Have you ever spent Christmas or New Year in your motorhome?

 

Have you ever spent Christmas or New Year in your motorhome while away in the UK or Europe?

Have you ever considered swapping the traditional Christmas at home for something a little different? Perhaps waking up on Christmas morning overlooking a beach in Spain, enjoying a crisp winter walk somewhere in the Scottish Highlands, or seeing in the New Year on a campsite in France with a glass of something warming in your hand?

Or perhaps the thought of spending Christmas in a motorhome conjures up images of trying to cook a full Christmas dinner in a space roughly the size of a garden shed, whilst someone keeps asking where you've put the gravy!

Whatever your thoughts, spending Christmas or New Year in a motorhome is becoming an increasingly attractive option for people who enjoy travelling. And with more campsites remaining open throughout the year, there's no reason why our motorhomes should spend the entire winter sitting on the driveway or tucked away in storage.

So, what's it really like spending the festive season on the road?

Christmas in the UK – there's something rather special about it

Let's start at home.

The UK might not always deliver the picture-perfect Christmas weather we see on television, but there's something quite magical about touring in December.

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning somewhere in the Lake District, Norfolk, Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands. You draw back the curtains, put the kettle on and look out at a beautiful winter landscape.

Of course, there's always the possibility that the beautiful winter landscape is actually horizontal rain, but let's concentrate on the positives!

Winter touring gives you the opportunity to visit places that are often packed during the summer months. Coastal walks, historic towns, countryside pubs and Christmas markets can all make excellent reasons to get the motorhome out.

And you don't necessarily have to travel hundreds of miles. A few nights somewhere different can make Christmas feel like a proper holiday.

There are also plenty of places to stay. The Caravan and Motorhome Club currently lists 50 UK Club and affiliated campsites that are open all year, with heated facilities and electric hook-ups available at many locations.

You can explore their UK campsites open all year to start planning.

The important thing is to check that your chosen campsite is actually operating over Christmas and New Year, rather than simply assuming that an open-all-year listing means every facility is available throughout the festive period.

Or perhaps Christmas abroad is more your thing?

For some motorhomers, Christmas means heading south in search of a little winter sunshine.

Spain and Portugal are popular winter touring destinations, particularly for those looking to escape the colder British weather.

Imagine spending Christmas Day somewhere along the Spanish or Portuguese coast. You might enjoy a walk along the beach, have lunch at a local restaurant and finish the afternoon watching the sun go down.

It certainly beats scraping ice off the windscreen!

Of course, don't assume that southern Europe is guaranteed to be warm everywhere. Inland areas and places at higher elevations can get surprisingly cold, particularly overnight. Your heating system will still earn its keep.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club currently lists more than 80 overseas campsites open throughout the year, including locations in Spain, Portugal, France and elsewhere in Europe.

Their European campsites open all year directory is a useful starting point.

Alternatively, perhaps you're more interested in a traditional European Christmas.

Germany, France, Austria and other European countries have wonderful Christmas traditions, festive decorations and seasonal food. A motorhome gives you the flexibility to visit different towns and cities, enjoy the atmosphere and then retreat to your own little home on wheels.

Just remember that many Christmas markets operate for a limited period and some finish before Christmas Eve. Check the dates before planning your trip around one

.

The Christmas dinner challenge!

Now, let's talk about the important stuff.

Christmas dinner!

Cooking Christmas dinner in a motorhome can be an adventure in itself.

At home, you might have a large oven, several worktops, a fridge full of food and enough kitchen cupboards to hide the occasional unwanted Christmas present.

In a motorhome, you might have a three-burner hob, a small oven and a fridge that starts looking full after you've put the milk in.

Then there's the question of where everybody is going to sit!

A traditional turkey dinner is certainly possible, but perhaps a little planning is required. You could opt for a smaller joint, prepare some food in advance or even take advantage of a local restaurant offering a Christmas menu.

If you're eating out, book well in advance. Don't simply turn up expecting a table because it's Christmas and you fancy a roast dinner.

Also, check local opening arrangements. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day can all have different opening hours, depending on the country and location.

My advice? Stock up on food and essentials before Christmas Day. You don't want to discover that you've forgotten the potatoes when the nearest supermarket is firmly shut!

And don't forget something suitable to drink. Nobody wants to be sent on a 20-mile expedition because somebody forgot the Christmas pudding.

New Year on the road

New Year can be just as enjoyable.

Some campsites organise social evenings, meals and celebrations, while others offer a quieter setting for those who prefer to welcome the New Year without crowds.

Imagine sitting outside your motorhome, wrapped up warm, looking at the stars and enjoying a peaceful evening.

Or perhaps you're the type who wants music, fireworks and a lively celebration.

Either way, check what's happening locally before you arrive. Fireworks and public celebrations vary considerably between towns and countries, and not every campsite will organise its own event.

One thing is certain: you won't have to worry about who's driving home afterwards!

Don't forget that winter brings a few challenges

Although festive touring sounds wonderful, there are some important things to consider before heading off.

Winter touring requires a little more preparation than a summer weekend away.

1. Make sure your heating is up to the job

Check your heating system before leaving home. You don't want to discover that it isn't working properly when the temperature drops overnight.

Also, check your gas supply. If you're using bottled LPG, remember that propane continues to vaporise at much lower temperatures than butane. The Camping and Caravanning Club explains the differences in its winter touring advice.

2. Watch out for frozen water systems

Freshwater tanks, external pipes and waste-water systems can all be affected by freezing temperatures.

Check whether your motorhome has insulated tanks, heated water systems or exposed external pipework.

If you're using external water containers, take appropriate precautions to protect them from freezing.

The last thing you need on Christmas morning is to discover that your water supply has turned into a giant ice cube!

3. Choose your campsite carefully

Check whether the site offers:

Electric hook-up and the available amperage.
Heated shower and toilet facilities.
Freshwater filling facilities.
Waste-water and chemical toilet disposal.
Hardstanding pitches rather than potentially muddy grass.
Reception and shop opening arrangements over Christmas and New Year.

Don't assume that because a campsite is open all year, every service will be available throughout the festive period.

4. Prepare for winter driving

Check your tyres, lights, coolant and screenwash before travelling.

Pack an emergency kit containing warm clothing, food, water, a torch and suitable equipment in case you encounter difficult conditions.

Allow extra time for journeys and keep an eye on weather and road conditions. The Met Office winter driving advice is worth reading.

If you're travelling in Scotland, check Traffic Scotland before setting off, particularly if you're heading into the Highlands.

5. Check European winter driving regulations

If you're heading into Europe, don't assume the rules are the same in every country.

There are no single EU-wide winter tyre regulations. Requirements vary between countries and can depend on the weather and the roads you're using.

For example, France has winter equipment requirements in designated mountain areas between 1 November and 31 March. These rules apply to motorhomes as well as other four-wheeled vehicles. Depending on the area and regulations, approved winter tyres or snow chains or socks are required.

For the 2026/27 winter season, check the latest French government winter tyre and snow chain guidance.

6. Don't forget your furry travelling companions

For those of us who travel with dogs, Christmas away can be just as enjoyable for them.

However, travelling abroad with pets requires preparation.

Current GOV.UK guidance requires residents of Great Britain travelling with dogs, cats or ferrets to an EU country to obtain an Animal Health Certificate. The certificate must be issued within 10 days before entering the EU and can then be used for onward EU travel and re-entry to Great Britain for up to six months, provided the vaccination requirements remain valid.

Dogs returning to Great Britain from most countries also need a vet-administered tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arrival.

Always check the latest GOV.UK pet travel requirements before booking your crossing.

Is Christmas in a motorhome cheaper?

That rather depends on how you spend it!

You could save money by cooking your own meals, travelling outside the busiest periods and choosing affordable campsites.

However, some popular winter destinations can be expensive, particularly around Christmas and New Year.

You also need to consider the cost of:

• Campsite pitches and electric hook-ups.

• Ferry or Channel Tunnel crossings.

• Fuel and toll roads.

• European breakdown and travel insurance.

• Heating and additional gas.

• Restaurants, attractions and festive activities.

One advantage of motorhome touring is that you have your own accommodation with you. You don't need to book a hotel every time you visit somewhere different.

And, of course, you can take as much luggage as your payload allows. No struggling with airline baggage restrictions, although you might have to explain why you've packed three Christmas jumpers for a four-night trip!

So, would you spend Christmas or New Year in your motorhome?

I think there are some real advantages to giving it a try.

You get to explore somewhere different, avoid some of the usual festive pressures, spend time together and enjoy a different kind of Christmas.

You could wake up beside a beach in Portugal, explore a Christmas market in Germany, enjoy a winter walk in the Scottish Highlands or simply relax on a quiet campsite somewhere in the UK.

And even if the weather isn't particularly kind, at least you've got your own little home to retreat to.

Of course, you might have to negotiate who gets the best seat, who washes up and who is responsible for keeping the heating on!

But isn't that all part of the motorhome experience?

We'd love to hear about your festive motorhome adventures!

Have you ever spent Christmas or New Year in your motorhome while away in the UK or Europe?

Perhaps you've got a favourite campsite, a wonderful memory of Christmas morning beside the sea, or a recommendation for somewhere particularly special to visit over the festive period.

Maybe you've experienced a traditional European Christmas, or perhaps you've discovered a fantastic little site in the UK that stays open throughout the winter.

Tell us about it!

Where did you go? What was the weather like? Did you cook Christmas dinner in the motorhome or eat out? And most importantly, would you do it again?

Share your photographs and experiences with us. Your recommendations could help another motorhome owner plan their own festive getaway.

After all, Christmas doesn't have to be spent at home. Sometimes the best present is simply turning the key, choosing a direction and seeing where the road takes you!

Happy Christmas and Happy New Year, wherever your motorhome takes you!

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Research and guidance checked November 2026. Campsite opening arrangements, prices, travel regulations and pet requirements can change, so always check with the relevant providers and official authorities before travelling.

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Thank you so much!

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr, or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

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