Houston, Texas (July 16, 2018) — Aficionados of the Nutcracker Market, get your shopping list ready, the 38th annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Cruising into Christmas returns to NRG Center November 8-11. Over 270 merchants from across the country will showcase their unique gift items, including home décor, gourmet food, apparel, toys, candles, jewelry, novelties, accessories and more.
“The Nutcracker Market has become a holiday tradition in which shoppers come together to make memories and discover new businesses from across the country,” said Patsy Chapman, CEO of the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. “There’s something truly special about watching the excitement radiate from shoppers—it’s an experience unlike any other.”
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has grown from small beginnings as a church bazaar, to now the second-largest charity event at NRG Park. This year’s theme Cruising into Christmas was carefully selected by Market chairman, Wendy Wilkins Burks, and celebrates the excitement and fun cultural experience the Market creates for shoppers and the Houston community.
The Nutcracker Market is an annual fundraiser that allows shoppers to give back to the Houston Ballet Foundation, the Academy and its scholarship programs. Eleven percent of all merchandise sales, plus the proceeds from admission and special event tickets, stays right here in Houston supporting the various programs of Houston Ballet and its Academy. With the funds raised in 2016, almost 63,000 Houston-area students were exposed to ballet through the Academy’s Education and Community Engagement programs, $877,000 was awarded to 230 students to continue their dream of studying dance at Houston Ballet Academy, and students from 320 Houston-area schools got their first opportunity to see ballet and hear from dancers through free programming, performances and classes at Houston Ballet’s prestigious Center for Dance.
Twenty-six new merchants will make their debut at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. New items include artisan beer bread mixes, handy compact fishing poles, culinary and specialty gourmet food items, vintage clothing, unique bohemian jewelry inspired by the National Parks, and baking and serving options for elegant and casual entertaining—just in time for the holidays!
Shoppers can also expect to see returning favorites that have been participating in the Nutcracker Market for 25+ years, such as The Royal Standard featuring home décor, hand-crafted gifts from The Brookwood Community, the famous marinara sauces from the ladies of Donne Di Domani, decorative metal accessories for the home and garden from The Round Top Collection, fashionable women’s apparel and accessories from Su King’s Fashion Collection, creative designs on home décor from Paul Michael Co., fun novelty glass ornaments by the Ornament Barre and more.
General admission tickets go on sale to the public starting August 15 online at Ticketmaster. On October 15, general admission tickets go on sale at all Randalls locations across Houston, as well as participating Houston-area Nutcracker Market merchant stores. Special event tickets (Wells Fargo Preview Party, Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon, Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon), Early Bird and group sale general admission tickets can be purchased now by calling 713-535-3231.
The Nutcracker Market Raffle, sponsored by John Daugherty Realtors, includes everyone’s favorite items: a Dine Around gift card package (valued at $5,000+), a $1,000 Macy’s gift card, an “Insta-Wine Cellar” wine package including more than 25 bottles of wine, a gift card package from CityCentre Houston, and a $1,200 gift card from Events gift store in River Oaks.
MARKET DATES/HOURS
Thursday – Friday, November 8 and 9, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 10, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
GENERAL ADMISSION
Tickets are good for one-day admission during November 8-11, 2018. No repeat admission.
– $20 each at NRG Center
– $18 each online at Ticketmaster beginning August 15
– $18 each at Houston-area Randalls beginning October 15
– $18 each at participating local Nutcracker Market merchant stores
– Half-price admission is available daily, three hours prior to closing
– Group Rate: Groups of 20 or more will receive a $2 discount off regular admission price by calling 713-535-3231 in advance
– Children under 5 are free
– For more ticket information, visit nutcrackermarket.com/tickets
EARLY BIRD
Tickets are good for repeat admission all four days and early 8:30 a.m. admission Thursday and Friday.
– $50 each by calling 713-535-3231 in advance
There is a check-in area near the entry for strollers, carts, rolling bags and wagons as they are not permitted inside. Wheelchairs and walkers are permitted. Pets are not allowed.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Special event tickets are good for repeat admission all four days and early 8:30 a.m. admission on Thursday and Friday.
Wells Fargo Preview Party
Wednesday, November 7, 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $250
Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon
Thursday, November 8, 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $135
Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon
Friday, November 9, 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $135
For more information about tickets, call 713-535-3231 or visit www.NutcrackerMarket.com