Celebrating any holiday on the road is a unique adventure. It allows you to combine the freedom of RV travel with the warmth of holiday traditions. Clark Griswold would tell us that a big part of the challenge is morale. You gotta decorate your RV to keep things festive as you ho-ho-ho down the road in a smaller space. But with the right decorations and a little creativity, trust me: You can create an inviting, festive atmosphere to make your home-on-wheels feel just like home.
Here are five must-haves to decorate your RV for Christmas — and a bonus section for cozy holiday activities!
1. Keep a Christmas Tree in Play
A full-sized Christmas tree may be out of the question, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip the tradition. Miniature tabletop trees are perfect for RVs — whether artificial or real, prelit, or with music. Alternatively, a wall-mounted tree made from lights, garland, or fabric provides a festive focal point while saving floor space.
Why You Need It: A Christmas tree is symbolic of the season and adds a sense of tradition, even in the limited space of an RV. A smaller version, like a tabletop tree, allows you to enjoy decorating without clutter. Wall-mounted trees can be creatively customized, doubling as holiday décor and a family project.
Pro Tip: To prevent your tree from toppling during travel, secure it using adhesive Velcro or command strips. If you opt for a real mini tree, use a spill-proof tree base to avoid messes when driving between destinations.
2. Deck the Cabin with String Lights
String lights are a holiday essential that bring warmth and ambiance inside and outside your RV. Battery-operated or solar-powered lights are ideal to decorate your RV since they reduce reliance on power hookups, making them perfect for boondocking or dry camping.
Why You Need It: String lights transform even the smallest spaces, adding a twinkling glow to your holiday setup. You can hang them along cabinets, slide-outs, awnings, or even wrap them around outdoor trees and furniture to create an inviting campsite.
Pro Tip: Choose warm white or multi-colored lights for a cozy look. If space is tight, try LED fairy lights — they’re lightweight, don’t tangle easily, and last longer. Secure the lights using removable adhesive hooks to avoid damage to walls or cabinets. These can also be a multi-season addition to your RV life, because string lights are great and convenient all year round.
3. Get Festive with Pillows and Blankets
Swapping out your everyday sheets/covers and pillow cases is easy and fun. It also instantly changes the look and feel of your RV. Use pillows with reindeer, snowflakes, or Santa motifs, and pair them with cozy holiday blankets to create a warm space.
Why You Need It: Pillows and blankets are easy to store and can significantly enhance the festive vibe without overcrowding your space. When temperatures drop, wrapping yourself in a soft Christmas throw can make movie nights or morning coffee in the RV even more enjoyable.
Pro Tip: Instead of purchasing bulky pillows, buy pillow covers with festive designs. These covers fold flat for storage and are easily swapped out for each season, keeping your RV organized and clutter-free. Adding fun themes like the Grinch or your favorite holiday movie is a great conversation starter when friends or family come to visit.
4. Make Scent a Part of the Experience
Personally, the smell of a Christmas tree during the season is the perfect mood setter. t always makes me smile. But, since space is at a premium and bringing an actual tree in your rig is a little tough, a pine scent from one of these small additions can really bump up the holiday cheer and feel. If pine isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options like cinnamon or baked cookies.
Why You Need It: In a small space, scents can have a big impact. A well-placed diffuser with essential oils or a wax warmer with holiday-themed scents instantly creates a cozy, holiday ambiance without overwhelming the space.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about open flames, opt for battery-operated candles that flicker like real ones. Some even come with built-in timers, so you don’t have to worry about turning them off before bed. They also save your house batteries.
5. Add Decals — and Garlands — Inside and Out
Window decals, garland, and other lightweight decorations are perfect for RVs. They don’t require much space and can easily be applied to walls, windows, or furniture. Garland draped over windows or around the door adds a touch of greenery without the hassle of a full wreath or tree.
Why You Need It: These small touches tie the whole festive theme together. Decals are easy to apply and remove without damage, while garland and ribbons bring in traditional holiday textures. Plus, lightweight decorations won’t add unnecessary weight to your RV—a crucial consideration for travelers.
Pro Tip: Use artificial garland to avoid messes and keep it compact when storing. Window decals are reusable year after year, making them a practical and festive solution for RV decorating.
Bonus: Cozy Holiday Activities to Enjoy on the Road
Let’s be honest: Decorating is just the beginning. Christmas on the road is all about experiences. Here are a few festive activities to make your holiday RV stay even more special.
- Holiday Movie Marathon. Set up your RV’s TV or projector for a night of classic Christmas films. Grab hot cocoa, popcorn, and some cozy blankets to complete the experience. Then argue about how Die Hard is or isn’t a Christmas movie.
- Gingerbread House Building. Use a small gingerbread kit to build your holiday masterpiece. It’s a fun activity that doubles as temporary décor and a tasty treat.
- Campfire Gatherings. If your campground allows campfires, invite fellow RVers for s’mores, stories, and maybe even a Christmas carol singalong — although, if your singing is like mine, then it may be more of a scary Halloween moment.
- Christmas Eve Countdown. Hang a simple advent calendar with chocolates or small surprises to enjoy each day leading up to Christmas.
- Recycle & Craft. Whether online or at a store, if you buy something that comes in a box, then a fun activity for the family is using those boxes to wrap like a chimney for Santa to make his way into your RV. Here is a quick video for inspiration.
Pro Tip: Stream your favorite Christmas playlist or audiobook through your RV’s sound system to fill your home-on-wheels with holiday cheer. If traveling with kids, consider setting up a “Santa Tracker” to keep the magic alive on Christmas Eve.
Decorate Your RV in a Way That Inspires Warmth
Decorating your RV for Christmas is about more than just decorations — it’s about creating an experience that feels like home, even when you’re on the road. With thoughtful touches like miniature trees, string lights, festive blankets, and cozy activities, you can embrace the holiday spirit no matter where your travels take you. Because, in truth, the holidays are more about who you spend them with and the fun you have, than the house — or RV — you have them in.
The best part? If you decorate your RV with these small touches, they help create a space where you can make and enjoy your own traditions. And that in itself will bring comfort and joy, ensuring that your holiday season is both memorable and magical. Safe travels and happy holidays! 🎄
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