Easy and Affordable Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in an RV

Published on December 10, 2025 at 5:20 PM

By MilTech RV – Mobile RV Repair & Inspection

Celebrating the holidays in an RV can be magical—cozy lights glowing against frosty windows, hot cocoa simmering, and the freedom to park your holiday celebration anywhere you choose. But RV life also means limited space, limited storage, and often limited budget. The good news? You don’t need a giant house or a giant holiday budget to make the season feel special.

Here are easy, affordable, space-saving ways to bring holiday cheer into your RV—without clutter, stress, or breaking the bank.

 

1. Keep Décor Simple, Compact, and Cozy

Small spaces shine with small touches. A few thoughtful decorations can transform your RV instantly.

Ideas:

  • Mini tabletop tree or a fabric “wall tree”

  • Battery-powered LED string lights

  • Window clings or suction-cup décor

  • A seasonal throw blanket or pillow cover

  • A wreath on your RV door

Pro tip:
Choose décor that stores flat or doubles as something useful (like blankets and pillow covers). Space is gold!


2. Create a Holiday Ambiance with Lighting

Nothing sets the holiday mood like warm lighting.

Try:

  • Remote-controlled LED fairy lights

  • Color-changing bulbs for your main light fixture

  • A small lantern or flickering LED candles

RV-friendly LED lights draw low power and add that festive glow without overwhelming tight spaces.


3. Celebrate with Food That Fits RV Kitchens

Holiday meals don’t have to be complicated—or require every pot you own.

RV-friendly holiday foods:

  • Crockpot ham or turkey breast

  • One-pan roasted veggies

  • Instant Pot mashed potatoes

  • Pre-made pies or cookie dough (small RV ovens love these!)

  • Hot cocoa bar with toppings

Tip: Cook outdoors if the weather allows. A Blackstone griddle or small grill can take the stress off your indoor kitchen.


4. Make New Memories with Simple Holiday Activities

Traditions don’t need to be big—they just need to be meaningful.

Try:

  • Outdoor firepit with marshmallows

  • Watching holiday movies under a warm blanket

  • A Christmas lights drive around local neighborhoods

  • Holiday puzzles or card games at the dinette

  • DIY ornaments made from campground finds

If you have kids or grandkids visiting, create a “holiday scavenger hunt” inside and around the RV.


5. Connect with Your Campground Community

Many campgrounds host events this time of year—perfect for meeting friends when you’re far from home.

Look for:

  • Potluck dinners

  • Decorated campsite contests

  • Cookie exchanges

  • Holiday craft activities

Participating can make you feel part of something larger—even if you're parked miles away from family.

6. Celebrate with Travel, Not Things

One of the greatest perks of RV life is that your holiday destination can be anywhere.

Consider:

  • Chasing warmer weather to a southern campground

  • Parking near family (your RV = instant guest suite!)

  • Visiting a Christmas market

  • Exploring a state park with winter views

Experiences last longer than stuff—and they take up zero storage space.


7. Keep Gift Giving Simple and Storage-Friendly

RV life means choosing gifts that don’t create clutter.

Some great RV-friendly ideas:

  • Digital gift cards

  • Experiences (tours, shows, campground nights)

  • Compact gadgets for RV living

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Small homemade treats

If you have kids, wrap gifts in hidden layers or create scavenger hunts—they’ll remember the adventure, not the size of the package.


8. Remember the Heart of the Holiday

Whether you're full-time, part-time, or weekend travelers, the holidays in an RV offer something special: time together, close quarters, shared meals, and scenery that changes with every destination.

Keep it simple. Keep it cozy. Celebrate the freedom of RV living—and the joy of making the holidays truly your own.


Want More RV Holiday Tips or Help Winterizing Before the Cold Hits?

MilTech RV provides certified, veteran-owned mobile RV service throughout the Des Moines area.

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