Don't Let Your Neighbors Miss the Magic: Why Sharing Local Holiday Finds Matters More Than Ever

The holidays are here—and so is the familiar scramble to find the best local events, unique gifts, light displays, and neighborhood traditions that make this time of year feel special.

But here's the thing: most of us are missing out.

A recent Nextdoor survey found that 78% of neighbors have missed local holiday events, light displays, or seasonal activities in their own neighborhoods—not because they weren't interested, but simply because they didn't know about them.

Think about that for a moment. The incredible light display three streets over. The neighborhood cocoa crawl you would have loved. The local toy drive you meant to donate to. Gone—not because you couldn't make it, but because no one told you it was happening.

The good news? You can change that for your neighbors.

Your neighborhood knowledge is a gift

No algorithm, search engine, or social media feed knows your neighborhood like you do. You know which house goes all-out with decorations every year. You know about the church on the corner doing a living nativity. You remember that the local bookshop does gift wrapping and the coffee place brings back their secret-menu peppermint drink every December.

That knowledge? It's incredibly valuable—and it only takes a minute to share.

Here's something else we learned from our survey: neighbors trust each other most when it comes to holiday recommendations. When we asked who people turn to for tips on light displays, events, and activities, neighbors and local community members came out on top (36%)—ahead of friends and family, online reviews, social media, and local news.

Your neighbors are literally waiting to hear from you.

Support local this season

Speaking of neighbors helping neighbors: our survey also found that 66% of people say supporting local businesses is important to them this holiday season.

That's a lot of folks looking for the perfect local gift shop, the neighborhood bakery with amazing cookies, or the family-owned restaurant doing something special for the holidays.

If you know a local gem, share it. Your post might be exactly what a neighbor needs to finish their shopping list—and it helps keep your community thriving.

What to post this holiday season

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:

• Light displays and decorations. Spotted a house that's basically visible from space? Share the address (and a photo if you can) so neighbors can add it to their holiday drive route.
• Events and activities. Tree lightings, holiday markets, Santa visits, menorah lightings, neighborhood caroling—if it's happening nearby, your neighbors want to know.
• Local business recommendations. The gift shop with the perfect finds. The bakery with the outstanding holiday cookies. The restaurant doing a special prix fixe menu. Small businesses thrive when neighbors spread the word.
• Family and pet-friendly outings. Parents and pet owners are always looking for seasonal activities. If you've found a winner, share it.
• Your own traditions. Sometimes the best posts are the simplest: what makes the holidays special where you live? Your story might inspire someone else to start a new tradition of their own.

Make this the year no one misses out

The holidays move fast. Events come and go, displays go dark, and before you know it, January arrives. But when neighbors share what they know, everyone gets to experience a little more of the magic.

So this season, take a minute to post about the holiday happenings in your area. Use #holidays to help neighbors find seasonal content, and keep an eye on your feed for tips from others.

Because the best holiday discoveries? They come from the people who live right next door.