The best winter festivals to experience in a motorhome

Winter is no reason to put away your campervan; in fact, it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of Europe's most magical winter festivals. From light festivals to Christmas markets and cultural events, there are plenty of options for unique experiences on the road. Express motorhomeWe know that the freedom of travelling by motorhome allows you to witness these spectacles from the front row. Here we share with you some of the best winter festivals to enjoy in a motorhome.

El Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) is an event that transforms the city into a stunning visual spectacle. For four nights in December, Lyon It is filled with artistic installations that illuminate its historic buildings, squares and streets, creating a magical atmosphere.

For those travelling by motorhome, Lyon offers a variety of parking options close to the centre, allowing you to enjoy the city on foot without any hassle. In addition, most of the campsites on the outskirts of Lyon are well connected to the centre. This festival is perfect for motorhome travellers, as they can tour the different lighting zones and rest comfortably without leaving the city.

Dates: 5 8 to the December

Where to spend the night: Lyon is a very large city, with different parking areas, although our advice is to opt for guarded places, such as the Camping Lyon, which is well connected by public transport to the different tourist spots in the town.

Another must is the Lantern Festival, which this year is celebrated in the French town of Céret, and which becomes an ephemeral domain dedicated to evasion and daydreaming.

This magical refuge opens its doors, inviting all dreamers to walk its paths, where the glow of more than 2.600 “Splendors of China” lanterns offers the public a luminous odyssey that will ignite their memories.

As soon as night falls, a luminous fairyland comes to life. A pearl of ancient Chinese tradition, the "Splendours of China" in Céret, in the Aubiry Castle Park, promises a delightful family moment.

This festival is not as well-known as the one in Lyon, which gives it a special charm for those looking to enjoy a more intimate and authentic event.

Dates: from November 15, 2024 to February 16, 2025.

Where to spend the night: Just 15 minutes walk from the centre of Céret, there is a overnight area. Be careful with vehicles over 7 meters because to get there you have to cross a bridge with a complicated turn! You also have the campsite Nogarede Forest, open from March 1 to December 31.

The city of Nancy, in the Lorraine region, celebrates the Saint Nicholas Day in honour of the patron saint of children and travellers, St Nicholas. This festival is particularly attractive for its parades, light projections on historic buildings and street performances. It takes place in early December and features a lively Christmas market where you can enjoy traditional regional delicacies.

El St. Nicholas weekend (6, 7 and 8 December) It is the most emblematic and magical moment of the festivities, with two days of free festivities open to everyone in the city: shows, parades, a Ferris wheel, food villages and craft markets, extraordinary creatures, events in museums, concerts, and not forgetting the long-awaited parade.

Nancy is a very accessible destination by motorhome from Spain, and the city offers several parking areas close to the centre. In addition, there are several campsites open in winter on the outskirts of the city. It is an excellent option for those looking for a festive and authentic atmosphere without having to travel long distances.

Dates: from November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025

Where to spend the night: Next to the Port, Nancy has a motorhome area with all services.

El Winter Glow It is a wonderful winter experience that takes place in the famous Belgian town of Witches, a winter festival full of fascinating experiences: from a light tour, ice skating with a unique decoration in the Minnewater Lake (the lake of love), a cozy winter bar, two Christmas markets, shopping fun during the numerous shopping days and a pleasant walking path through the historic center with its beautiful mood lighting and Christmas decorations.

Bruges is accessible from Spain and has parking areas and campsites suitable for motorhomes, especially on the outskirts of the city. This getaway offers the opportunity to enjoy both the festival and the medieval beauty of Bruges, creating a perfect combination for a motorhome adventure.

Dates: from November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025

Where to spend the night: Bruges has a motorhome area just a few minutes walk from the center, ideal to enjoy this winter experience.

Sinterklaas and St. Nicholas Day in Amsterdam is one of the most beloved Christmas traditions in the Netherlands. This festival includes parades, children's shows and a celebration where Saint Nicholas arrives by boat to the city, accompanied by his helpers. The streets of Amsterdam are filled with music and cultural events, making this city an excellent winter destination. By the way, for the Dutch, Saint Nicholas comes from Spain and arrives at the ports of the Netherlands on board a steamship, after which he rides a horse called Amerigo, accompanied by his pages, the Zwarte Pieten (the Black Peters).

Amsterdam offers several parking options for motorhomes on the outskirts of the city, with connections to the centre that allow you to enjoy the celebration without mobility problems. In addition, you can take the opportunity to explore the illuminated canals of the city and the Christmas atmosphere of its streets.

Date: 17 of November.

Where to spend the night: You can spend the night in the Camperpark Amsterdam, 15 minutes by public transport from the centre of Amsterdam. Please note that from 1 November to 1 April only self-driving vehicles are allowed to stay here as they do not offer all services.

In order to fully enjoy these events, we recommend that you follow some guidelines: tips:

• Winter Equipment: Make sure your motorhome is equipped with adequate heating. If you rent one of our vehicles, you won't have any problems, as they are all equipped with heating for a comfortable stay. You will also need to equip yourself with thermal clothing for the outdoors. Remember that festivals are usually outdoors, and the cold is a constant in these destinations.

• Parking and camping planning: We've given you options for overnight stays, but it's worth researching other parking options at each destination, as festivals can attract a lot of visitors and space can be limited. Reserve campsites when possible.

• explore the surroundings: These festivals are located in areas of high tourist interest, so traveling by motorhome allows you to easily explore the cities and their surroundings to maximize the experience.

With these festivals and tips, you will have the opportunity to experience winter in Europe in a completely different way. Express motorhome, we offer you the ideal motorhome to enjoy these events winter with total freedom and comfort. Let the winter adventure begin!