There’s a lot to look forward to this holiday season.
October is debatably the beginning of the holiday season. While there’s still plenty of Halloween events to enjoy beforehand, we’re still excited for the Christmas season. To usher in said festivities, the Nutcracker Ballet Market is back for its 44th anniversary with a massive bazaar at NRG Stadium.
The holiday market first started in 1981 as a humble bazaar to raise funds for the Houston Ballet Foundation, its academy, and scholarship programs. In the past 44 years, you could say that’s its scaled up in size.
With four consecutive days of non-stop holiday cheer, beginning Thursday, November 14, the extravaganza draws in thousands upon thousands of festive visitors with over 270 unique vendors and 50 booths.
“Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has become the signature holiday fundraising shopping event in Texas that kicks off the holiday season,” the website reads.
“It is a one-stop shop featuring over 270 merchants, offering unique items for everyone, including home décor, gifts, food, apparel, toys, accessories and more. It is the best way to shop and give back during the holidays, as proceeds from each admission and special event ticket that is purchased, plus 11% of all the merchandise you buy, goes back to Houston Ballet Foundation.”
Since its inception, the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has donated over $90.5 million to the Houston Ballet.
The market corresponds with three special events, including: the Wells Fargo Preview Party, Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon, and the Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon — the latter, however, is sold out.
The 44th Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market takes place between Thursday, November 14 and Sunday, November 17, at the NRG Stadium. Tickets are now on sale starting at $18 (plus fees) at H-E-B Business Centers and Ticketmaster. Children aged 2 and under are permitted free entrance.
See also: 55 magical things to do this October in Houston