From a church bazaar setting in 1981 to a four-day shopping extravaganza at NRG Center, the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market kicks off holiday shopping today.
This year’s Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market themed "Cruising into Christmas" features 270 merchants, with 26 new merchants.
Nutcracker Market chairman Wendy Burks said proceeds from each admission and special event ticket that is purchased benefits the Academy and scholarship programs.
"Eleven percent of every dollar that's spent goes to Houston Ballet Foundation. And, that money is spent in many ways," said Burks. "Because of the money that's raised, all these children in the Houston area have a chance to see a ballet for the first time and experience the ballet for the first time."
She said Houston ballet is still recovering from Hurricane Harvey, but now the Wortham Theater Center is back up and running and the first production of the Nutcracker Ballet is coming soon.
Burks said this year, they’ve teamed up with Lyft for a discount. They have a lobby area and will drop you off right in front of Nutcracker Market at NRG. If you text Nutcracker, they’ll give you $10 off each ride.
Last year, more than 104,600 shoppers spent nearly $20 million.
Proceeds from each admission and special event ticket that is purchased, plus 11 percent of all the merchandise bought, goes back to Houston Ballet Foundation, its Academy and scholarship programs.
In April 12-14, 2019 will be the Spring version of the Fall event. It will be the first Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Spring Spectacular at NRG Center.
According to their Website, about 150 merchants from across the country will showcase unique seasonal items, including summer apparel and accessories, novelties, gourmet food, home decor items for spring and summer holidays and much more. Proceeds from each admission ticket purchased, plus 11 percent of all the merchandise bought, goes back to Houston Ballet Foundation, its Academy and scholarship programs.