Tis the season for your homeowners' association (HOA) to engage and connect with residents, forging lasting bonds within the community. To kick things off, we've lined up 12 HOA holiday celebration tips and ideas that are bound to bring good tidings and joy to your neighborhood during this festive time.

How to spread the holiday spirit in HOAs

From hanging decorations to hosting parties, follow these tips to inspire your community celebrations:  

Form a dedicated committee

Many boards have committees of volunteers to shoulder some of their workload so they can focus on more pressing matters. Board members are encouraged to establish a social or dedicated holiday planning committee to take tasks off their plate at year’s end. If your HOA doesn’t have a specific social committee, consider forming one so holiday decorations, activities, and parties don’t fall to the back burner.  

Get into the competitive spirit

Who doesn’t like healthy competition? Residents looking for something different will love participating in age-appropriate competitive activities. Organize a decoration competition for adults, focusing on outdoor spaces like porches. For the younger ones, host activities like gingerbread house and cookie decorating contests. Announce the winners at another holiday gathering or in a community newsletter, expressing gratitude for their involvement.

Give back to others

During the holiday season, many find joy in giving back. Be proactive and give residents an opportunity to donate their time or funds to a meaningful cause. Consider creating a canned food drive or coordinating activities where volunteers assemble backpacks or emergency kits for a local shelter or non-profit.

Host holiday events

Organizing holiday events within your community promotes a sense of togetherness among residents. These gatherings offer a chance for neighbors to connect and build stronger ties during the most wonderful time of the year. Keep reading for some fun event ideas!

8 holiday community event ideas for your HOA

Transform your neighborhood into a festive hub of holiday cheer with these eight event ideas. From gift exchanges and dazzling light displays to a kids’ workshop, these creative suggestions will not only bring residents together but also make this holiday season unforgettable.

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Community potluck

Host a community potluck for residents to showcase their favorite holiday dishes. This brings diverse flavors to the table and provides an ideal opportunity for neighbors to mingle and share culinary traditions. You can do this by:  

• Choosing a place, date, and time.  
• Sending out an RSVP with a food sign-up sheet via your trusted community management app, like TownSq.  
• Planning entertainment and icebreaker games.
• Asking residents to volunteer and help with preparation, setup, and decorations.

Gift exchange

Organize a gift exchange event in your HOA's clubhouse or another communal space. Set a price limit and use the community newsletter to make the announcement and invite participants to sign up. This simple and fun get-together nurtures community and solidarity within your HOA.

Best holiday lights

No holiday season is complete without festive decorations. Boost your community’s spirit with a Christmas lights competition and encourage residents to decorate their homes creatively. Spice things up by categorizing winners for "Most Festive," "Best Theme," or "Most Energy-Efficient Display."  

Holiday workshop for kids

Host a magical workshop for children to engage in holiday crafts and ornament-making. This event, suitable for everyone, unites residents and spreads happiness to the youngest members. Consider organizing craft stations with easy-to-follow instructions where each child can express their creativity.

Gingerbread house decorating contest

For a delightful family-friendly activity, a gingerbread house decorating event is a great choice. Offer all the necessary supplies, including icing and gumdrops, and prep decoration kits for each participant. Share pictures in your community app and ask residents to vote for their favorites.  

Ornament swap

Invite community members to show off their artsy side by crafting unique ornaments for an ornament exchange. You can coordinate a workshop with a local artisan and conduct an exchange with a prize for the best design.

Winter wonderland movie night

Transform a common area into a cozy outdoor cinema for a winter-themed movie night. Provide blankets and hot cocoa and play classic holiday films that residents can watch under the stars. Some family-friendly movies include:  

• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• Home Alone  
• The Santa Clause
• A Boy Called Christmas
• Jingle All the Way
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas

New Year’s block party

Ring in the New Year with a festive block party, complete with food, music, dancing, and a countdown to midnight. This is the perfect chance for people to unwind from holiday stress and enjoy entertainment. Connect with a nearby school or club to inquire about the availability of a choir, ensemble, or handbell group that can come and perform.

Keep everyone in the holiday loop with TownSq

From establishing a festive committee to hosting competitions and ornament swaps, the possibilities are endless when it comes to your end-of-the-year community celebrations. And to make the entire planning and communication process a breeze, use smart HOA software like TownSq—the leading community management app for board members, residents, and community managers. Try it today with our 30-day free trial!