RSVP Calendar: The 40th Anniversary Nutcracker Market

"It's not just shopping. It's an experience."

-Houston Chronicle

Cue the music and roll out the red carpet! This November 11-14, Nutcracker Market triumphantly returns to NRG Center to usher in Houston’s holiday season and celebrate in-person and in style for the 40^th Anniversary Nutcracker Market – The Redo. While 2020 officially marked the 40^th year of Nutcracker Market, the pandemic-induced virtual market prevented festivities fitting of such a milestone.

Mignon Gill will take on the role of this year’s Market chairman, and the honoree is YOU, the supporter of Nutcracker Market. Whether you are a shopper, Guild member, committee member, staff member, donor, volunteer, merchant, vendor, sponsor, or social media follower, YOU have been an integral part in making this Market a success and we are proud to honor YOU!

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has grown exponentially over the last four decades, from its humble beginnings as a church bazaar in 1981 to the annual extravaganza it is today - attracting more than 100,000 shoppers and clocking in as the second-largest fundraising event at NRG Park.

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, jewelry, gourmet food, home and holiday décor, toys, kitchen wares, and gifts fill the halls of NRG Center.

This year’s Market already has more than 265 booths on the books, including more than 50 new merchants.

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. Since its inception, Nutcracker Market has contributed $ 75.3 million to the Houston Ballet Foundation.