Christmas and New Year caravanning suits anyone who wants a quiet, cosy break away from the usual routine. However, far fewer sites open at this time of year, so the best pitches go early. This guide covers what to plan, what to book and what to check before you tow.
Why Christmas and New Year caravanning needs early planning
Most UK sites close for winter, and only a limited number stay open over the festive period. The Caravan and Motorhome Club says it has 50 UK Club and Affiliated campsites that are open all year, and you can see them on its open all year sites page.
The Camping and Caravanning Club also runs a festive camping page. Its sample Christmas availability runs 24th to 27th December, while its New Year availability is 30th December to 1st January. Independent parks open at Christmas too, so it is worth searching beyond the big clubs.
Because supply is small and demand is steady, book as soon as your dates are settled. Late October is a sensible time to start.
Choose a site that stays open and works in winter
A site that is open on paper is not always comfortable in December. Before you book, ask what is actually running over the festive days.
- Is the site open for your whole stay, including arrival and departure days?
- Is the pitch hardstanding or well drained, so the caravan will not sink into mud?
- Is electric hook-up available on your pitch?
- Will the toilets and showers be open and heated?
- Are the water points and waste points protected from frost?
- Is the access road gritted or easy to clear?
Our winter caravanning guide covers cold-weather touring in more detail. A quieter, adults-only park can suit a peaceful Christmas, but families may prefer a site with a play area or a shop.
Book early and read the conditions
Festive bookings often come with their own rules. Some parks set minimum stays, fixed arrival days or limited opening hours, so read the terms before you pay.
Check the cancellation policy as well, because winter weather can force a change of plan. Also ask whether a warden is on site on Christmas Day and what happens if you arrive late.
At the time of writing, the Camping and Caravanning Club listed a four-night Christmas break at Nottingham Club Site at £166.70 for members, for two adults on a hardstanding pitch with electric. Prices change, so treat that as an example only and check the live price.
Build a simple planning timeline
Spreading the jobs out makes the final week much calmer. This timeline works for most tourers.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Late October | Choose dates, shortlist open sites and book your pitch |
| November | Check insurance, breakdown cover and habitation service dates |
| Early December | Test heating, check gas, and book any pub meal or event |
| One week before | Watch the forecast, shop for food and start packing |
| Day before | Check tyres, lights and hook-up lead, then load the caravan |
Get the caravan ready for the cold
Cold nights test every system in the caravan. Start with heating, because it matters most.
Run the heater before you leave, and read our caravan heating guide if you are unsure how your system works. Electric hook-up helps, but a full gas supply is a sensible backup.
Gas needs particular attention in winter. Butane struggles to vaporise close to freezing, so many winter tourers choose propane. Our caravan gas bottles guide explains the difference.
Next, protect the water system from frost, and ventilate the caravan to limit condensation. If any of your checks are due, book the work now, because workshops fill up before Christmas.
Plan the tow and watch the weather
The journey is the riskiest part of a winter break. Rule 228 of the Highway Code says to check the local forecast for icy or snowy weather and not drive in those conditions unless your journey is essential. You can read the full text in the Highway Code on GOV.UK.
The Met Office also issues warnings when severe weather is likely, and you can check them on its UK weather warnings page. Look at the forecast for your route and your pitch, not only your destination.
Before you set off, you must be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from your windows. Lights and number plates must be clean and legible as well, so clear the caravan’s too.
Leave some flexibility if you can. Arriving a day early, or having a fallback plan, takes the pressure off if the weather turns.
Plan Christmas Day food and entertainment
A small caravan oven can cook a good dinner, but it needs planning. Prepare as much as possible at home, then reheat and finish on site. Check your cooking space and pan sizes first.
If you would rather not cook, a nearby pub may be the answer. Confirm that the pub is serving food on the date you need, and book well ahead. Also think about how you will get there and back safely after dark.
For a feel of the day itself, read our account of Christmas at Hartington Hills Caravan Park. Remember that shops and local services may close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so buy essentials in advance.
Pack for cold weather and festive extras
Winter packing is different from summer packing. Warm bedding, extra layers and slippers matter more than anything else.
The Highway Code suggests an emergency kit in icy weather. It lists de-icer and an ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, plus a warm drink and food. Keep that kit in the tow car.
Then add the festive touches. Battery lights, a few small decorations, cards, board games and a good supply of hot chocolate make a small space feel special.
Christmas and New Year caravanning checklist
Use this list as a final check in the week before you leave.
- Pitch booked, with confirmed arrival and departure times
- Cancellation terms and site opening hours saved on your phone
- Insurance and breakdown cover checked and in date
- Heating tested and spare gas bottle full
- Hook-up lead checked for damage
- Water system protected against frost
- Tyre pressures and lights checked on car and caravan
- Weather and route checked the day before
- De-icer, scraper, torch, shovel and warm clothing in the car
- Christmas food prepared, or pub meal booked
- Warm bedding, hot-water bottles and spare layers packed
- Decorations, games and a few treats loaded
Official guidance checked on 27 October 2026. Rules can change, so check the latest guidance before you travel.
