Christmas doesn’t have to mean staying indoors, battling crowded shops, or navigating the chaos of family logistics. For many adventurers, the festive season is the perfect excuse to hit the road, embrace cosy living, and create magical holiday memories in a campervan.

Whether you own your own campervan or you’re hiring one for a seasonal getaway, here’s how to plan the perfect Christmas on wheels.

1. Choose Your Perfect Winter Destination

The UK is full of incredible winter hideaways accessible by campervan. Some favourites include:

🎄 Dartmoor & Exmoor (for wild winter beauty)

Frosty mornings, sweeping moorland views, and pubs with roaring fires.

🎁 The Jurassic Coast (for festive seaside charm)

Bracing coastal walks and twinkling harbour towns like Lyme Regis or Beer.

❄️ The Cotswolds (for postcard Christmas villages)

Perfect if you want that classic fairy-light-covered cottage vibe.

Wherever you go, check campsite winter opening times — many stay open all year, but some close after October.

2. Cosy Up the Camper: Create Your Festive Interior

Small touches make a big difference in a campervan at Christmas.

✨ Fairy lights – USB-powered lights instantly create that warm festive glow.
🧦 Mini decorations – Lightweight garlands, paper stars, or tiny Christmas trees work wonders.
🕯️ Festive scents – Wax melts or essential oils (cinnamon, pine, or orange) add a Christmas feel without real flames.
🛏️ Extra blankets – Winter camping is the perfect excuse for chunky throws and warm bedding.

3. Plan Your Christmas Feast (Van-Friendly Edition)

Cooking in a campervan doesn’t mean sacrificing Christmas dinner.

Easy festive meals to cook in a campervan:

• Turkey crown or chicken roasted in a portable oven or air fryer
• Pigs-in-blankets cooked on a gas hob
• Pre-prepared roast potatoes (crisped in a frying pan)
• Fresh bread, stuffing balls, or Yorkshire puds warmed through
• Mulled wine heated in a saucepan
• Mince pies warmed in foil

Or ditch the cooking and book a festive pub meal near your campsite — many offer Christmas Eve or Boxing Day menus.

4. Stay Warm: The Golden Rules

Winter camping comfort = warmth management.

• Use good insulation (Craft Otters Campers in Devon fully insulate all campers)
• Pack hot water bottles
• Bring an outdoor mat to keep damp and cold at the door
• Use thermal blinds to reduce heat loss
• Run a diesel heater safely if your van is equipped with one

Layer up, but don’t overheat — condensation can build quickly in colder weather.

5. Make It Magical: Festive Campervan Activities

Christmas is all about slowing down and enjoying the moment. In your campervan, consider:

🎬 Christmas movie night on a tablet or projector
🎶 Festive playlist for the drive- thins definitely kept our little one entertained on long drive around Scotland.
📚 Relaxing with a holiday book and hot chocolate
🌌 Stargazing on clear December nights
🥾 Winter walks on frosty trails
🧩 Board games for two or the whole family

Create your own rituals — they’ll become cherished Christmas traditions.

6.Don’t Forget the Practical Prep

To avoid holiday hiccups, tick these off your Christmas checklist:

☑️ Check tyre pressure and tread
☑️ Top up antifreeze & screen wash
☑️ Ensure your heater is working
☑️ Pack emergency supplies (torch, first aid, jump pack)
☑️ Pre-book campsites if travelling during busy periods

A little planning means a lot more relaxing.

🌟 Planning a Campervan Christmas? Book In With Crafty Otter Campers

If this blog has sparked your Christmas wanderlust, why not make this the year to start planning for your own campervan.

At Crafty Otter Campers in Honiton, we specialise in beautifully converted campervans of any size, designed for comfort all year round — including winter. Whether you’re booking a conversion, looking to purchase a camper, or want advice on turning your van into the perfect Christmas getaway, we’re here to help.