As seasoned and first-time Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market shoppers prepare to embrace the virtual version of Houston’s annual holiday shopping event, Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has some tips and insights on how to make the most of the experience. The information below outlines event specifics, Early Bird details, features of the online shopping platform, and more.
Dates and Times:
- The 2020 Virtual Nutcracker Market will run November 11, 2020 through December 11, 2020.
- Opening day of the Virtual Market, November 11, will be Wells Fargo Early Bird Day.
- The Virtual Market is open 24/7! But booth hours are generally *9:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. (CST).
- *Booth hours may vary, but technical assistance from merchants and Nutcracker Market staff is available during the posted times.
General Access Details:
- The 2020 Virtual Nutcracker Market will be open for FREE general access starting November 12.
- Shoppers can then enter the Virtual Market by visiting www.NutcrackerMarket.com and clicking the “Shop Now” button found on the main page.
- Shoppers can return to the Virtual Market as often as they wish through December 11.
Early Bird Details:
- Opening day of the Virtual Market, November 11, is Wells Fargo Early Bird Day.
- Early Bird Day access is $30, and shoppers will get first dibs on merchandise as well as exclusive Early Bird Day-only offerings including discounts, promotions, and giveaways. This is the only day of the Market requiring paid access, the Virtual Market is free to all shoppers November 12 – December 11.
- Early Bird Day Access Passes are available now through Friday, November 6 on Nutcracker Market’s website. Upon purchase, Early Bird Day shoppers will receive an email with details on how to login to the Virtual Market with their access code on November 11.
The Virtual Nutcracker Market Platform:
Shoppers can navigate the Virtual Market several different ways:
- Via an interactive layout of the booths, similar to the printed map found in the programs distributed at the in-person Market. The interactive map allows shoppers to travel throughout the Virtual Market aisles and then click on the customized “booth” to view merchandise and more information.
- Merchants booths will include demonstration videos, special promotions, and photos of their merchandise. From there, shoppers will peruse the merchandise and then be directed to make their purchases via each merchant’s own website.
- Lists of participating merchants will be included on the platform to assist shoppers looking for a particular booth or merchant (alphabetically, numerically, and categorically).
- A discussion tab allows shoppers to chat about items they are searching for, seek recommendations, and simply share how their shopping is going.
Participating Merchants:
To date, approximately 150 merchants have signed on to participate in the 2020 Virtual Nutcracker Market, including fan favorites such as Two Tequila Sisters, Sassy Cups, and Copper Kettle Popcorn, as well as several merchants making their Nutcracker Market debut, including Boone Branch, The Incredible Christmas Place, and Parker & Hyde. A full list of participating merchants is available here.
Bringing Nutcracker Market Home:
While we cannot all be together at NRG Center this year, Nutcracker Market has some suggestions to make the 2020 Virtual Market memorable in its own way.
- Homegate (aka tailgate at home) and gather your small group of family and friends with laptops and seasonal treats to shop together.
- Consider ordering a Nutcracker Market Party Pack from event sponsor SilverStone Events. SilverStone will prepare a specialized pack of gourmet small bites and cocktails for pick-up or delivery to make your shopping all the more festive.
- Nutcracker Market shoppers are famous for their themed sweaters and sparkling headwear – keep the tradition alive by dressing up to shop and then snap a photo and share it with us for our social media @NutcrackerMarket.
- Keep an eye out for special promotions and ways to connect on social media. We are planning a 12 Days of Nutcracker Market giveaways and more to follow throughout the month.
- Remember to return to the Market often. Being virtual has allowed us to extend the Market for an entire month and shoppers should plan to shop new merchant promotions and new merchandise, as well as participate in fun online events including live sales and more.
Paul Michael Company Pop-Up
Longtime Nutcracker Market favorite Paul Michael Company will not be part of the Virtual Market, but will be hosting a holiday shop at Market Hill in Round Top benefiting Nutcracker Market. Shoppers will find 15,000 square feet of Paul Michael Company merchandise intended for this year’s Nutcracker Market, including ornaments and décor, topiaries, snow globes, nativity scenes, Christmas trees, garlands and much more. This special holiday shop will run now through December 15. Full details available here.
For more information about Nutcracker Market, call 713-535-3231 or visit www.NutcrackerMarket.com.