Spending the holidays in a travel trailer doesn’t mean sacrificing the festive magic—it means creating unique and cozy traditions that fit your on-the-road lifestyle. Whether you’re boondocking in the desert, parked at a scenic campground, or celebrating at an RV resort, this guide will help you make the most of your holiday season on wheels.
Our first large celebration while traveling was attending a wedding at Mt. Kilimanjaro! It was a memorable experience to say the least!
Why the Holidays in an RV Are So Special
For many, the holiday season is about togetherness, traditions, and making memories—all of which can still be enjoyed in a travel trailer! With a little creativity, you can transform your RV into a festive retreat, cook up delicious meals in your compact kitchen, and create new traditions that make your travels even more special.
1. Decorating Your Travel Trailer for the Holidays
One of the best ways to bring the holiday spirit into your RV is through small-space-friendly decorations. Here are some ideas:
🎄 Mini Christmas Trees – We are planning on opting for a tabletop-sized tree with battery-operated lights. (Example on Amazon) We saw beautiful travel trailer inspiration on Pinterest of someone who had a beautiful 4ft tall tree that fit perfectly in the lower ceiling of their RV. (4′ RV tree)
🕯️ String Lights – Use battery operated lights to add a cozy glow without taking up space. The ones we have saved on every one of our Amazon Lists. They are waterproof and dimmable. We hang them inside and outside! (We even hang them in our tent when we kick out there- because they are battery operated!)
🎁 Space-Saving Decor – Hang wreaths on cabinet doors, use removable window clings, and swap out throw pillows for holiday-themed ones. We use command strips for everything. In our small space adding even the most minimal of decorations seems to take up too much flat space. We always opt for hanging!
🌲 Natural Elements – Gather pinecones, evergreen branches, or dried oranges to add rustic holiday charm. The dogs try to bring them inside anyways- we might as well put them in as part of the decor!
💡 Tip: We swap out the covers on our throw pillows ALL the time. those things need washed anyways so we are committed to changing them as frequently as we change the dogs bandana’s! haha
2. Creating Cozy Holiday Traditions on the Road
Traditions don’t have to stop when you’re in a travel trailer. Instead, they can evolve into new and unique holiday experiences:
✨ Campfire Holiday Stories – Gather around the fire with hot cocoa and share holiday memories or classic stories.
🛷 Outdoor Adventures – Go for a snowy hike, explore a festive town, or try winter activities like sledding or ice skating.
📬 Send Holiday Cards from the Road – Pick up postcards from your current location and send them to friends and family.
🎶 RV Christmas Movie Night – Cozy up with holiday classics and popcorn.
3. Cooking a Holiday Feast in a Small Kitchen
Cooking a traditional holiday meal in an RV kitchen is totally doable with a little planning:
🥘 One-Pot & Slow Cooker Meals – Simplify cooking with one-pan dishes like casseroles, soups, and slow-cooked roasts.
🔥 Grill or Campfire Cooking – If oven space is limited, prepare meals outdoors on a grill or over the campfire.
🥔 Make-Ahead Dishes – Prepare side dishes in advance and store them in the fridge.
🍪 RV-Friendly Holiday Treats – Bake cookies using a convection oven or stovetop alternatives like skillet cookies.
💡 Tip: Use collapsible bowls and stackable cookware to maximize kitchen space!
4. The Best Holiday RV Destinations
Where you spend the holidays can make the season even more magical. Here are some top RV holiday destinations:
🏔️ National Parks in Winter – Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon offer stunning winter landscapes.
🎡 Festive Campgrounds – Some RV resorts host holiday events, light displays, and community gatherings.
🏖️ Warm Destinations – Escape the cold by heading to Florida, Arizona, or Southern California for a sunny holiday season.
5. Gift Ideas for RVers & Travelers
🎁 Space-Saving Gifts – Collapsible kitchen gadgets, travel-friendly board games, and compact tech accessories.
🌎 Experience-Based Gifts – National Park passes, campground memberships, or guided adventure tours.
📚 Travel Books & Journals – A nature reflection journal or RV travel log makes a meaningful gift.
💡 Tip: Check out our curated list of RV-friendly gifts for more ideas!
6. Spreading Holiday Cheer in the RV Community
🚐 Host a Holiday Potluck – Invite fellow RVers for a shared meal at the campground.
🌟 Decorate Your Site – Set up festive lights or a mini outdoor display to spread cheer.
💌 Give Back – Donate to local charities or volunteer at a nearby food bank during your travels.
Bringing the Holiday Spirit to the Road
No matter where you spend the holidays, what matters most is the memories you create along the way. Whether you’re embracing winter wonderland vibes or chasing the sun, celebrating the holidays in a travel trailer can be an unforgettable adventure!
For more holiday RV tips, decor inspiration, and travel-friendly recipes, follow our Pinterest board, “Travel Trailer Holiday”, and stay connected with Our Wandering Pack! 🎄🚐✨
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