End-of-the-year activities make a wonderful opportunity to engage with your residents while encouraging retention at the same time. Here are some winter resident events that are budget friendly and loads of fun. Make sure to tag your community when posting to social media!

Refreshment

Hot chocolate bar

Why not offer your residents a sweet treat when they come in from the cold? Set up hot chocolate stations and include an array of tasty mix-ins — marshmallows, flavored syrups, candies — with peppermint sticks for stirring and whip cream to top it off. Don’t forget the cookies!

Soup night

Nothing makes you feel all cozy inside like hot, delicious soup. Offer several different kinds and serve them up in small cups so your residents can try a little of everything. Crackers or breadsticks make a great accompaniment.

Bonfire with s’mores

Residents can warm themselves by a roaring fire and toast marshmallows for this classic treat. Show the kids all the fixings and the adults will be close behind.

Entertainment

Outdoor movie night

It might be getting colder, but it’s also fun to bundle up and hunker down on the lawn to enjoy a family-friendly movie. Spread out the blankets and set up a popcorn station — light up the outdoor fire pits or heat lamps if it’s colder than usual — then settle in under the stars.

Game night

Whether you set up a single activity with resident teams or individual gaming tables where smaller groups can play, game night is a relaxing way for people to meet and enjoy a laugh. Have plenty of games, cards, dice, score pads and pencils on hand, and invite residents to bring their favorites as well.

Tailgate party

Not everyone can score tickets to the game, but it’s much easier to make it to your tailgate party. Set up in a designated area, rent a screen and projector, then get to grillin’ and chillin’.

Photo booth

On its own or part of a bigger event, a photo booth is a unique way to give residents a thoughtful keepsake. Go with seasonal backdrops for a family or pet portrait, or offer a serene setting for residents who’d like a more professional photo.

Skill sharing

Swap it

A swap event is a great way to help residents refresh their stash of whatever they’re into (but might have too much of). Plants, books, gadgets, toys, tools — anything is swappable! First gauge interest in a swap: Post your idea on your social media platforms, or email residents asking them what items they’d most like to trade. Then establish a date, time, place and some rules (for example, all plants must be pest-free, all tools must be functioning, etc.).

Fitness class

Cold weather triggers hibernation in people too, and offering a fitness class is an ideal way to keep the blood flowing. A session of yoga, Zumba, tai chi or even simple stretching can give residents a fun and healthy way to stave off the winter lethargy.

Craft studio

Setting up craft time is one way to get your residents to explore a new hobby while mingling with their neighbors. Paints, brushes and canvases are all you need to encourage their creativity. Be sure to snap a photo and post it to social media, tagging your community.

Card party

It’s always nice to get something in snail mail other than a bill, so why not give your residents the opportunity to reach out the analog way? Set up a few tables as writing stations with boxed cards (or craft supplies to make their own!), colored pens, and postage stamps, then put on some music while residents take a load off and write their greetings to family and friends.

Giving back

Lend a hand

Work with a local charity to find out what they need most to help those in need. Set up a giving tree, coat drive or food drive that your residents can participate in, and invite them to help you deliver their donations to the charity.

Day of doing

Any time is a good time to give back to your community, but colder weather can highlight a greater need for hands-on help with a project. Check with local charitable organizations to find out when and where they need volunteers and how you and your residents can pitch in.