Mark Your Calendars for the 37th Annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
Experience Hundreds of Booths at Texas’ Largest Holiday Shopping Wonderland!
Shoppers will kick off the holidays at the 37th annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Rockin’ and Shoppin’ at NRG Center from November 8-12. Over 280 merchants from across the country will participate and showcase their unique gift items, including home décor, gourmet food, apparel, toys, candles, jewelry, novelties, accessories and more.
Since 1981, the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has grown from humble beginnings as a church bazaar, to now the second-largest charity event at NRG Park. As is tradition each year, the Market takes on a new theme and this year’s Rockin’ and Shoppin’ was carefully selected by Market chairman, Myrna Fisch. The theme celebrates the shopping experience Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market provides and the fun cultural experience this event 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,” said Patsy Chapman, CEO of Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. “From small beginnings, this has transformed over the years into a true holiday event where generations of new and experienced shoppers gather to create memories and traditions. You can really feel the excitement once you step into the Nutcracker Market, from shopping for unique items with your loved ones, to tasting different food products from around the world, to meeting new friends—the experience is one-of-a kind.”
Ten 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 56,000 Houston-area students were exposed to ballet through the Academy’s Education and Community Engagement programs, $786,947 was awarded to 200 students to continue their dream of studying dance at Houston Ballet Academy, and students from 299 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.
Over 45 new merchants will make their debut at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. This year’s new items include decorative Santas from the new Santa Barre, custom-made wreaths for any occasion, interactive crawfish boil sets for kids, vibrant high-quality Native and American jewelry pieces, homemade baked dog treats, and baking and serving options for elegant and casual entertaining- just in time for the holidays!
Shoppers can also expect to see returning favorites, such as The Royal Standard featuring home décor, fashionable women’s apparel and accessories, scrumptious cherry products from Cherry Republic, fun novelty glass ornaments by the Ornament Barre, hot new trends in ladies fashion and shoes by Amy B’s, and handcrafted jewelry with semiprecious stones from Bora Jewelry.
New this year, general admission tickets go on sale to the public starting August 15 online at Ticketmaster. On October 16, general admission tickets go on sale at all Randalls locations across Houston. 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, a stunning Native American sterling and turquoise necklace from new merchant Samsville Gallery (valued at $9,450), a decorative Santa from the Mark Roberts 2017 Limited Edition Christmas Collection (valued at $750), and a $1,200 gift card from Events gifts in the River Oaks Shopping Center.
MARKET DATES/HOURS
Thursday – Friday, November 9 and 10, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday, November 11 and 12, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
GENERAL ADMISSION
Tickets are good for one day admission during November 9-12, 2017. No repeat admission.
– $20 each at NRG
– $18 each at Houston-area Randalls beginning October 16
– $18 each online at Ticketmaster beginning August 15
– Half-price admission is available daily, three hours prior to closing
– Children under 5 are free
– Group Rate: Groups of 20 or more will receive a $2 discount off regular admission price by calling 713-535-3231 prior to November 3, 2017
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 prior to November 3, 2017
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 8, 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tickets start at $250
Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon Thursday, November 9, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tickets start at $135
Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon Friday, November 10, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tickets start at $135
For more information about tickets, call 713-535-3231 or visit www.NutcrackerMarket.com