Homes for the Holidays at UBC

Homes for the Holidays is a holiday‐themed design event at Cecil Green Park House at UBC in Vancouver. It’s also a fundraising event for the YWCA.

Homes for the Holidays Fundraiser at UBC

Cecil Green Park House is a heritage mansion that’s located at the northwest end of the University of British Columbia campus, close to the Museum of Anthropology. The building’s address is 6251 Cecil Green Park Road. It’s a popular wedding venue and used for other public events as well.

Each year, the Home for the Holidays event transforms the mansion into a fabulous Christmas-themed experience. Teams of local designers are tasked with decorating individual rooms as well as Christmas trees in the aptly-named Terrace of Trees overlooking the property’s gardens.

Visitors can enjoy exploring the heritage building on a self-guided tour (and perhaps become inspired by things they’d like to add to their own homes).

The event also serves as a fundraiser. Ticket proceeds from Home for the Holidays go to the YWCA BC Housing Action Fund, a charitable cause that advocates and provides affordable housing support for women and children who don’t have a safe place to stay.

Scenes from Homes for the Holidays

Dates and Ticket Information

In 2026 the Home for the Holidays event happens on Saturday, November 21st, and Sunday, November 22nd. There is also a special Designer Happy Hour event on the evening of Friday, November 20th.

The happy hour event is only for guests who purchase “VVIP” tickets, which is a tier up from VIP tickets. VVIP tickets cost $110 this year, while VIP tickets are $88. General admission to Home for the Holidays costs $65. Students can enter for $25 each, as long as they present ID at the door.

VIP and VVIP guests can enjoy a special breakfast event at 10:00 am on the Saturday and Sunday. The designers in charge of this year’s home are on hand to enjoy the food and chat about their work and all that went into it. There are also private tours available at noon and 2:00 pm each day led by Toula Favreau, the former Home for the Holidays event chair.

General admission tickets come with a two-hour time slot to visit the attraction. Unless taking part in one of the VIP tours, the experience is self-guided.

Homes for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays Experience

Around two dozen different designers are involved in some part of the Cecil Green Park House transformation. Each room has its own unique tastes and vibe, while the Terrace of Trees is a covered, outdoor area featuring 20 Christmas trees that have been expertly trimmed and decorated.

The event organizers estimate that the full experience takes around 90 minutes to complete. That includes taking some time to enjoy the live music playing throughout the day, as well as the available refreshments. There’s also the Boutique Boulevard where visitors can purchase artisanal Christmas tree ornaments.

Homes for the Holidays Christmas Trees

Live Entertainment

The Home for the Holidays live entertainment features a mix of Christmas music and classic hits. Below is the schedule for the 2026 event.

Saturday, November 21st

11:00 am – Andante Choir
1:00 pm – Side-by-Side Piano Duet
3:00 pm – North Shore Mom’s Choir

Sunday, November 22nd

11:00 am – Aoyama Harp Canada
1:00 pm – Rabecca Talbot
3:00 pm – Lions Gate Chorus

Homes for the Holidays in Vancouver

Silent Auction and Raffle

Another way to support the YWCA is by participating in either the silent auction or raffle while visiting Home for the Holidays. Auction bids and raffle ticket purchases can also be made online on the Home for the Holidays website.

Items available in the silent auction include household products like vacuums, coolers and skin care gift baskets, as well as wine sets and premium food items. There are also tickets and/or gift cards to places like Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Opera, the Vancouver Lookout, Tap & Barrel, and plenty of others.