Houston’s holiday herald celebrates 42 years of tradition, cheer, and shopping
Attention shoppers, Nutcracker Market season has arrived! Taking over NRG Center November 10-13, Nutcracker Market is poised to once again deliver the shopping magic, memories, and mimosas for which it has become famous. This will be the Market’s 42nd year of ushering in the Houston holiday season and providing eager shoppers with the opportunity to enjoy a wonderland of more than 270 booths decked out in their finest seasonal splendor.
“We are already counting down the days until we get to cut the ribbon on this year’s Market,” said Patsy Chapman, CEO of Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. “We know this event is circled on calendars across Houston all year long and we are just as excited as anyone to get back into NRG Center each November to take in everything that is new and revisit the booths we already know and love. Our merchants, shoppers, and supporters turn out in such a big way and we can’t wait to see them all.”
Following 34 remarkable years as Nutcracker Market CEO, Patsy Chapman will mark this as her last at the helm of the quintessential Houston holiday event. Chapman’s dedication, creativity, and vision elevated the Market from its comparatively humble beginnings into a recognized and revered standout in the holiday market category. Chapman will be recognized as this year’s Market Honoree, allowing staff, volunteers, merchants, and Market supporters to celebrate her impressive career and the indelible impact she has made on Houston Ballet.
Nutcracker Market selectively curates their merchant list each year – blending long-running fan favorites alongside exciting new shops for an experience which is both familiar and fun. Apparel, accessories, handbags, fashion and fine jewelry, gourmet food and treats, home and holiday décor, toys, kitchen wares, and one-of-a-kind gifts will all fill the halls of NRG Center.
This year’s Market already has more than 270 booths confirmed, including more than 50 new shops on the scene. Merchants making their November debuts in 2022 include Topped Hats, offering a customizable hat bar experience; Primeware Inc., toting fun and functional picnic baskets for weekend winery getaways; meaningful jewelry collections by Bryan Anthonys; pampering and elegantly packaged bath and body products from Musee Bath; REECII’s stunning handmade ornaments and holiday cards; customized wooden charcuterie and cutting boards crafted by Drapela Works; French Boutique featuring an array of classically styled apparel and gifts; and much more.
Seasoned Nutcracker Market shoppers can expect Anything Bling Boutique, Marye-Kelley, The Round Top Collection, The Royal Standard, Texas Tamale Company, Pewter Lady, and many other of the big-name merchants to make their always-anticipated appearances. Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Boutique will return once again to showcase their namesake product, and pasta sauce afficionados can rest assured that Donne Di Domani will be standing by with their famous sauce to restock any dwindling supplies. For shoppers who like to plan a head, a full list of merchants is available at www.nutcrackermarket.com.
Longtime Houston Ballet Guild and Nutcracker Market committee member Casey Rowe will serve as this year’s Market chairman. Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is an annual fundraiser that allows shoppers to give back to the Houston Ballet Foundation, its Academy, and scholarship programs. Eleven percent of all merchandise sales, plus the proceeds from admission and special event tickets, stays right here in Houston to support various programs of Houston Ballet and its Academy.
Last year’s Market welcomed some 78,000 shoppers who spent $19 million across the four days of the event. This allowed for a contribution of approximately $4.6 million to Houston Ballet Foundation. Since its inception, Nutcracker Market has contributed more than $80 million to the Houston Ballet Foundation.
With the funds raised in 2021, 168,000 Houston-area students were exposed to ballet through the Academy’s Education and Community Engagement programs, $163,000 was awarded to 44 students this past season to continue their dream of studying dance at Houston Ballet Academy, and students from nearly 448 Houston-area schools and community centers 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.
Discount General Admission tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com ($18, plus fees). General Admission tickets will also be available for purchase for $20 at participating H-E-B Business Centers beginning Monday, October 3. Shoppers can also purchase General Admission tickets at the door during Market days for $20 (cash or check). Special event tickets (Wells Fargo Preview Party, Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon, Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon), Early Bird tickets, and group General Admission tickets can be purchased now by calling 713-535-3231.
The Nutcracker Market Raffle, located in the main aisle and open during all four days of the Market, is sponsored this year by Nan and Company. Prizes include an array of exciting items, including a Loro Piana fine Italian wool cape with fox fur trim from Alaska Fur Gallery, white diamond and deep red ruby dangle earrings from Valobra Master Jewelers, Houston Astros autographed memorabilia and dugout seat tickets, and more!
MARKET DATES/HOURS
November 10-13, 2022
- Thursday, November 10 – 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, November 11 – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 12 – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, November 13 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TICKETING
- General Admission tickets are good for one-day admission only.
- Children 2 and under are free. All others must have a ticket.
- Early Bird tickets are $60 and can be purchased by calling 713-535-3231 by November 4, 2022. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Early Bird tickets allow for 8:30 a.m. admission on Thursday, November 10 and Friday, November 11 as well as repeat admission all four days of the Market.
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. For more details, visit the Market’s Accessibility webpage here.
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 9, 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $300
Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon
Thursday, November 10, 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $200
Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon
Friday, November 11, 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $200
For more information about tickets, call 713-535-3231 or visit www.nutcrackermarket.com.