Lodgeur Guide: The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
Discover the magic of Houston’s holiday tradition at the Nutcracker Market. Shop unique artisan goods, indulge in gourmet food, and celebrate the season while supporting the Houston Ballet Foundation.
With the holiday season upon us, there’s no better time to visit Houston-based Nutcracker Market. In this blog post, we’ll dive into all the details you need to know about Houston’s beloved traditional Christmas market to benefit the Houston Ballet.
What is the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market?
The Nutcracker Market is an annual holiday shopping wonderland held over four days in November that brings together over 250 exhibitors under one roof. But the market is far more than just a shopping experience—the event is a beloved Houston tradition that raises funds for the Houston Ballet.
What makes the Nutcracker Market special?
The Nutcracker Market has been a staple of the holiday season in Houston for more than 36 years. Founded in 1981, the market has become one of the city’s most famous events, attracting visitors from all over the country. In addition to being an incredibly fun shopping experience, the event is also a fundraiser for the Houston Ballet Foundation (including its ballet academy and scholarship programs).
When and where is the Nutcracker Market?
Nutcracker runs from November 13-16, 2025, at the NRG Center.
Market Days:
Thursday, November 13 – 10am to 8pm
Friday, November 14 – 10am to 7pm
Saturday, November 15 – 10am to 6pm
Sunday, November 16 – 10am to 5pm
There are also a few extra events, for which you will need special event tickets:
Also, the Market Raffle takes place during the entire four days of the Nutcracker Market.
How do I buy tickets to the Nutcracker Market?
You can buy tickets at the door, at certain HEB grocery stores and at Ticketmaster.com. Children under 2 are free. There are three kinds of tickets:
1-Day General Admission Tickets: General admission on one-day only. $20.
4-Day Early Bird Tickets: Early access to shop the Market on Thursday and Friday (8:30am admission for Early Bird Tickets); admission for the sale is good through Sunday. $60.
Clara Packages: For $2,500, Claras receive access for 2 and valet parking throughout the whole Nutcracker Market experience:
Nutcracker Packages: For $250,Nutcrackers receive 2 Early Bird tickets and program recognition.
Shop for special gifts you can’t find anywhere else
The Nutcracker Market offers a wide variety of shops that sell everything from artisan goods and kitchen wares to holiday decorations. There are a few booths where you can check any items you purchased while you continue to explore the sale, and even a curbside pickup service.
Here are a few booths we recommend checking out:
Paul Michael Company – Round Top’s highly sought-after home décor company returns after a two-year absence with their new Holiday House collection. Nutcracker Market regulars plan their shopping around this booth’s expertly curated European-style Christmas pieces and seasonal accessories.
China Baroque – Houston jeweler transforming vintage china fragments into fine sterling silver pieces. Each necklace and bracelet incorporates hand-cut porcelain from antique plates, creating wearable art with history embedded in every piece.
Katie Kime – Austin lifestyle brand known for bold, tropical-inspired prints. Their personalized acrylic trays and Lucite accessories bring color to any space, while their bedding and table linens coordinate across entire rooms.
Tori Artis Planners – Houston stationer designing luxury planners and stationery by hand. The personalized notecards can be monogrammed on-site, while their coordinating desk accessories (pens, paper clips, sticky notes) create cohesive workspace setups.
The food is reason enough to go
The Nutcracker Market offers a range of gourmet food options to satisfy your cravings. Don’t leave without making a purchase from these vendors:
Donne Di Domani – This Italian sorority’s marinara sauce booth draws the market’s biggest crowds each year. The ladies sell their celebrated sauce once annually, exclusively at this event, with bottles going for $10 each or $120 per case. Every penny supports local charities including Patriot Paws, which trains service dogs for wounded veterans. The sauce is so coveted it resells on eBay for five times the original price.
Brewhouse Bakers – Katy’s artisan bakery brings their Soberdough beer bread mixes in creative flavors. Try the Hatch Green Chili Cheddar for a savory kick, or go seasonal with the Pumpkin Spice. The alcohol bakes off completely, leaving only rich, complex flavors.
Brewhouse Bakers – Katy’s artisan bakery brings their Soberdough beer bread mixes in creative flavors. Try the Hatch Green Chili Cheddar for a savory kick, or go seasonal with the Pumpkin Spice. The alcohol bakes off completely, leaving only rich, complex flavors.
PDQ Meals – Magnolia company selling meal kits that transform into restaurant-quality casseroles in 20 minutes flat. The King Ranch Casserole mix is a Texas classic, while their Sour Cream Enchilada captures authentic Tex-Mex flavor. They’re debuting One Pot Vegetarian meals this year.
The Caramel Candy Co. – Chapel Hill’s gourmet caramel operation delivers on their promise: caramel that genuinely won’t stick to your teeth. Their sea salt caramel bridges sweet and savory perfectly.
Bear Creek Smokehouse – Marshall, Texas smokehouse bringing hickory-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and signature fudge. Their smoked meats come vacuum-sealed for gifting or freezing.
What else should I know?
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is a busy place! Strollers, carts, rolling bags and pets are not allowed. Mobility equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) are welcome.
The Nutcracker Market is an incredible opportunity to shop, eat, and be part of a beloved Houston tradition that benefits a great cause. Whether you’re from Houston or visiting during the holiday season, this Houston Ballet event is worth checking out. Happy shopping!
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