HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market marks the start of the holiday season in H-Town.
The holiday fundraising shopping event features nearly 300 merchants with a wide range of seasonal décor, gifts, food and drinks, apparel, toys, jewelry, and much more.
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market first started in 1981 as an idea from Preston Frazier. He planned a church bazaar event to raise money for the Houston Ballet. The first Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market was held at St. Philip Presbyterian Church and raised $25,000.
Forty-four years later, the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has grown into a beloved holiday tradition that fills NRG Center with nearly 100,000 shoppers.
In 2024, shoppers spent $23 million at hundreds of booths. But each shopping bag filled means a dream fulfilled as Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market admission and special event ticket sales, along with 11% of every purchase, benefit the Houston Ballet, its academy, and scholarship programs.
The 2025 Nutcracker Market is Nov. 13-16 at NRG Center.
TICKETS:
-Early Bird Admission: $60
Early bird tickets allow you to get in early to shop the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market before general admission on Thursday and Friday. Tickets allow for repeat admission all four days of the market.
-General Admission: $20
General admission tickets are good for any day and are one-day admission only.
HOURS:
-Thursday, Nov. 13:
-Early Bird Admission: 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
-General Admission: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
-Friday, Nov. 14:
-Early Bird Admission: 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
-General Admission: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
-Saturday, Nov. 15: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
-Sunday, Nov. 16: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
– Wear comfortable shoes. The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market fills NRG Center so you should expect to walk a similar amount as if you were attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
-The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market peak hours are in the morning, so it’s easier to attend and shop in the afternoons and evenings.
-Strollers, carts, rolling bags, wagons, and pets are not allowed.
-Wheelchairs, walkers, and other ADA approved mobility devices, along with service animals, are permitted.
-If you fill up your shopping bags, there is a way to package check. For a fee, the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market will hold your packages until you’re done shopping. There is also an optional curbside pickup available.
-Parking is $25 plus tax per vehicle (credit only) at NRG Park.
-If you’re using rideshare, the drop off and pick up location is on the west side of NRG Center, by the entrance to Hall E.
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