Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Market: Tips, tricks and history of how it came to be a shopping extravaganza

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The holiday season is almost here, and it kicks off with the annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market.

The Nutcracker Market began in 1981 as a fundraiser for the Houston Ballet. Since then, it has grown from a tiny venue to the Reliant Center, drawing more than 104,000 shoppers and bringing in $24.6 million in sales in 2025. Eleven percent of every purchase supports the Houston Ballet, the Houston Ballet Academy, and scholarship programs.

The 2026 Houston Nutcracker Market runs from Thursday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 15.

TICKETS

Thursday, Nov. 12:

• Early bird admission: 8:30 a.m.- 8 p.m.
• General admission: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 13:

• Early bird admission: 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• General admission: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14:

• General admission: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 15:

• 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

You can get tickets for more than one day, and if you're going with a group (20), you could also save on the cost.

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PARKING

You can pay on site, as the Reliant Center offers plenty of parking spaces, or you can also pay ahead of your visit.

Parked too far? Trams and pedicabs will be available to take you to the market's entrance.

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MORE TIPS

• Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking around a large area, and you don't want your feet to get uncomfortable.
• Strollers, rolling bags, carts, wagons, etc. are not permitted, but you can check them in the lobby.
• Got too many bags but not enough arms? For a fee, you will be able to check your packages at two different booth locations, giving you time to go back in for more stuff.
• Ready for the experience? Visit the Nutcracker Market's website for tickets and more.

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