HOUSTON, TEXAS — (January 15, 2019) – Twelve months can seem such a long time to wait for all the shopping fun and festive spirit of one annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market to the next. This year, Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Marker offers a welcome solution with its new Spring Spectacular. Taking place April 12-14 at NRG Center, Spring Spectacular is the sunny flip side to the highly anticipated Nutcracker Market. This inaugural event will host some 150 merchants from across the country – bringing with them a full assortment of seasonal items, apparel, accessories, jewelry, gourmet food and home décor suited to the warm weather months and spring and summer holidays.
“We have considered the idea of a spring event for several years, given the incredible enthusiasm for our holiday themed Nutcracker Market,” said Patsy Chapman, CEO of the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. “It’s truly exciting to be able to offer all the best elements of Nutcracker Market, but with an entirely different array of merchandise full of the bright colors and bloom of spring and then on to the celebrations and carefree days of summer.”
Like Nutcracker Market, Spring Spectacular will serve as a fundraiser that allows shoppers to give back to the Houston Ballet Foundation, it’s Academy and scholarship programs. Eleven percent of all merchandise sales, plus the proceeds from admission tickets, stays right here in Houston supporting the various programs of Houston Ballet and its Academy. In 2018, Nutcracker Market funds exposed almost 61,354 Houston-area students to ballet through the Academy’s Education and Community Engagement programs, $506,980 was awarded to 129 students to continue their dream of studying dance at Houston Ballet Academy, and students from 261 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.
Of the 150 merchants, nearly 30 of them will make their debut during Spring Spectacular. These first-time merchant offerings include pepper grills in fun shapes, colorful, handmade straw tote bags, gourmet foods for summer menus, floral décor, baseball-themed memorabilia, and clothing and accessories to refresh outgoing winter wardrobes. Regulars to Nutcracker Market can expect to find familiar favorite vendors such as The Round Top Collection and The Royal Standard with a fresh selection of products to fit the spring theme.
On Monday, March 11, discount general admission tickets go on sale at all Randalls locations across Houston. Early Bird and group sale general admission tickets can be purchased now by calling 713-535-3231. Discount tickets may also be purchased from Ticketmaster.com beginning March 1.
MARKET DATES/HOURS
Friday, April 12, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 14, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets are good for one-day admission during April 12-14, 2019. No repeat admission.
– $15 each at Nutcracker Market ticket windows at NRG Center (cash only – ATMs available onsite)
– $13 each online at Ticketmaster.com beginning March 1
– $13 each at Houston-area Randalls beginning March 11
– Reduced tickets are 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
EARLY BIRD
Tickets are good for repeat admission all three days and early 8:30 a.m. admission on Friday.
– $30 each by calling 713-535-3231 in advance
There is a complimentary check-in area near Market entry for strollers, carts, rolling bags and wagons as they are not permitted inside. Wheelchairs and walkers are permitted. Pets are not allowed.
To learn more about available volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, or for more information about tickets, please call 713-535-3231 or visit www.NutcrackerMarket.com.