Whether you’re planning a scenic winter road trip, exploring historic cities, or seeking cosy family-friendly events, the festive season offers countless ways to make your journey feel special.
From twinkling markets to snowy landscapes, here’s an expanded guide (complete with ideas for motorists and motorhomers alike) highlighting some of the best Christmas trips, experiences, and destinations.
Christmas Markets
Few experiences capture the joy of the season quite like a festive market. Whether you're driving between city centres or touring in your motorhome, markets offer a ready-made trail of lights, food, music, and handmade gifts. Travelling by road gives you the flexibility to set your own pace and shape your own Christmas route.
Some UK Highlights
Bath Christmas Market: Stroll through hundreds of wooden chalets nestled among Bath’s grand Georgian buildings. From artisan gifts to gourmet treats, the city comes alive with festive charm. After exploring, warm up at the Roman Baths or unwind in the Thermae Spa—perfect for a winter evening.
York’s St Nicholas Fair: York’s cobbled streets and medieval architecture make an enchanting backdrop for browsing festive stalls. Enjoy mulled wine, traditional crafts, and street performances that fill the city with seasonal warmth.
Edinburgh Christmas Market: Set beneath the iconic castle, Edinburgh’s Christmas offering blends rides, food stalls, craft villages, and atmospheric lighting. If you’re staying for longer, you can roll your trip into the world-famous Hogmanay celebrations.
Winchester Cathedral Market: One of the prettiest markets in the UK, Winchester’s festive chalets sit under the towering gothic cathedral. An ice rink, tempting treats, and beautifully lit grounds make this a perfect winter stop.
London Christmas Highlights
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: A spectacular festive fairground filled with rides, shows, themed bars, markets, and international street food. It’s lively, colourful, and suited to families and groups.
Southbank Winter Festival: Enjoy riverside food stalls, craft booths, warming drinks, and street performers—all with views across the Thames. A favourite for casual evening wanderers.
Covent Garden & Leicester Square Markets: Central London’s classic festive squares filled with lights, performers, mulled wine stalls, and plenty of opportunities for seasonal photos.
Kew Gardens Light Trail: A stunning after-dark experience featuring glowing installations, lasers across the lake, and Christmas music. A must-see if you enjoy illuminated outdoor events.
European Classics
For those looking to venture beyond the UK, the continent hosts some of the world’s most magical Christmas markets—easily accessible by car or motorhome via ferry or Eurotunnel.
Cologne, Germany: Home to multiple themed markets spread across the city, from the cathedral square to riverside promenades. Many motorhomers enjoy touring the Rhine and pairing Cologne with Düsseldorf and Aachen.
Strasbourg, France: Nicknamed the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg’s timbered buildings and grand plazas host one of Europe’s oldest and most charming festive markets.
Bruges, Belgium: A picture-perfect winter destination. Canals, cobbled lanes, chocolate shops, and an atmospheric ice rink make Bruges feel like a living Christmas card.
Vienna, Austria: Elegant and regal, Vienna’s festive squares glow with lights, music, and warm scents of spiced drinks. The Christkindlmarkt is especially uplifting.
For Tourers: Winter Wonderland Destinations
This section is perfect for motorhomers and winter campers seeking nature, quiet evenings, and scenic winter landscapes. Markets may be magical, but winter countryside escapes bring their own sense of calm and adventure.
Scottish Highlands: Snow-brushed mountains, frosty lochs, and peaceful glens create a beautifully remote Christmas experience. Imagine spending Christmas Eve near a Highland inn with a roaring fire and starry skies.
Lake District: Winter walks, crisp mornings, and cosy pubs create a warm, inviting seasonal retreat. Many villages host smaller festive events that feel intimate and homely.
Snowdonia, Wales: Quieter in winter and ideal for adventurous motorhomers, Snowdonia’s dramatic landscapes feel even more atmospheric this time of year. Clear nights offer excellent stargazing.
Norway / Lapland: For a true winter expedition, Scandinavia offers Arctic forests, reindeer herds, frozen lakes, and the Northern Lights. (Though you may catch those in parts of the UK these days!) Perfect for seasoned road trippers comfortable with snow driving.
Festive Events & Experiences
Christmas on the road isn’t only about where you go. it’s also about the festive activities you can enjoy along the way.
Especially ideal for those travelling with motorhomes or staying at winter campsites.
Light Trails: Many stately homes and gardens host spectacular illuminated trails in December. Highlights include:
Santa Steam Trains: Heritage railways transform into festive journeys with onboard treats and Santa visits. Fun for families and those who love classic trains.
New Year Road Trips: Extend your travels into January and join the legendary Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, or escape to a peaceful National Trust location and welcome the New Year under clear, starry skies
Travel Tips for All Road Trippers
Whether travelling by car or motorhome, some simple steps help ensure a smooth and enjoyable festive break.
General Motorists
Book accommodation early, winter rooms fill quickly, especially near markets.
Check parking availability, ideally choosing hotels with on-site or secure parking.
Plan city routes in advance, as festive traffic and pedestrian zones can affect access.
Watch weather forecasts and road conditions, particularly in rural or coastal areas.
Travelling abroad? Bring required winter gear (chains, reflective vests) and check local regulations.
For Motorhome Travellers & Campers
Check campsite winter opening schedules, as some shut or reduce facilities in the off-season.
Look for hardstanding pitches, essential in wet or frosty weather.
Carry warm bedding, heating fuel, extra layers, and ensure your van is winter-ready.
Use park-and-ride options when visiting busy cities to avoid inner-city congestion.
Plan water and waste stops, as some campsite services close for winter.
However you choose to travel this winter, whether chasing festive lights, exploring snowy landscapes, or simply enjoying quiet roads, there’s something uniquely uplifting about a Christmas journey. With a little planning and some seasonal spirit, your road trip can become one of the year’s most memorable moments. Here’s to cosy stops, sparkling destinations, and a wonderful festive season ahead.
