The Nutcracker Market will run from Nov. 12 through Nov. 15 at Reliant Center.
The Nutcracker Market, one of Houston’s most anticipated holiday events, begins Nov. 12 with new merchants.
What is it?
The annual holiday market, which has been around since 1981, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Houston and offers attendees an opportunity to shop for clothing, home decor, treats and unique gifts, according to the market's website.
The market also raises money for the Houston Ballet, with 11% of sales going directly to the academy. Since 1981, it has raised more than $100 million.
What’s new?
Nutcracker Market chairman Michelle Iversen Jeffery said the Nutcracker Market is one of the most important ways the community supports Houston Ballet.
“Shoppers return year after year to find their favorite merchants, while new merchants bring something fresh to discover, and every purchase helps the ballet thrive,” Jeffery said.
This year brings new merchants, ranging from chocolatiers to a mahjong club. They include:
Momma’s Tamales: A family-owned tamale shop, Booth #1940
Origen Artesanía Única: A textile and craft shop offering goods made by Mexican artists, Booth #1926
Linked by Stevi: A jewelry store offering custom pieces, Booth #1264
J Marie Collections: A women’s and tween clothing brand, Booth #245
Woodlands Mahjong Society: A community mahjong club open to all, Booth #654
ParkerJoe: A boys' boutique and “junior haberdashery” offering clothing, toys and gifts, Booth #441
In their own words
Alicia Padilla is the owner of Origen Artesanía Única, which is based in Pearland. She was selected for the Wells Fargo Small Business program, which sponsors locally owned small businesses to be part of the market.
Padilla said she is grateful to be part of it this year.
"I still can't believe that we're at this big event," she said. "It's one of the biggest in Houston, and it's overwhelming that I get to be part of it this year."
Alicia Padilla owns Origen Artesanía Única, which will be at the Nutcracker Market for the first time.Ariel Worthy/Community Impact
The shop sells handmade goods from Mexican artists, ranging from hand-blown glass to wooden jewelry to pottery. Each piece represents a different region of Mexico, Padilla said.
"You'll be taking a unique piece with you that was made with love and passion," Padilla said of shopping with Origen. "You're taking home something really special."
Another newcomer to the market is Woodlands Mahjong Society. It designs and manufactures unique game pieces and accessories for mahjong sets. It also teaches the game to those interested and hosts giveback events.
Alex Lumpee is the society's founder. She said shopping with the society is a unique experience because when customers purchase accessories, part of the proceeds go to different organizations that raise awareness of ovarian cancer, autism, breast cancer and epilepsy. She said being part of the Nutcracker Market is an honor.
The Woodlands Mahjong Society creates unique, custom-made mahjong pieces that benefit different organizations in the community. Ariel Worthy/Community Impact
"The fact that we got on with the Nutcracker this year is really special because we're pretty new in business," she said. "We're almost two years in, but being at the Nutcracker is a big honor."
Many merchants return year after year because of their great success at the market.
Alex Grimmer is the owner and artist of Deadwax Art, where he takes old vinyl records and turns them into art pieces.
Grimmer—whose work has been featured in the Grammy Silent Auction, purchased by Warner Music Studios and commissioned for special events—called the Nutcracker Market one of his favorite places to sell.
"The Nutcracker is a one-of-a-kind event where you're getting people from all over the country; you're getting 100,000-plus people for four days," he said. "It's something you don't see anywhere else. And the people in Houston support it. You never know who will be here."
Alex Grimmer stands next to one of his pieces that replicates The Beatles' Abbey Road cover. Ariel Worthy/Community Impact
One more thing
In 2025, the Nutcracker Market raised $6 million for the Houston Ballet and saw over 104,000 shoppers.
