you need to do is find a forest path, a beach walk, or a hill trek to start your Christmas day. Spruce it up by wearing festive accessories such as a Christmas hat or some tinsel!
Wrapping it up...
As you embark on your festive campervan adventures, I hope these ideas inspire you to create unforgettable holiday memories on the road. Whether you’re cosying up in a winter wonderland or enjoying the warmth of the sun, celebrating Christmas in a campervan offers a unique twist on traditional festivities.
Want more inspiration to turn your van into a Christmas wonderland?
Scented candles
Bring along candles or diffusers with holiday fragrances like cinnamon or pine to evoke the spirit of Christmas.
Festive-themed decor
Small touches like a Christmas-themed tablecloth or cushions can enhance the atmosphere. Use colours like red, green, and gold to reflect the season.
Portable Decorations
Opt for lightweight and compact items. Consider a small, artificial Christmas tree that is easy to set up and store. If space is tight, a couple of decorative ornaments can still add a festive touch.
Local florists
Buy a small Christmas wreath from a local florist to hang on the outside of your van!
Thanks for reading! 😄
I'd love to hear about your own experiences or any additional tips you have for celebrating the season in a mobile home. Share your thoughts in the comments below🎄
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