The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market returns to Reliant Center (formerly NRG Center) from this November with more than 280 merchants selling fashion, fine jewelry, home décor, gourmet food and holiday treats.
Longtime favorites such as Paul Michael Company, Royal Standard and Taylor Paladino come back this year. They’ll share the floor with 29 merchants making their Market debut, including Tres Jolie Boutique (children’s accessories and apparel), Bella’s Hand Poured Candles and Linked by Stevi, which makes permanent jewelry.
Shopping that supports the ballet
The Market is Houston Ballet’s largest annual fundraiser. Eleven percent of all merchandise sales, plus admission and special event ticket proceeds, support the company, its Academy and community programs. Since the Market began, it has contributed more than $100 million to Houston Ballet.
Michelle Iversen Jeffery, a longtime supporter of Houston Ballet and the Market, chairs this year’s edition. The event also honors KPMG for 45 years of support. After a record-breaking Market in 2025, Houston Ballet Executive Director Sonja Kostich says this year aims to be bigger, with a mix of new merchants and returning favorites.
Wells Fargo will again give five locally owned businesses a spot at the Market. Now in its fourth year, the program has grown into a two- to three-year pathway for new businesses to build visibility and enter the Market pipeline. Returning participants are Twilight Candle Company, Let Me Snack and Hide and Chic Shop. Origen Artesanía Única and Herr Apparel join for the first time.
Nutcracker market hours and tickets
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market 2026 hours are:
- Thursday, Nov. 12: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 13: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 14: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 15: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ticket options (all plus fees) are available through Ticketmaster at the official Nutcracker Market website: General Admission is priced at $25 for one day. Sunday-Only General Admission is priced at $20, in limited quantity.
Children 2 and under get in free; everyone else needs a ticket. Strollers, carts, rolling bags and wagons are not allowed inside, but a check-in area near the entrance will hold them.
Special events
Special event tickets include four-day repeat admission and 8:30 a.m. entry on Thursday and Friday.
Wells Fargo Preview Party will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6:30–10 p.m. Tickets start at $300. On Thursday, Nov. 12, the market will host Snow Queen’s Fashion Show and Luncheon with tickets starting at $250.
The Sugar Plum’s Fashion Show and Luncheon will take place on Friday, Nov. 13, 10:15 a.m.–12 p.m. Tickets start at $250.
