As we approach the holiday season, loyal shoppers on the lookout for unique and meaningful gifts have this weekend circled in red on their calendar. The 38th Annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, which takes places Nov. 8-11, 2018 is not just shopping \u2014 it\u2019s a fun, must-have experience, and a tradition for many!<\/p>\n
Billed as Texas\u2019 Largest Holiday Shopping Wonderland, this year\u2019s Nutcracker Market is themed \u201cRockin’ and Shoppin’.\u201d The theme celebrates the fun cultural experience it creates for local shoppers, and because of strong support from the community \u2014 including over 1,000 volunteers \u2014 the 2018 event is expected to be the best one yet!<\/p>\n
This signature holiday shopping event, which takes place at the NRG Center, is a giant one-stop, pop-up shop with more than 280 merchants. You\u2019ll find exceptional gifts for everyone on your list.<\/p>\n
With a variety of home d\u00e9cor, clothing, accessories, toys, novelties, ornaments and much more, get ready to shop till you drop. The market also features gourmet food, stocking stuffers, candles, toiletries, pottery and other crafts.<\/p>\n
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market began in 1981 as a small church bazaar. Now, it has grown into a sprawling, four-day extravaganza that hosts more than 100,000 shoppers (many of whom live in and around the Houston area). It has become the second-largest charity event hosted at NRG Center, covering 540,000 square feet of the venue.<\/p>\n
Indeed, it\u2019s become a great way to give back during the holidays, as proceeds from each ticket, plus 10% of all the merchandise purchased, goes to the Houston Ballet Foundation. Nearly $20 million was spent at the Market last year, a quarter of which directly benefitted the Foundation.<\/p>\n
Patsy Chapman, CEO of Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, said this an annual fundraiser allows shoppers to give back to the Foundation, its Academy and its Scholarship Programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom small beginnings, this has transformed over the years into a true holiday event where generations of new and experienced shoppers gather to create memories and traditions,\u201d Chapman said. \u201cYou can really feel the excitement once you step into the Nutcracker Market, from shopping for unique items with your loved ones, to tasting different food products from around the world, to meeting new friends\u2014the experience is one-of-a kind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because of the funds raised in 2016, nearly 56,000 Houston-area students received exposure to ballet through the Academy\u2019s Education and Community Engagement programs, and 200 students were awarded scholarships to continue their dream of studying dance at Houston Ballet Academy. Also, students from nearly 300 Houston-area schools got to see free programming, performances and classes at Houston Ballet\u2019s prestigious Center for Dance.<\/p>\n
Thursday \u2013 Friday, Nov. 8 & 9, 10:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.
\nSaturday \u2013 Sunday, Nov. 10 & 11, 10:00 a.m. \u2013 6:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
Tickets are good for one day admission (no repeat admission) for $20 each at NRG.<\/p>\n