The winter months often present unique challenges for vanlife enthusiasts, but they also offer some of the most magical experiences on the road. As we approach the end of another incredible year of adventures, we’re thrilled to invite you to something truly special that we’ve been planning for months: our Van Club Christmas rally.
Our Christmas Party Rally at Redcar Racecourse promises to be the perfect send-off for 2024, combining everything we love about the vanlife community with the warmth and wonder of the festive season. This isn’t just another weekend gathering – it’s our chance to celebrate the friendships we’ve built, the journeys we’ve shared, and the memories we’ve created together throughout the year, culminating in our exciting van club christmas event.
Why We Host Winter Rallies
Many van clubs pack up when the temperatures drop, but we believe some of the best adventures happen when others retreat indoors. Winter rallies offer a completely different atmosphere from our summer gatherings. There’s something incredibly special about seeing vans twinkling with fairy lights against the crisp winter sky, hearing laughter carry further in the cold air, and gathering around warming tents to share stories of the year’s adventures.
We’ve found that our winter events create particularly strong bonds within our community. Perhaps it’s the cosy atmosphere, the shared experience of braving the elements together, or simply the festive spirit that brings out the best in everyone. Whatever the reason, our Christmas rallies consistently rank among our members’ favourite events of the year.
What Makes This Rally Special
A Visit from Santa We’ve arranged for a very special guest to join us at Redcar Racecourse. Santa will be making his rounds throughout the weekend, bringing smiles to children and adults alike. We’ve seen grown vanlifers get just as excited as the little ones when that familiar ho-ho-ho echoes across the site!
Festive Live Music Nothing captures the Christmas spirit quite like live music, and we’ve lined up fantastic entertainment for the weekend. From classic Christmas carols that’ll have everyone singing along to upbeat festive favourites perfect for dancing, our musical programme will keep the celebration alive throughout the rally.
Christmas Games and Best Decorated Van Competition We love seeing our members’ creativity shine, and this competition never fails to amaze us. Whether you’ve gone all-out with a full light display or kept it simple with tasteful decorations, we celebrate every effort. The prizes are fantastic, but honestly, the real reward is seeing the joy on people’s faces as they walk around admiring each other’s handiwork.
Traditional Christmas Lunch One of our favourite moments at any rally is when we all gather for a meal. There’s something wonderful about sharing traditional Christmas lunch with fellow adventurers who’ve become like family. We’ll be providing a delicious seasonal feast that brings everyone together around communal tables.
Fancy Dress Fun We encourage everyone to embrace the festive spirit with their outfit choices. From Christmas jumpers to full Santa costumes, the more creative, the better! It’s amazing how a silly hat or festive outfit can break the ice and start conversations that lead to lasting friendships.
Beyond the Scheduled Activities
What we love most about our rallies is how they develop organically beyond our planned programme. We’re hosting a community potluck where everyone can bring their favourite festive dish to share. This tradition has introduced us to some incredible family recipes and cultural celebrations from across our diverse membership.
Our hot chocolate station will be running throughout the weekend, complete with all the toppings you could want. There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug while chatting with new friends under the winter stars.
We’re also excited about our charity raffle this year. All proceeds go directly to local charities supporting those in need during the festive season. It’s our way of giving back to the communities that welcome us throughout our travels, and the prizes include vouchers for local attractions, van accessories, and gift baskets filled with goodies.
Practical Winter Rally Tips
Heating and Comfort Our warming tent will be equipped with heaters and serves as a central gathering point throughout the weekend. We’ll also be hosting workshops on van maintenance, DIY festive decorations, and winter travel safety. These sessions are invaluable for sharing practical knowledge within our community.
Site Facilities Redcar Racecourse provides excellent hardstanding pitches, which are particularly important during winter months. We have fresh water access, grey waste disposal, Elsan points, and toilet facilities on-site. The hardstanding ensures everyone can enjoy the weekend regardless of weather conditions.
Photography Opportunities We’re running a photography contest throughout the rally, encouraging everyone to capture their favourite moments. Whether it’s your beautifully decorated van, candid shots of friends enjoying the festivities, or scenic views of the racecourse, we want to see your perspective on the weekend.
Building Community Through Shared Experiences
What sets our Christmas Party Rally apart is the sense of community it creates. We’ve designed activities for all ages, from children’s arts and crafts sessions to evening entertainment for adults. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or solo, you’ll find your place within our welcoming community.
We’ve noticed that our December rallies often mark the beginning of travel partnerships for the following year. People meet, share their planned routes, and end up exploring together throughout the next season. It’s beautiful to see how these connections form and strengthen over a weekend of shared festivities.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Weekend
As a non-profit organisation, every penny you spend with us goes directly back into creating better experiences for our community. When you book your spot at The Van Club’s Christmas Party Rally, you’re not just securing a pitch – you’re investing in the continued growth and improvement of our shared adventures.
The rally runs from November 28-30, 2025, at Redcar Racecourse on Redcar Lane. Spaces are limited, and our Christmas events typically sell out quickly. We offer flexible payment options, including a deposit system where our 10% discount applies to the full booking amount.
This Christmas rally represents everything we stand for: accessible adventures, genuine community spirit, and the belief that the best journeys are the ones we take together. We can’t wait to raise a glass with you, share stories of the year’s adventures, and start planning new ones for 2025.
Come and experience Christmas with a vanlife twist, surrounded by people who understand that home isn’t a place – it’s the community you build along the way.