A grey nomad festive season: Celebrating Christmas on the road

Christmas is a time for celebration and with Australia’s idyllic climate, it’s a great time of year to hit the road and explore the country.

Each year, thousands of grey nomads pack up their bags and head off on the road. Some like to escape the cold and head north, while others do the opposite in a bid to avoid scorching temperatures.

While it might be unlike the Christmases you’re used to, travelling with a caravan in tow over the festive season is still a time of love and cheer. Sure, there may be a little less space in the caravan than the family home, but that doesn’t mean you have to ditch your favourite Christmas things – they might just need a few tweaks this year.

Here’s how you can make your Christmas on the road feel like you’ve never left home.

Decorate the caravan

If you’ve always loved decorating your family home with Christmas lights, then you can keep the tradition going by setting some up on your caravan. Although you won’t be able to drive around with the connected, you can drape them around the caravan on Christmas Eve to spread some Christmas cheer.

You could even set up a small Christmas tree inside if you have the room and hang a few of your favourite baubles.

Check out local Christmas events

Most towns hold a Christmas event of some kind during the festive season. This could include a Christmas parade, carols, or a play in the town hall.

While it might not take place on Christmas Day, if you’re settling down in the community in the lead up to it, you’re sure to come across a festive event to attend. For more information, head to the local council’s website.

Attend a caravan park Christmas party

Big caravan parks sometimes host gatherings over the festive season for their guests with food, drinks and fun activities for people of all ages. If you’re travelling with the grandkids, they can enjoy things like bouncy castles and face painting, while you can have a drink or two with your fellow grey nomads.

Not every caravan park will have events on, so it’s best to check beforehand to avoid any disappointment.

Have a nice lunch out

After years cooking up a delicious feast and setting out the table perfectly for the whole family, why not leave the hard work to someone else this year and enjoy lunch or dinner out at a local restaurant or pub on Christmas Day.

Some venues will have set menus including an entree, main and dessert – and maybe a cheeky glass of champagne thrown in as well. Plus, once you’re finished eating you won’t have to worry about washing up and can simply head back to the caravan and relax.