The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the irresistible urge to deck the halls, pour the eggnog, and host a Christmas bash that’ll go down in holiday history. But if you live in an apartment, your neighbours are probably just a few thin walls away—and they’re unlikely to appreciate a celebration that feels more like a rock concert. Fear not! With a little planning and some thoughtful etiquette, you can have a holly, jolly Christmas party without any complaints slipping under your door.
Set the Stage (and the Time)
Timing is everything. Plan your party for a reasonable hour, such as an early evening start, and aim to wrap things up by 10 or 11 PM. Let your guests know ahead of time when the festivities will wind down so they don’t feel like Scrooge showed up at midnight to kick them out.
A quick heads-up to your neighbours can also work wonders. Pop by with a festive treat and let them know about your plans. Bonus points for inviting them! People are much less likely to complain about noise if they’re clinking glasses alongside you.
Keep the Volume Festive, Not Frightful
Sure, Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is a classic, but cranking it up to nightclub levels? Not so much. Keep your music at a volume that fills your apartment without spilling over into your neighbours’.
If you’re worried about noise carrying, consider creating a party playlist with calmer holiday tunes or opt for a Bluetooth speaker over a heavy-duty sound system. Pro tip: Put your speaker on a soft surface like a rug to dampen the sound.
Control the Crowd
Space is usually at a premium in apartment living, so don’t try to cram your entire contact list into your lounge room. A smaller, more intimate guest list ensures everyone has room to mingle comfortably and prevents the noise (and chaos) that a larger crowd might bring.
Encourage guests to use their "inside voices" (as much as a party allows) and remind them that sound travels easily through apartment walls and ceilings.
Mind the Balcony
If you have a balcony, it’s tempting to let it double as your party annex. Just remember that sound carries even more outside, and your upstairs, downstairs, and next-door neighbours will all be in on the conversation. Keep the balcony chats short and sweet, and ask smokers to be mindful of smoke wafting into nearby apartments. If there are by-laws in place for no smoking, be sure to let your guests know.
Manage Foot Traffic
A steady stream of guests arriving and leaving can be disruptive in shared hallways. Ask party-goers to arrive quietly and avoid congregating outside your front door. If you’re expecting deliveries or friends who haven’t been to your place before, consider texting them clear instructions ahead of time to avoid repeated doorbell rings.
Tidy as You Go
Nobody likes waking up to Christmas chaos, especially in shared spaces. If your party spills into common areas like hallways or stairwells, make sure they’re left spotless before your neighbours start their morning routines. Pro tip: double bag rubbish bags to avoid spillage.
Make It Worth Their While
What’s the best way to prevent neighbourly complaints? Get them on your side! Deliver festive cookies, invite them to toast with you, or leave a thoughtful "thank you for your understanding" note after the event. Goodwill goes a long way, and who knows—they might return the favour next time they throw a bash.
Have a Plan for the Kids
If your party includes little ones, consider how to keep them entertained without adding to the noise. Setting up a quiet movie corner or Christmas crafts station can keep them occupied and prevent tiny feet from running wild through your apartment.
Lean into Apartment-Friendly Fun
Not all parties have to be loud. Opt for fun but quieter activities like Christmas trivia, Secret Santa gift exchanges, or decorating gingerbread houses. These still keep the festive spirit alive without turning your apartment into a dance floor.
Know When to Call It a Night
The best parties don’t drag on for hours past their prime. Respect your neighbours’ need for peace and quiet by wrapping things up on time. A graceful exit leaves everyone with warm, fuzzy holiday vibes—not lingering frustration.
Hosting a Christmas party in an apartment doesn’t have to be a balancing act between fun and frustration. With a little planning, thoughtful communication, and festive creativity, you can celebrate in style without earning a spot on your neighbours’ naughty list.
When it comes to ensuring community harmony, Compass Strata is your go-to expert. With years of experience managing community living, we understand the delicate balance between celebrating and maintaining peace with your neighbours.
After all, Christmas is about spreading cheer, not noise complaints. So go ahead, pour that mulled wine, string up those fairy lights, and enjoy the season to the fullest—apartment-style.
Merry Christmas, and happy partying!
