European Winter Festivals with a Difference – Book a memorable winter road trip with Yescapa

Discover Europe’s most exciting festivals this Winter with Yescapa, Europe’s leading peer-to-peer campervan and motorhome rental platform. Despite the cold weather, journey to some of the most vibrant and lively destinations on the continent. Foodies, ski lovers or music fans alike won’t be disappointed – there is something for every traveller this winter.

Check out the best festivals below, and how to travel to them with Yescapa:

The Rise Festival – Alps, France – 10 – 17 December 2022

An iconic event in the ski resort of Les Deux Alpes, this festival attracts international headliners from all over the world. Performing this year are drum & bass DJ Chase & Status, Sigma, and 70’s legend Sister Sledge. Known as the party on top of the world, there are dozens of live gigs and secret party invites to be had at what is truly a winter music festival not to be missed.

Book with Yescapa: Johan’s Volkswagen Campervan is a four-berth T6 California Coast 4 Motion, perfect for snow and mountain roads. It is fully equipped with a programmable stationary heater and insulation for sleeping upstairs, perfect for those chilly winter nights. Pick up from Grenoble train station (approx. a one-hour, 68 km drive to the festival). The cost for an eight-day hire is €702 / approx. £608, including insurance, assistance in case of accident or breakdown and mileage (100 km per day).

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Scotland – 29 December 2022 – 1 January 2023
The world’s greatest New Year celebrations, dating back to 1561 following Mary Queen of Scots’ return from France, take place all over Scotland, but Edinburgh really puts on a great show! The festival is attended annually by a large number of visitors from all across the globe, with the coolest concerts from much-loved pop bands such as the Pet Shop Boys, street parties galore and a spectacular New Year’s firework display.

Book with Yescapa: Scott’s Adventure Camper is a two-berth VW Adventure T6 highline camper finished to the highest standards, with space and comfort firmly in mind. A fully-fitted designer kitchen, with fridge and freezer, gas hob and sink, means you can sit back and relax to the sizzle of bacon and eggs for breakfast… Pick up from Edinburgh Airport or Edinburgh train station. The cost for a four-day hire is £480, including breakdown cover, two insured drivers, cancellation insurance and mileage (100km per day).

Amsterdam Light Festival, The Netherlands – 2 December 2022 – 23 January 2023
The vibrant city of Amsterdam lights up during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Watch as the streets come to life with national and international light artists showcasing their work throughout the city centre. To see the festival at its best follow suggested routes on boats, bikes, or on foot, and make your own way through some spectacular installations.

Book with Yescapa: Emma’s Converted Van is a sleek, newly-renovated two-berth Peugeot Boxer L2H2 – truly a faithful travel companion. This fully-equipped van features a kitchenette and living area, well insulated with sprayed cork and recycled cotton wool to help keep the heat inside the vehicle. Pick up can be arranged anywhere in Amsterdam. The cost for a five-day hire is €543 / approx. £470 including insurance, assistance in case of accident or breakdown, two insured drivers and mileage (100 km per day).

Venice Carnival, Italy – 4 – 21 February 2023

Venice Carnival is one of the most celebrated winter festivals in Europe. The grand fair is held annually in this uniquely stunning city. There are many free events held over two weeks; you will be exhilarated by the different fun competitions and excellent performances on the street. The highlights of the festival include ice skating, a Venetian mask market, grand masquerade balls, concerts and more.

Book with Yescapa: Alberto’s Coachbuilt Motorhome is a 2007 six-berth Auto Roller model Granduca10, featuring a bike rack (3 seats), bathroom with separate shower, large double bed in the attic and a bunk bed. Perfect for a couples getaway. Pick up in Venice (approx. a 10 min drive, 6 km, from Venice city centre). The cost for a seven-day hire is €757 / approx. £660 including assistance in case of accident or breakdown, two insured drivers, cancellation insurance and mileage (100 km per day).

Fête du Citron, Menton, France – 11 – 26 February 2023
Easy peasy lemon squeezy – Fête du Citron is a unique lemon festival celebrated every February in Menton. The exciting festival includes exhibitions and parades featuring stupendous citrus fruit creations. Perhaps a festival of lemons doesn’t initially sound exciting, but it must be witnessed to uncover what makes it so special. Drawing many visitors every year, explore and discover unforgettable sights and smells with a new zest for life…!

Book with Yescapa: Emilie’s Converted Van is a comfortable and easy-to handle four-berth Adria Twin 600 Spb Family, featuring double bunk beds, bathroom and kitchenette space. Pick up near La Vernea (approx. a 40 min -or 37 km – drive to the festival). The cost for a five-day hire is €569 / approx. £490, including assistance in case of accident or breakdown, two insured drivers, cancellation insurance and milage (100 km per day).

Jorvik Viking Festival, York, England – 20 – 27 February 2023

Immerse yourself in the gruesome world of the Vikings as the city of York celebrates its Norse past. When the Vikings ruled York – 1,000 years ago – they traditionally held a great festival of celebration called ‘Jolablot’. This was their way of marking the end of winter and the coming of spring. The Jorvik Viking Festival, the modern-day equivalent, welcomes visitors to try their luck in live battle re-enactments, performances, and even leg wrestling! But, if that sounds a little too hands-on, other highlights include the best beard competition and exquisite Viking goods at the 10th Century Traders stalls.

Book with Yescapa: Maggie, a classic 1979 VW with a modern twist is the latest evolution in campervans. This beautiful vintage vehicle, powered by batteries and a Tesla Motor, is a four-berth van equipped with a fridge and freezer and automatic driving, making your trip a breeze. Pick up from Great Ouseburn (approx. a 30 min, or 25 km, drive to York). The cost for a seven-day hire is £728, including insurance and mileage (200 km per day).

To book, or for more information on Yescapa, visit www.yescapa.co.uk.