Words by Jan Lee
Winter may be right around the corner, but that doesn't mean that the RV season is necessarily over. For an increasing number of RVers, December and January have become the perfect time to head out of town.
Even though winter road conditions can require a bit more preparation for the RV owner, that warmer destination is generally worth the blustery weather you may encounter along the way. Milder temps, sunnier skies, and stunning winter vistas are the reward for a December RV trip.
Of course, for some travelers, heading south (or west, as the case may be) isn't just about escaping the Canadian winter scene. Experiencing the beauty of the Grand Canyon after a gentle snowfall, reveling in the beauty of holiday festivities or enjoying the warmth of a Canadian city that builds community into its many holiday festivities, are legitimate reasons for traveling at this time of the year.
Below are four winter destinations that have not only stood the test of a Canadian RV trip, but offer special events for the holiday season. Some destinations are best known for their Christmas displays, parades, and dinners, while others stand out for their natural wintertime beauty.
It's also worth noting that most of these destinations offer special events for Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which coincides with Christmas this year (Dec. 22-30). Almost all destinations feature a menorah-lighting festival, with free children's festivities, games, and events.
Planning your trip
It’s always best to book your preferred site(s) as early as possible, but this is particularly true during the Christmas-New Year’s season. Nothing draws crowds to winter destinations like mild weather.
Keep in mind that some beachfront sites have size limitations, so be sure to specify the dimensions of your rig when inquiring.
You'll also want to bring along some warm clothes, no matter your climate of choice. The description, "warm weather" is a relative term, even in Southern California and the Florida Panhandle, where evening temperatures can drop quickly.
Newport Beach, California
What's a more iconic destination for Christmas than Newport Beach on California's warm southern coast? For many sunny weather enthusiasts, Newport Beach is often the go-to place for Christmas and New Year's festivities. Its holiday boat parade, which takes place just before Christmas (for 2019 it's December 18-22) is renown not only for its beauty and pageantry but for its harbour cruises. Visitors can reserve a spot on one of several cruise boats that make the parade tour each year. It's a great way to get an up-close view of the decked-out boats, houseboats, and ships.
Newport is also close to Disneyland, a 30-minute drive northeast of the city centre. Other attractions include the many California state parks, with thousands of acres of coastal hiking trails, fishing, and camping locations.
For those who celebrate Chanukah, Newport Beach's Fashion Island Mall features a grand menorah lighting that is hosted by the Chabad Centre for Jewish Life. Last year's event included face painting, dreidels and donuts, and other children's activities. (Check the sidebar for contact information.)
That said, finding an RV site in Newport Beach that is available the entire two-week holiday period can be challenging, especially for last-minute bookings. If you intend to see Southern California's many attractions and aren't opposed to booking multiple short-term stays, it may be easier to book a site near the beach for a shorter period.
Check out Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, Sunset Vista RV Park and other contacts at the bottom.
fortherock
Newport Beach’s Festival of Lights is world famous.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Just about everyone plans to see the Grand Canyon at some time in their lives. If the prospect of viewing North America's second-most popular national park during sweltering summer heat has kept you away, rest assured: December and January temperatures at the South Rim are a breeze: generally between -6 C/20 F to 15 C/60 F, and dry. Daytime temperatures tend to warm up quickly.
Of course, those chilly temperatures also mean more likelihood of snow. The average elevation of most lookouts is about 2,134 m (7,000 f) above sea level, just high enough for a light blanket of dry snow in the winter.
The Canyon's top attraction during the winter (apart from awe-inspiring views and great hikes) is the Polar Express Train, which is a 30-minute ride to the North Pole from Williams, AZ (about an hour's drive from the South Rim). In this case, the experience is the train ride, not the destination, and most kids would enthusiastically agree. It features Santa visits, games, stories, songs, and plenty of hot chocolate to go around.
There are no public Chanukah celebrations at the South Rim, but that doesn't mean families can't enjoy a unique holiday celebration atop this majestic paradise.
RV parks abound both at the South Rim and Williams, where the train departs. The park’s Trailer Village RV Park offers full hookups for about $50 a night. Private sites, located in and around the South Rim and Williams, such as the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, are often popular.
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Grand Canyon National Park
The vista from South Rim is spectacular in winter.
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Grand Canyon National Park
The vista from South Rim is spectacular in winter.
Emerald Coast, Florida
Palm trees, sweeping vistas of sand and ocean as far as the eye can see – it may not seem like the usual Christmas vista, but what could be better than warm sunny days and not having to wear your parka on the beach?
The Florida Panhandle, which hugs the northern tip of the Gulf of Mexico, features an array of RV-friendly destinations. The city of Destin lies at the centre of a land spit and commands remarkable views of the ocean. Miramar Beach and Pensacola Beach are also favourite locations for RVers.
The Gulf's water temperatures are a little chilly at this time of year (around 15.5 C/60 F), but fishing, golfing, and nature viewing are repeat attractions. So are Destin's Christmas street parade, boat parade, and the New Year Eve's street party.
The city's Chanukah celebration is special, as well. Last year's menorah lighting included a chocolate gelt drop, donuts, potato pancakes, and live music. It is hosted annually at Harbour Walk Village and is open to visitors.
RV parks are scattered up and down the coast. Henderson Beach State Park and Destin West RV Park put you close to beach activities. Geronimo RV Park and other parks are a short drive from holiday activities.
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Emerald Coast CVB
Moderate sunny weather is a holiday favourite in Destin.
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Emerald Coast CVB
Moderate sunny weather is a holiday favourite in Destin.
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, on Vancouver Island, is famous for its dozen or more holiday events. Festive attractions include the Royal BC Museum’s Christmas in Old Town and Butchart Gardens’ elaborate Christmas displays.
Even though the city is on the coast, Victoria generally gets far less precipitation in December than Vancouver.
Chanukah celebrations also figure large in Victoria, where the holiday menorah continues to be lit in front of the BC Legislature each December. See our contact list for further information.
RV parks are scattered around Vancouver Island's southeast corner, with good access to Victoria attractions. Salish Seaside RV Haven, in West and Fort Victoria RV Park, set on a historic remnant of BC history, garner repeat visits.
Tom Westley, manager of Salish Seaside RV Haven says the park often has room for latecomers around Christmas and New Year's Eve. RVers should still call ahead. Available spaces for the Christmas period are currently limited to rigs 9 m (30 ft) in length or shorter.
Be sure to check their website for a list of can’t-miss holiday events in and around Victoria.
Wherever your travels take you this holiday season, may they be festive, bright and full of unforgettable opportunities.
Brian Burger/Flickr
There are more than a dozen holiday events and attractions to visit in Victoria.
See listings below for events and accommodation information.
For Jewish Menorah Lighting times and locations, please click on here and select the desired city from the pull-down list.
Newport Beach, CA
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Sunset Vista RV Park (Huntington Beach City RV Park)
Grand Canyon, AZ
Emerald Coast, FL
Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
Geronimo RV Resort, Miramar Beach
Victoria, BC