The holiday season is a magical time, filled with warmth, light, and a sense of connection. For those of us living in and managing homeowners associations, this season presents a golden opportunity. It’s a chance to move beyond covenants and maintenance requests and actively foster the “community” part of our community association. We believe that a neighborhood thrives when neighbors know each other, and there’s no better way to break the ice than a festive gathering.
But let’s be honest, coming up with fresh, engaging, and inclusive HOA event ideas can be a challenge, especially for busy board members. You want to host an HOA event that appeals to all ages, respects the neighborhood’s diverse traditions, and, frankly, doesn’t break the budget. As a company with deep roots in HOA property management across Texas and Colorado, we’ve seen firsthand what transforms a simple get-together into a cherished annual tradition.
We’re here to share some of our favorite HOA community event ideas that are proven to bring residents together and create lasting holiday memories.
Top HOA Community Event Ideas for the Holidays
Getting residents to mingle is the first step toward building a stronger, more connected community. The key is to offer a variety of events that appeal to different interests. Here are six standout ideas we’ve seen work wonders.
Association Friendsgiving | A New Tradition
Why wait for the big day? A “Friendsgiving” potluck in late November is the perfect, low-pressure way to gather. We find this works exceptionally well in communities with many new residents or those who may not be traveling to see family.
The concept is simple: the HOA provides the main courses, like a few roasted turkeys and hams, and sets up the clubhouse with tables and chairs. Residents sign up to bring their favorite side dish, dessert, or drink. It’s a fantastic way to share cultures and family recipes.
Imagine the community clubhouse buzzing with conversation as neighbors bond over green bean casserole and pecan pie. It’s casual, delicious, and powerfully effective at building bonds.
The Annual Holiday Decoration Contest | Sparking Friendly Competition
Nothing brightens up a neighborhood (literally) like a holiday decoration contest. This is one of the easiest HOA event ideas to organize and it encourages community-wide participation.
We recommend creating a few different categories to give everyone a chance to win. You could have:
- The “Clark Griswold” Award: For the most enthusiastic use of lights.
- Most Traditional: Celebrating classic, elegant designs.
- Best Themed: For the yard that tells a complete story.
- The Winter Wonderland: Best use of non-light decorations (wreaths, inflatables, etc.).
Judging can be done by the board, a special event committee, or even by popular vote via a simple online poll. Prizes don’t have to be extravagant; bragging rights, a small trophy, or a gift card to a local coffee shop are often more than enough to spark some friendly competition.
Polar Express Movie Night | Fun for All Ages
Gather the families for a cozy holiday movie night. If you’re in Texas, a mild December evening might even allow for an “outdoor cinema” experience in a park or common area with a projector. The clubhouse is usually the perfect indoor venue to host events.
Encourage kids to come in their pajamas and set up a “concession stand” with free popcorn, hot chocolate, and candy canes. Showing a beloved classic like “The Polar Express,” “Elf,” or “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” creates a shared experience for kids and a nostalgic break for adults.
Community Charity Drive | Giving Back Together
The holidays are also a time for gratitude and giving. Organizing a community-wide charity drive channels that spirit into collective action. This is one of the most impactful HOA community event ideas because it brings residents together for a cause greater than themselves.
We suggest partnering with a local organization. This could be a food bank in Austin, a children’s hospital in Denver, or a “Toys for Tots” collection point. Set up donation bins in the clubhouse or management office throughout the first few weeks of December. To make it more of an “event,” you can host a “Donation Day” finale with coffee and pastries for everyone who drops off an item.
Christmas Caroling | Old-Fashioned Cheer
This idea is pure, old-fashioned charm. It costs virtually nothing and is a wonderful way to actively move through the community. Gather a group of willing singers (all skill levels welcome!) at a central starting point.
Provide printed song sheets of classic carols and perhaps a few jingle bells for the kids. You can plan a route that passes by the homes of elderly or less-mobile residents, bringing the holiday cheer directly to their doorstep. We’ve seen this simple HOA event end at the clubhouse or a board member’s home for warm cider and cookies, capping off a perfect evening.
The Official Tree Lighting Ceremony | Kicking Off the Season
Create a cornerstone tradition by hosting an official tree-lighting ceremony. Designate a prominent spot in a common area for a large holiday tree. This event officially kicks off the holiday season for the entire neighborhood.
Invite everyone to gather on a specific evening. You can serve refreshments, play holiday music, and even invite a local school choir to perform. The main event is a simple countdown that ends with the tree bursting into light. It’s a moment of shared awe that residents will look forward to year after year. This type of event provides a strong sense of place and identity for the community.
Tips to Make Your HOA Event a Success
Having great HOA event ideas is the first step. Executing them successfully is what matters. A poorly planned event can cause more frustration than joy. Here are our top tips for a smooth and successful celebration.
Plan Early and Budget: Don’t wait until November. Start planning in late summer or early fall. This gives you time to book vendors (if needed), secure a location, and properly allocate funds.
Promote, Promote, Promote: Use every channel available. Send email blasts, post on the community’s private social media page, put up flyers in common areas, and include a large feature in the community newsletter.
Form a Committee: Your HOA board doesn’t have to do it all. Put out a call for volunteers to form a “Holiday Event Committee.” You’ll be surprised how many residents are eager to help plan a party.
Prioritize Inclusivity: Be mindful that your residents celebrate many different holidays. While “Christmas” events are popular, be certain to frame them with inclusive language. Focus on themes of “light,” “winter,” “community,” and “giving” that everyone can enjoy.
Review Your Liability: For any HOA event, it’s wise to check your community’s insurance policies. This is especially true if you’re serving alcohol or hosting an activity with physical risk.
How HOA Property Management Elevates Your Event
This is where planning meets professional execution. Board members are volunteers with their own jobs and families. The logistical burden of planning large-scale events can lead to burnout. This is a key area where professional HOA property management provides immense value.
Instead of just managing dues and violations, a great management partner actively helps build the community. We take the administrative load off your shoulders. This includes:
- Vendor Sourcing and Negotiation: We have established relationships with insured vendors, from caterers to equipment rental companies, and can often secure better pricing.
- Communication Management: We handle the promotion, sending professional email blasts, updating the community portal, and managing RSVPs.
- Budgeting and Financials: We can help you build a realistic event budget and manage expenses directly from the HOA’s funds, providing transparent reporting.
- Compliance and Logistics: We understand the “boring but important” stuff, like checking on permits for large gatherings or verifying vendor insurance.
Partnering with an HOA Property Management Company for Your Event
Partnering with a dedicated HOA property management company shifts the board’s role from doing to directing. Your volunteer time is valuable. Instead of spending it stuffing mailboxes with flyers or calling food trucks, you can focus on the big picture: greeting residents, building relationships, and actually enjoying the event yourself.
For us at Goodwin & Co., this is the best part of our job. Helping our Texas and Colorado HOA boards plan a tree lighting or a charity drive is how we help turn a simple subdivision into a true neighborhood.
Hosting an HOA event during the holidays is about so much more than just a party. It’s a strategic investment in the health of your community.
These gatherings build “social capital” — they strengthen the bonds between neighbors, foster a sense of belonging, and increase residents’ overall satisfaction with their community. When neighbors know and trust each other, they are more likely to look out for one another, participate in community governance, and take pride in their shared property.
We’ve shared several HOA event ideas, from simple contests to festive potlucks. The specific event you choose is less important than the act of bringing people together. By fostering these connections, you are reinforcing the very purpose of a homeowners association. And with the support of a professional HOA property management team, you can make it happen without placing the entire burden on your board.
This holiday season, we encourage you to try one of these ideas. Start a new tradition. You might be surprised at how a little hot chocolate and a few holiday lights can build a stronger, happier community.
Ready to take your community events and management to the next level? The right partner makes all the difference. Contact Goodwin & Co. today to learn how our dedicated HOA property management company can support your board and help you build a more connected and vibrant community in Texas or Colorado