Campervan Christmas: Ideas for Making Your Home-on-Wheels Merry and Bright

Christmas is a magical time of year, and what better way to celebrate it than by taking some time out to enjoy festive fun with your family in your campervan or motorhome? Whether you’re spending the holiday season nestled in a cosy campsite, or wild camping in the great outdoors, making your home-on-wheels feel merry and bright is all part of the experience. Before you get started, don’t forget to check out our Campervan Christmas Essentials to decorate your camper, or motorhome, bringing the festive spirit with you on the road. If you’re still looking for the perfect spot to celebrate, have a look at our guides to 5 Magical Campervan Getaways for Christmas and New Year and 10 of the Best Campsites Open All Year for Winter Camping to help you plan your adventure.

How to make your Campervan cosy this Christmas

Creating a warm and inviting space inside your campervan is key to making Christmas on the road memorable. Here are some tips to help you turn your motorhome into a festive haven:

1. Bedding and Blankets: Layer up with cosy throws, blankets, and fluffy pillows. Choose festive colors like red, green and white to bring a Christmas vibe to your campervan. A heated blanket is a great option if you’re parked up at a campsite with an electric hook-up (EHU).

  2. Lighting: String up some battery-powered fairy lights or use small LED lanterns to create a warm, soft glow inside the van. If you’re wild camping without EHU, look for solar-powered or USB-charged lights to avoid draining your battery.

3. Candles: Flameless LED candles can mimic the cozy warmth of real candles, without the risk of an open flame in a small space. You can find battery-operated versions that last for hours and add that extra touch of comfort. Click here for more Campervan Christmas Essentials.

4. Festive Scents: Use a diffuser, or wax melts with Christmas scents like cinnamon, pine, or gingerbread to fill your campervan with seasonal aromas.

5. Rugs and Mats: Add a soft, warm rug or mat to the floor of your campervan. Not only will it keep your feet toasty, but it also adds to the overall cosiness of the space.

For more tips on preparing your van for the colder months, check out our post on 3 Essential Tips for Autumn Camping and Vanlife Preparation.

How to decorate for Christmas in a motorhome or campervan

Decorating your campervan for Christmas is all about bringing the festive cheer into your space while keeping things practical for life on the road. Here are some tips to help you decorate without compromising on safety or space:

1. Compact Christmas Tree: Opt for a mini Christmas tree that fits on your table or counter. You can also hang small ornaments or paper decorations that won’t take up too much room. For any crafty families, homemade decorations add a personal touch!

2. Garlands and Bunting: String up lightweight garlands or festive bunting along the windows or ceiling. You can use adhesive hooks or suction cups to secure them, making sure they’re easy to remove when it’s time to travel.

3. Wreath on the Door: A small, festive wreath on the inside (or outside) of your campervan door adds instant Christmas charm. Make sure it's securely attached, or remove it so it doesn’t fall off while you’re on the the road.

4. Window Stickers: Festive window decals are easy to apply and remove, plus you don’t have to worry about them falling off They can brighten up the space without taking up any room at all, making them perfect for small campers.

Make it practical: Decorations on the go

When enjoying Christmas in your campervan, or motorhome it is important to remember that space is limited and safety comes first. While decorations can make your camper feel like a home, they should also be practical. Pack away loose items when travelling and make sure anything hung up is securely fastened. If you’re wild camping, consider how much power your decorations will require and whether you have the battery capacity to support them. Plan your decorations around your available power supply to avoid draining your battery. For more camping options, check out this Google Map of Campsites Open All Year to find the best spots with the facilities you need.

Planning to gift the perfect presents for your vanlife family? Don’t miss our Vanlife Family Christmas Gifts - The Ultimate Guide, packed with great ideas to make your holiday on the road extra special! No matter where your vanlife travels take you this holiday season, make your campervan cosy, bright and filled with Christmas cheer. Happy holidays and safe travels!