Each November, Houstonians usher in the holiday season with a tradition as dazzling as the ballet that inspired it — the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. Now in its 45th year, the beloved four-day shopping extravaganza returns to NRG Center from Nov. 13–16, 2025, transforming 800,000 square feet into a glittering wonderland of gifts, gourmet treats, fashion, and holiday cheer — all in support of Houston Ballet and its Academy.
A Marketplace with a Mission
Far more than a shopping event, the Nutcracker Market serves as Houston Ballet’s largest annual fundraiser, generating millions each year to fund scholarships, community programs, and arts education. Every general admission ticket, Early Bird pass, and fashion show luncheon ticket — along with 11 percent of all merchant sales — directly benefits the Ballet, its Academy, and student outreach programs.
The Market’s impact is profound: according to Houston Ballet, funds raised have helped provide arts education to more than 71,000 Houston-area students, including many seeing a ballet performance for the first time. Scholarships awarded through the Market’s proceeds have enabled young dancers to train at Houston Ballet’s prestigious Academy and pursue their dreams on stage.
At last year’s Market, more than 99,000 shoppers spent over $23 million, raising a record-breaking $6.3 million for the Ballet — the highest total in the event’s history. Since its inception in 1981, the Nutcracker Market has contributed more than $97.6 million to Houston Ballet’s programs and community initiatives.
Shopping, Style, and Holiday Spirit
This year’s Market, co-chaired by longtime Guild members Susan Binney and Jennifer Kushner, will feature more than 280 merchants, including 40 first-time vendors. Shoppers can expect a mix of returning favorites and exciting new finds — from handmade holiday décor, gourmet foods, and jewelry to boutique fashion, toys, and men’s gifts.
Shoppers dressed in matching holiday attire get into the spirit of the season during the 2024 Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each year to support arts education and scholarships. (Photo by Melissa Taylor)
The Market also offers several special events, including the Wells Fargo Preview Party and the ever-popular Sugar Plum Fashion Show and Luncheon (with the Snow Queen’s luncheon already sold out). Tickets range from $20 for general admission to $60 for Early Bird entry, which allows access 90 minutes before doors open on Thursday and Friday, plus repeat admission throughout all four days.
Vendors display colorful handmade ornaments, décor, and gifts during the Nutcracker Market, where more than 280 merchants offer unique finds to kick off the Houston holiday shopping season. (Photo by Melissa Taylor)
Market hours:
Thursday, Nov. 13: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 16: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tickets are available at select H-E-B Business Centers and online at Ticketmaster.com. Children two and under are admitted free; however, strollers, carts, rolling bags, wagons, and pets are not permitted inside the venue.
A Houston Holiday Legacy
The Nutcracker Market’s origins trace back to 1981, when Houston Ballet supporter Preston Frazier dreamed up a European-style holiday market to raise funds for the Ballet. What began modestly in a church bazaar setting has grown into a world-class event drawing nearly 100,000 shoppers each year — all united by a shared love for holiday tradition and the performing arts.
From the ribbon-cutting by former First Lady Barbara Bush at the inaugural Market to the vibrant red carpet and larger-than-life nutcracker displays that now fill NRG Center, the event has become synonymous with the start of the holiday season in Houston.
As the Market’s organizers like to say: “Texas. It’s a whole other country. The Nutcracker Market? It’s a whole other world.”
For more information, including the full list of merchants and event details, visit nutcrackermarket.com.
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market 2025
📅 November 13–16, 2025
📍 NRG Center, 1 NRG Parkway, Houston, TX
🎟 Tickets: $20 General Admission, $60 Early Bird (Ticketmaster & H-E-B Business Centers)
💻 Info: nutcrackermarket.com
Every purchase helps keep the arts dancing in Houston.