This article is sponsored by Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Market.
If you've been in the Houston area for any significant amount of time, then it's safe to say you've likely heard of Nutcracker Market, which has become a signature, can't-miss holiday shopping event in Texas.
Most notably, since 1981, the market has contributed more than $68.8 million back to the Houston Ballet.
The fundraiser is set up as a one-stop shop, featuring more than 260 merchants that offer shoppers unique items, including home décor, gifts, food, apparel, toys and accessories. Safe to say, there's truly something for everyone.
The market offers the absolute best way to shop and give back during the holidays, as proceeds from each admission and special event ticket, plus 11% of all the merchandise you buy, goes back to the Houston Ballet Foundation.
Now that we've talked about the shopping, we'll ask: What might you not know about this event and the history and foundation behind it? Let's take a look.
The market started off a lot smaller than you might imagine.
Long-time Houston Ballet supporter Preston Frazier was the one who approached the board of the Houston Ballet Guild with the idea for the market, which would raise money for the organization, the academy and scholarship programs. His dream of a holiday market in the tradition of a European or Latin American street market has grown steadily over the years ─ from humble beginnings in a church bazaar setting to a four-day shopping extravaganza at NRG Center.
In 2018, more than 113,290 customers spent more than $20.6 million at the national and international booths.
Former First Lady Barbara Bush cut the ribbon at the opening of the Nutcracker Market.
And many successful years have followed, as each year, the event gets bigger.
The money raised stays local to the Houston community -- and much of it benefits students.
Here are some numbers for you:
- The funds help bring art education to 70,236 Houston-area students through the Houston Ballet Academy's Education and Community Engagement programs.
- This past season, more than $942,870 in scholarships was awarded to nearly 246 students to continue their dream of studying dance at the Houston Ballet Academy.
- The money gives students from nearly 368 Houston-area schools their first opportunity to see a ballet and hear from dancers through free programming, performances and classes at Houston Ballet's prestigious Center for Dance.
 The market helps put Houston on the map.
Funds go toward supporting the national and international touring of Houston Ballet II, the second company of Houston Ballet, to cities including Chicago, Las Vegas and Toronto to help raise the reputation of Houston as a cultural and world-class city for the performing arts.
It's not just a fall-time event anymore.
In 2019, after 38 years of hosting its annual holiday shopping extravaganza, the Nutcracker Market branched out by creating a brand-new market filled with seasonal items for spring and summer.
The Spring Spectacular hosted more than 160 merchants, including several Nutcracker Market favorites, as well as many new ones from across the country. More than 18,150 shoppers descended upon NRG Center and spent more than $3.2 million over the three-day shopping weekend. Learn more.
Want the scoop on a market sneak peek?
The Nutcracker Market Preview Party is set for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the NRG Center, where guests will have the first chance to shop the booths, all while enjoying cocktails, buffets, live entertainment and an exclusive wine pull and Kendra Scott jewelry pull.
If you buy a ticket to this preview event at regular price, you'll get another ticket free. Your preview party ticket gives you repeat admission to the market the rest of the weekend. Call 713-535-3231 to purchase, through Nov. 6, and be sure to mention the offer, which is valid for $250-level tickets only.