December Resident Event Ideas for Busy Apartment Teams
The holidays can be extremely stressful. Calming, cozy events are exactly what residents need. Thoughtful community events are the ultimate way to pamper and communicate with residents. Wondering how you will find the time to add event planning to your hectic schedule? No worries. We are here for you.
Let's get this party started!
It's a Hard-Nog Life Happy Hour: Invite residents to stop by for some nog and conversation. Nog can also be offered as a grab 'n go.
Elf on the Shelf: Feature creative elf ideas on social. Hide your elf around the community and ask residents to find him and tag you on social. Ask residents to tag you with their elf ideas for a chance to win gift cards.
Jingle & Mingle or Jingle Ball: Host a holiday party with themed photo opps, gift giveaways, food and spirits.
Charcuterie & Cocktails: Ask residents to stop by for cocktails and a charcuterie board tutorial. Supply individual boards and ingredients that each residents can take home for their holiday get togethers.
Community Tree Lighting: Ask residents to stop by to celebrate the lighting of your community tree. Serve cookies, hot chocolate and cocktails. Make it extra special with an option to decorate cookies or to make an ornament that residents can place on the community tree or bring home.
Wrap It Up Gift Wrapping Station: Deck out a table with everything residents will need to wrap their holiday gifts. You can team this with a holiday card option as well.
Get Ugly Sweater Happy Hour: Encourage residents to stop by in their ugliest holiday creation. Share pics on your social accounts. Vote at the happy hour or ask residents to vote via social.
Santa's Toy Workshop: Part of the stress of the holidays often includes where to hide toys. Create a safe area where parents can store them. If you are able, parents will really appreciate assistance with assembling bikes and toy kitchens.
Cookie Decorating or Gingerbread House Decorating: This event can be a grab 'n go or in person option. Cookies can be shaped like dreidels, menorahs, stars, santas, reindeer, trees, etc. Premade kits can be purchased or you can purchase all the ingredients on your own. Recommended: graham crackers, assorted candies, gum drops, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, pretzel sticks, frosting, royal icing, and chocolate kisses.
Giving Back: Host Toy Drives, Nonperishable Food Collections, Pet Food Collections, Coat Drives, or Sock & Underwear Drives (these are two of the least donated items for those in need) .
Cocktails & Dogtails: Invite residents to a tail waggin' great time with seasonal cocktails, a dog bone bar and bone-tenders serving hound's hops or poochie prosecco.
Football & Chili Bar: If weather permits, combine a tailgating and outdoor viewing party. If you have a fire pit, light it up! You can also host a pet event, "tail wagging & tailgating."
Bonfires & S'mores: If your weather cooperates, this is a cozy and cost effective event. It can also be teamed with an outdoor movie. Use your social media account to ask residents vote for their favorite holiday movie.
Sip & Shop: Ask local vendors and crafters to create a pop up shop at your community. Include local bars by asking them to donate beverages. Serve wine, hard cider and beer for sipping, strolling and shopping.
Craft Workshops: There are so many great options! Tutorial ideas: Bath Bombs, Chunky Blanket Making, Wreath Making, Simmer Potpourri Kits, How to Create Centerpieces
Holiday Mixology: Teach how to make holiday faves (Hanukkah Hjerte, Vodka Gimlet, Hanukkah Gelt Martini, Hanukkah Julep, Eggnog, Mulled Wine, Holiday Mai Tai, Giddy Grinch Cocktail, Candy Cane Cocktail, Mistletoe Martini, Cranberry Kringle, Hot Toddy, Cranberry Mimosa, etc) or big batch cocktails for holiday get togethers.
Community Clubs: Connect your residents with a walking, book, video game or board game club. Kids love clubs too! Arrange a monthly movie club, a monthly birthday club, or board game club. For pet lovers, create a dog walking club or a regular yappy hour get together.
Guess How Many: Peppermint or Gelt filled candy jars with holiday giveaway.
Reindeer Run: Get a team together to participate in your city's annual run. Create special shirts or use your community merch.
Blind Date with a Book, Book Swap, or Community Lending Library: Every season is perfect for reading. This is a great resource for kids and adults. You can also give out gift cards to local book stores. They need our help now more than ever!
Murder Mystery Dinner Party: This is a fun way to get residents together. It can be held inside, outside or both. It can also be teamed with cocktails or food and a theme of your choosing.
Winter Scavenger Hunt: Hide community gnomes, holiday decorations or athletic team mascots. Ask residents to take their pic with them and tag you on social OR ask them to rescue it and bring it to your office.
I would love to show off your event photos! Please email them or tag us on Instagram. It's a pleasure to hear from you -- please call/text or email anytime you would like to brainstorm. If you are looking for completely custom DIY Gift Kits and promotional items, check out our full line of apartment products.
Thank you for dropping by!
Renee