From festive mansions to Christmas markets: Five Metro Vancouver holiday events worth exploring

Fancy a Christmas-themed room as it might be imagined by filmmaker Wes Anderson? The holiday season is not only a chance to support local crafts folks but also an opportunity to see some innovative and perhaps extravagant decor. Here are five upcoming events to satisfy your craving for artisanal crafts, mulled wine, gingerbread, and tinsel.

Top Vancouver designers transform a historic UBC mansion into a showcase of festive decor.

When: Nov. 21 and 22
Where: Cecil Green Park House, 6251 Cecil Green Park Rd., Vancouver
Tickets & info: $65 (GA) at homesfortheholidays.ca

Award-winning interior designers showcase holiday decorating ideas at UBC’s Cecil Green Park House. One concept sounds particularly intriguing: for A Rather Grand Holiday, Stephanie Brown takes cues from the films of Wes Anderson. Expect symmetrical arrangements, mid-century furniture and an unconventional palette. Other designers include Jamie Banfield, Dexter Dolores, and Phyllis Lui. Proceeds support YWCA BC’s Housing Action Fund.

Sustainable fashions, handmade jewelry and gourmet treats are among the offerings at this historic Vancouver mansion’s holiday market.

When: Nov. 26 to 29
Where: 1489 McRae Ave., Vancouver
Tickets & info: From $22.73 at uwcvancouver.ca

More than 40 local artisans take over the Edwardian manse, with strong showings of jewelry makers, textile artists and gourmet-food vendors. Among the more distinctive offerings are recycled cashmere from Winterluxe, upcycled fashions from Endure Upcycled Designs and traditional printing from Porchlight Press Letterpress. Foodies can browse everything from Bowen Island Herb Salts and Salt Spring Artisan Vinegar to locally produced wine, spirits and confectionery. Jazz musicians Gabriel Mark Hasselbach and Tom Arntzen, violinist Sam Ching and the Noel Carolling Trio perform. Proceeds support the preservation of the historic mansion and its gardens. Six non-profit organizations will also have booths at the market.

Artisanal homeware, gourmet treats and freshly cut Christmas trees bring holiday cheer to this Southlands nursery.

When: Nov. 28 and 29 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Greenhouse at Southlands Nursery, 6550 Balaclava St., Vancouver
Info:southlandsnursery.com

This market features 20 vendors selling artisanal homeware, particularly ceramics, florals and decorative objects. Vancouver ceramic artist Janaki Larsen creates minimalist, hand-thrown pottery, including bowls, plates and vases. Rosie Daykin, founder of Vancouver’s Butter Baked Goods, has written several bestselling cookbooks. Her latest, The Side Gardener, combines gardening advice with vegetable-forward recipes. Quince Fine Florals is an established Vancouver florist specializes in seasonal, botanically inspired arrangements. Merci Boulangerie will be on site selling hot apple cider, sandwiches and baked goods. Entry is free, and in addition to the holiday market the nursery will also be brimming with natural holiday decor, including their selection of freshly cut Christmas trees.