HOUSTON – The 45th annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market returns to NRG Center Nov. 13–16, 2025, bringing holiday cheer to shoppers while powering one of the city’s most important arts institutions.
Houston Life’s Lauren Kelly chats with Jennifer Sommers, director of the Academy at Houston Ballet, about how this beloved market translates festive spending into real opportunities for student dancers.
Admission ticket sales and 11% of merchandise sales go directly to the Houston Ballet, the Academy and scholarship programs in Houston, making every purchase a tangible investment in local arts education. To date, the Market has helped raise more than $97.6 million for Houston Ballet programs.
Funds from Nutcracker Market support scholarships, tuition assistance, faculty development and Academy operations that keep training accessible. Sommers highlighted how scholarships enable promising students to attend classes, participate in performances and pursue professional-level coaching — benefits that ripple into Houston’s cultural life and civic identity.
For the Academy, that engagement means better visibility for student performances, expanded outreach efforts and partnerships that strengthen arts education across Houston neighborhoods.
Plan your visit to NRG Center Nov. 13–16 and consider how your ticket and purchases will support Houston Ballet students.
For tickets, volunteer and vendor information, check the official Nutcracker Market site or follow Houston Ballet for updates.
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