We went on Friday hoping for smaller crowds but we were wrong. Crowds everywhere. While this is a phenomenal market be prepared to fight crowds, wait in lines and hunt for seating. Still a fun experience with the spirit of Christmas on display. read more

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I always have such a blast at the Nutcracker Market and this year was no different! I stopped by on Thursday afternoon and stayed till closing with a few friends. With about 4 hours here we still did not have enough time to see the whole hall! There are many booths of such different varieties. My favorites of course are the Christmas themed home decor, but they have so many small business boutiques, candy booths, etc. This year, I got several ornaments and was blown away by some of the food options. I came home with a fudge slice that has since been polished off, toffee, and flavored popcorn! While at the hall we opted to share a nothing bundt cake bundlet and all ordered frosé. I will say - the price of the cocktails here was rather steep - some were going for as high as $30! They also have other food options if you find yourself there for a while. All the folks at the booths are kind and helpful. I was able to pay with card for most of them which was fine, but be aware that some booths are cash only below a certain price point. As for entry and parking - there are attendants who guide you to the area (as NRG can be confusing with multiple events). The exit was a bit confusing but we followed other cars and made our way out. I love this event as it's a great way to get all those Christmas presents early! Will certainly be back next year. read more

This was my first year attending the nutcracker market. First thing is wear comfy shoes. The market is huge I had no idea. There were tons of vendors and something for everyone form decorations, to hats, gifts I mean you name it. There was also plenty of photo ops, a full cash bar, restaurants, I mean this thing is endless. I am a lover of all things Christmas so I was so excited to go it did not disappoint and I will be back next year. read more

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market - Christmas Market pamphlet - Festivals Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Christmas Galore, Holiday Shopping until you Drop, Vendors from A-Z selling quality items to meet every price range. Purchased merchandise can be arranged to be picked up at pu stations, lots of security and cameras keep the event monitored. Food courts on the perimeter of the Market with tables or like many sitting on the carpeted floors. Alcoholic beverages are available too. This is when you see folks dressed in holiday whimsy of all sorts of matching sweaters, jogging suits, shirts from.....book clubs, families, coworkers, and husbands were there too, although few in number they held their own! A Nutcracker booklet and a plastic shopper is provided once you scan your event ticket. Bring your own tote. IYKYK! Comfy walking shoes and a strategy during NOVEMBER 13-16, 2025. Travel to NRG on your own or locate one of the many, many chartered buses that bring passengers in style. read more

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I've wanted to attend this event ever since I moved to the Houston area two years ago. I was so excited that I remembered it in time this year and was really looking forward to seeing what all the hype was about. Unfortunately, this is an extremely overrated experience. The massive crowds are a major turn off. We tried to make it as soon as the event started on Saturday. We spent an hour in line outside of NRG just trying to get in to park. We already paid $20 per person for tickets, then had to pay an additional $22 to park. I think paying over $40 to attend a Christmas themed glorified farmer's market is pretty ridiculous. Especially when you're headed inside to spend more money. I expected a lot more out of the market. I thought it would be a lot of local vendors, mom and pop shops, people that had a real craft. While there were a handful of booths that fit those criteria; a majority of the vendors were insanely overpriced, resale for things I can buy anywhere, or just plain junk. I wandered every aisle and passed every booth yet there were very few I wanted to spend money with. The crowds were insane. Over half the booths I wanted to look at were impossible to reach because of the masses of people. It was hot, overcrowded, and just uncomfortable. Not to mention how much repetition there were in the vendors. I highly suggest the organizers do as others have said and limit the number of vendors that can participate in each category. I also think the event should be organized with food vendors in one area, clothing boutiques in another, etc. In case you wondered, the drinks aren't good and also extremely overpriced at $30. Consider me a very disappointed local Christmas lover that won't be coming back next year. read more

The Nutcracker Market has become a tradition for me and my friends since I learned about it 3 years ago. And what bc an I say, except I absolutely love it! If you think of the holiday season encapsulated in one exhibit hall, that would still fail to capture all the magic of the market. From giant decorated trees to hundreds of vendors, it's the perfect way to kick off the season. And the variety! All of the staff and merchants are so courteous and you can literally find anything you're looking for for your price range. I personally love the amaretto hot chocolate, the fudge, the pies and breads and the chocolate popcorn. The brochure really helps to keep you organized as you navigate. And as the days pass, some of the deals get better! The market is also nice for finding unique decorations and ornaments, as well as toys and clothes. Really a one stop shop you'll keep going to! read more

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My family and I decided to go to this event for the holidays. We went at noon and it was so crowded. Parking was plentiful for $22 at the stadium. There were many booths with interesting and cute items. We purchased few items to gift to family. Overall it's a nice event. I'm used to these markets bring outdoor in AZ but this is nice too since it was quite humid today. read more

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I hesitate to write this because, overall the event was very enjoyable. However, I did have one troubling experience with a vendor selling handmade felt Christmas ornaments priced at 5 for $35. One ornament featured a girl surfing. I was unique. While looking at the ornaments I was standing along side 2 other women who were not brown. I am brown. The vendor offered a basket to one woman, then walked around me to offer a basket to the second woman. She then looked at me with a noticeably snide expression and said, "Oh, and I'll get you one," in a tone that made the interaction feel intentionally dismissive. At first, I wondered if I was imagining it, but the other women even commented on how obvious the behavior was. This interaction felt racially motivated and deeply disappointing. I hope the Nutcracker Organization will take steps to ensure that vendors maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all guests. I am currently trying to identify this vendor so that I can address the situation with them directly. read more

I sprung for the cocktail party tickets and to say it's so not worth it is an understatement. It's impossible to get a drink. I spent 45 mins in a drink line. It's impossible to reach any food but the desserts. Just come on the regular days. It's less crowded but there is such a significant lack of staffing that basically I have to choose to shop or to drink/eat as accessibility to the "included amenities" is ridiculous. read more

Only 30% of the store is Christmas the rest is like if you in a flea market I do not recommend ... makes you wonder how they got rid of the google reviews read more

This is hands down the most overrated holiday market! These wannabe socialites who run this are stuck in the 80's. I wouldn't accept half of these items for free. It's literally the same old, same old... They must give every vendor the opportunity to come back next year -and return they do... making it an old, dated, boring repeat of the year before and the year before that! Like did it ever occur to them that this would grow old, faster than the latest IPhone? This "storied" event needs new eyes and a fresh start! I'll never darken the doorway again. Merry Christmas! read more

Came here on the last day of the market for this year. Admission is $20 and you can buy it online, on site, or at HEB. Parking is an additional $20 (so carpool). It was my first time going to the market, and there was so many things to see and buy! They have food, gifts, many Christmas trees, and many places to sit down! I was able to buy some pies since they were heavily discounted. Many of the gifts were reasonably priced and locally made. I thought it was well layout and parking was pretty easy. Staff was friendly. They had buses and carts to help attendees to get to the entrance of the event. Everything was laid out beautifully. I will definitely go again next year. read more

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The vision is great, the turnout even greater, and I truly ready to bow down to the team that puts this all together. Maybe I'm a Grinch, but overall the whole experience felt like a convention of gluttony (to me atleast). This is a place for the Christmas decorators, a social gathering with the gal pals to spend a band, while hauling a Royal Standard signature tote in one hand and and hauling Yeti cup with overpriced alcohol in the other. Parking- traffic insane. With the hype, I waited 20 minutes in entry traffic to pay $20 to park in the green lot and walk another 15 minutes to the venue. Entry- cash only...(for the 2022 market) Venue- The rodeo is also held in this venue so there's ample space. Once you're in, you're greeted with aisles and aisles of vendors from all over the country + a handful of photo opportunities, food stalls, opportunities to sit with Santa and a makeshift cafe experience. I appreciate the food vendors with samples and those with missions (American heart, and gingerbread helping adults with disabilities). My main critique is lack of diversity and accessibility for this type of event. You pay a lot of money to walk and spend more money. Of the money you contribute only 11% goes back into programs. As a woman of color only 3 vendors sold decorations showcasing multiple ethnicities. There was little to no representation for those who celebrate other winter holiday or identify as nonwhite. In terms of what is represented, that's pretty diverse, from taffy to pajamas to Christmas decorations, children's toys, dog decor, and custom pocket knives, all of the nick knacks and paddy whack are present even if you just need to buy your dog a bone. As others mentioned, it is incredibly crowded and overpriced but imo that comes with the experience, and that's exactly what this market is, an experience! One that I suggest every local trying once. read more

$36 for 2 small drinks, too many people, everything overpriced, couldn't walk due to the crowd, people walking and bumping into u and pushing, people sitting and eating on the floor, people getting drunk. Never again will I go to this market :( very disappointed read more

Wow! Houston Nutcracker Market came back with a vengeance! Visited the market today with my girlfriends... So very excited that all the vendors are there plus more... the line to get in was longer than the past but good for the businesses! read more

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This review is concerning Pre-loved Vintage I got a purse from here, a Louie. Lisa the owner went over and above to make sure I was happy with my purchase . Please visit her booth for a real purse, And bring them back year after year. Thank you Lisa . N. Sanford read more

I bought regular general admission tickets. Arrived before 10am and waited in line. That allowed us, in our matching Christmas shirts, to people watch everyone else in their Christmas outfits. My friend and sister had never been and I wanted them to have the full experience. We definitely felt the crowds swell by noontime but it's expected. It's part of the experience. It's absolute Christmas gluttony. Are items overpriced.....sure! Are the snacks and drinks overpriced.....yep! Are the lines long....for sure! But, that's part of the experience. I walked away with beautiful Santa wall art, an outstanding handmade bread knife for my homemade sourdough bread(that knife cuts through it like butter) specialty cocoa, tea, and this fabulous bread mix called Soberdough. Buy whatever you feel comfortable spending. It's not for everyone but it will be a tradition for us. There's plenty of restaurants in the area. Make a day of it and then go have lunch elsewhere. We did! The Nutcracker Market was fun and threw us into the Christmas spirit! read more

On my bucket list. I guess I missed the heydey. Too many clothes I can get at Target. Not enough unusual Christmas items. MY SUGGESTIONS: Put all the clothes in one section. Put all the food in one section. Put all the Christmas in one section. AND ALLOW folding, wheeled shop carts. I spent $50. If I hadn't had to carry purchases in a bag, I would've spent A LOT more. The event would make more money for vendors and the ballet if carts were allowed. Control access with ticket sales if necessary. Honestly, you've had decades to work this out. You shouldn't need a patron to point out what's wrong. read more

3.5 Not quite a 4/5 but not really a 3 either. While it's definitely a shopping extravaganza fun for girlfriends, for me for now, it's a once every couple of years thing for me. I would love to hear Christmas music playing throughout and think it would be great if there were frequent appearances by ballet cast or orchestra members or local groups throughout the day. I mean it's only 3 days, right? Local choirs, bands, ensembles...maybe a gingerbread house or man competition...or invite collectors to display nutcracker collections....anything Christmasy. I felt it was really all about the shopping this year...which is fun...for a bit. I get that it's a charity event, but I also bet if it was more of an immersive Christmas experience there would be more purchases. There were allot more clothes this time....meh, not really what I go to the Nutcracker Market for. ‍ There are some repeat favorite vendors and some new. The Russian doll vendor was huge! And Amy's Art (jewelry artisan I say!) is ah-mazing. Food? All the way in the back, way in the back. Standard snack bar fare with maybe one vendor exception. How about pumpkin pie, hot apple cider, candy apples....or Christmas vendor food from around the world especially since HTx is so rich in cultural diversity. We have so much more to offer food-wise than taco salads/stuffed bakes potatoes. Spirits? A few scattered adult beverage stations with lines & lines & lines of people which ironically shortened around 5:00. ‍ Nutcrackers & Ballerinas? I was actually hard pressed to find either to buy. I was happy to see that most of the vendors had some special commemorative item. So it was nice that they got into the event. The systems were quite efficient though-parking, ticket taking, etc. Biggest Perk IMO - it's the one place you can get 50% off limited dates of The Nutcracker Ballet performance, so that's a big win! It's definitely a must do...but I think has lots of room for growth. #littlethings #Christmasize read more

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Lots of fun stuff to see and buy. I suggest starting out at the entrance and take each row as you walk yourself to the end of the event. Cool Christmas stuff but not limited to. Exhibiting old school stuff was my favorite, and it awakened my childhood memories. read more

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Review #25 This event is every shopping festival on steroids. PLEASE KNOW THAT IT DOES GET INSANELY CROWDED!! Don't say you weren't warned! Things to know: Proceeds benefit the Houston Ballet. Discount tickets can be purchased around town so do your research before you pay full price at the door. I highly suggest you buy your ticket before hand. You have pay onsite for parking so carpool. As of 2019 parking for NRG is $12. Get there EARLY! When I say early I don't mean right when it opens because the lines to get in are insane! I'd go about 30 minutes after doors open to avoid the lines. This event gets overwhelming crowded after the first couple hours. So much so that it can be hard to get down the isles. No strollers or rolling bags are allowed. Best to leave the babies at home. After purchases you can bring items to your car and return to shopping. Get your hand stamped. Be on the look out for quality. Many of the venders sell UBER cheap jewelry you can buy on Harwin at a fraction (or less) of the cost. Look for handmade venders. The market sells alcohol. They WANT you to drink! Oh, and you'll see lots of crazy ladies with matching hats and outfits. I think it is hysterical, but hey...it's their thing. (Clearly they aren't from inside the loop). ha! What can be purchased? Just about anything under the sun. Jewelry, clothing, home decor, holiday decor (indoor and outdoor), food and sweets. dog treats, kids clothing and toys, candles, make up, shoes, mens items, cups, art, purses, hair accessories, tons of monograming, cleaning items (as seen on tv type stuff), handmade items and items made in china. Venders come from ALL over! As of 2019 The Houston Ballet now offers a Spring Market. I went for the grand opening and there was NOT a crowd at all! I was in heaven! Think holiday market for with Spring items. I always find something here. Whether it is for myself or someone else. Just be warned of the crowds. read more

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market - Spring Spectacular- doggie toys - Festivals Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I finally experienced the Nutcracker Market. I can't believe I missed it all these years. Even if you don't plan to shop much, it's worth it. And you can walk around drinking a cocktail, also for sale there. The last three hours each day are half-price admission. I think it's enough, otherwise it's dangerous for your wallet. It's like the Houston Rodeo booth vendors on steroids. I had the misconception that things would be expensive but they have all price ranges. Just go! Eat beforehand as food and drinks are expensive there. There is beautiful Baltic amber jewelry in all price ranges and shades. I bought a ring. There was a cheesecake company giving out samples. The cheesecakes can be put in the freezer for up to six months. The Mexican pewter had gorgeous pieces ranging from small bowls to big trays and platters. You can get Christmas pewter pieces too. Wear your Christmas headband as there were folks wearing antlers and other fun embellishments. At a sock vendor, a lady was looking for the martini socks in black. The only visible ones were the orange ones. Lo and behold, I found a table with two pairs. I picked them up, held one pair up and did my random act of kindness for the day! I said loudly that there was someone looking for black martini socks. I didn't remember who it was. She was paying and said, "It was me." The last day this year is Sunday and the market benefits the Houston Ballet as well as other programs in schools. Not too shabby! read more

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market - Socks are four for $10. - Festivals Near Me - Houston, Texas

Well sure enough, this is absolutely a cluster, as other Yelpers have stated. I went into this knowing this and yet somehow, I was still aghast and how flippin' insane it was up in NRG Center. $20 grants you admission into the sardine can-vention. Once you're inside, you should brace yourself for hella overpriced (arguably tacky) goods. There's a seemingly strong emphasis on bedazzled and borderline gaudy, which apparently appeals to the masses as there was no shortage of people wearing their newly acquired spoils. Okay sure, I'm being a bit of a "hater," but I was truly concerned with the exorbitant pricing of some of the obviously-mass-produced-in-China goods that were somehow being paraded as limited-quantity, high-quality boutique treasures. But hey anyway, whatever floats your boats! Lord have mercy, the alcoholic beverages lines were insanely long! I'm as much of a lush as the next functional alcoholic, but man, I wish I had just tucked a few mini bottles into my purse to dull away my Grinch tendencies. I did leave the market with three jars of the famous Donne Di Domani marinara sauce. Please don't kill me, but the husband and I just found the sauce to be "all right," perhaps overhyped. But given that Donne Di Domani has donated over $2 milllion to charity, it was not a regrettable purchase. Anyway, it was an experience all right - been there done that, no need to return! read more

We never missed the Nutcracker Market since 2018. I felt so excited and amazed of all the Christmas decorations. Everything was so beautiful. Can't wait for 2022. Looking forward to it. read more

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market - Festivals Near Me - Houston, Texas

This year I went to Nutcracker as a shopper and Volunteer. I checked out Lucy's Toys love. For the vendors, I wonder if ya'll really think of nonprofit organizes that attend to find product to buy for their yearly Supporter. I walked around ask for sample to see if I like the product before I buy, this something Sam's does I don't why customer do not receive this kind of treatment. I walked around so more, I was assisted CHRMN, their were so polite and very resource towards me and took their time with me. I was even sit there thinking maybe I need to be a chairman. How can one be a chairman for Nutcracker Market? I was the lady in red bottom with a colorful cowgirl hat. I volunteer at the boutique which is a beautiful experience until i was treated less then a volunteer by a Houston Ballet Chairman :( maybe because my race or because of my outfit but I say who bought nutcracker ya'll got a great deal, because ya'll bought the nutcracker for $100.00 when Target got them for $125.00. read more

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market - Hot item that was sold at this year events. - Festivals Near Me - Houston, Texas

I have been in the past with no problems but this year the parking was a disaster. Not sure why they can't just open all the parking lots and entrances. Waiting in lines an hour to just park is not acceptable. I hope they take the feedback and do what they can to make it a more smooth process next year. read more

I went to the Nutcracker market yesterday. First it took an hour to get in the parking lot. Once in the parking lot you could only pay with a credit card no cash. $20 then they added tax or a fee for the credit card what a rip off. There is no added parking for handicap people. I had to park in the furthers lot take a tram or a bus. Try getting on a bus with a walker!!! Luckly there was a very nice man who helped. There were empty spaces closer but you were not allowed to park there. The people partying outside took up several spaces that would have allowed people to park closer!!! In side was very crowded that is normal. The whole experience outside made the whole experience less than enjoyable. read more

Best day of the year!! This is like a girls SuperBowl for Christmas time!! My girlfriends, sister, mom and I look forward to this every single year!!! I have been going for over 6 years now so let me share some tips with you! 1. Bring your own reusable bag. Theirs are kinda flimsy and don't hold much. 2. A yeti cup fits a whole bottle of wine in it, so fill it up and bring it in 3. Bring in your water bottles in your reusable bag so you don't have to pay for them there 4. Plan your entire day to stay there so you aren't rushing! Go slow and enjoy everything there is to offer! 5. Having matching shirts with your crew is always fun and makes for great memories!! Have a blast and trust me you will want to come back the next year!! read more

How can you not have the best time ever in a place that's bursting with Christmas decor? Seriously, it felt like I was in the scene from How the Grinch Stole Christmas where everyone was chaotically shopping. The decorations were beautiful and most vendors had a wonderful attitude. There is truly something for everyone regardless of your taste or fashion. I only regret not bringing a wagon because carrying our treasures was a workout! The lines were sometimes long but mimosa in hand made the wait bearable. Speaking of mimosas, can we maybe knock off a couple of dollars next year? Asking for a friend. read more

I read the reviews, heard that some folks were tailgating for opening day and that this was the biggest day for teachers to take off work so I prepared myself and friends for a very chaotic shopping experience. It didn't turn out so bad. What I wasn't expecting was there were WAY TOO MANY BOOTHS to cover in one day. Three miles over the course of six hours and still didn't get to see every shop... (I know because I wore my handy dandy pedometer). Next time, I'll need to get a hold of the shop layout in advance and map out my plan of attack. We attempted to cover each aisle and halfway through, I had to go into fast forward mode. Good thing they conveniently scattered some bars around because I was able to numb some of my throbbing feet pain away with some delicious but pricey Bloody Marys! There were so many interesting items for sale, some I bought and some inspired me to file away as a DIY project. All the dips, soups, cheese spread stations were a big hit and I came home with some great finds like the Lemonhead headbands and Wine-a-Rita mixes. So, not as crazy as I imagined and I was able to get a head start on my holiday shopping, so that is always great for a procrastinator like myself! read more

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market - Cheers to the nutcracker market and bloody marys! - Festivals Near Me - Houston, Texas

Too crowded and took about 45 minutes to sit in traffic to park. Do not enter from 610. Come in from the east or north. Parking is now $12 or you can valet, not sure how much that is. We parked on the other side of the stadium so had a good walk. Lines for drinks and restroom are way too long. It's just too crowded for me and things are way overpriced. We found the 4 for $10 socks and spaghetti sauce as well as the $10 bag of toffee. That's about all the found that was a good deal. I can go to Hobby Lobby or Etsy and get everything else. Won't go back. read more

The Nutcracker Market is so much fun and is a great shopping experience you can share with friends or relatives. A lot of the vendors donate proceeds to great charities and non-profits such as MD Anderson, The Houston Ballet, The Center etc. If you love all things Christmas you will likely enjoy the Nutcracker Market. read more

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market - Festivals Near Me - Houston, Texas

Love the nutcracker market. We look forward to it every year. Everyone is very nice . Even when it gets very crowded , there is a joy in the air like everyone is having a great time. read more

Christmas, thine consumerism is divine! The only thing to earn five stars would have been a bar on every row and better parking. I went three times, dropped entirely too much money, but when you hunt well and often you can find great deals on one-of-a-kind ornaments and decorative items to rival your friends. Looking for an expensive, Russian made ornament that is limited in number and costs $600 - you got that. You want shotgun shell Christmas lights for your tree? They got that for only $14 at one vendor. So no matter your tastes you will find what you love - from foodstuffs to tree decorations to those gaudy big lawn decorations - all at the Nutcracker Market at Reliant Arena. Portions of all sales benefit the Houston Ballet, so while you spend the dough, you are helping out the arts. I picked up another two dozen ornaments, some from around the world, some made right here in Texas, along with expanding my nutcracker collection and getting in the Christmas spirit. Three day passes are available, and like a moron I did not buy one, but every trip I found more that I liked. After years of shopping the Nutcracker Market, I have found the best thing to do is go on opening night, then the next night, then on the last day as it winds down for the super bargains (one vendor had everything off at 75%). Get your Christmas Spirit on every year two weeks before Turkey Day at the Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Market! read more

The best time to go was definitely after work - there is a discount for the last two hours before close. At this time, my friend and I were able to secure an easy parking spot near the front entrance (factor in an additional $10 for parking, and several dollars if you luxuriously hail a pedicab). Entering the front door, we followed a gaggle of Steve Madden-boot-bearing, chunky sweater clad girls. As we soon realized, this outfit is the unofficial uniform of the clearly female suburban target clientele. Also indicative: the men's lavatories had been strategically converted into washrooms for the ladies. Processed through the front gates of this well-oiled Christmachine, we gawped at the all the shiny green, red and riot inside. Prepare well for this event: leave your giant purse-bludgeon at home lest you knock out a shorter reveler. Come hungry, because you will feast like Marie Antoinette on toffees, bits of cake, and more samples than you could possibly imagine could be transported to your holiday pie-hole on a pretzel stick. And definitely some Hand Sanitizer and Emergen-C because 96% of the samples have been abused by double dip deviants, and you probably are in line directly after them. Start with a glass of Franzia's Best Anxiety Relaxant at the bar-tables, proceed with an organized aisle-weaving game plan, and end with a bag full of items you barely recall purchasing. And enjoy the sensory overstimulation throughout. read more

Packed with people. Packed with lots of interesting items to purchase. Packed with unique items to discover. Packed with lots of people. Packed with samples of food to try. Packed with toys for giving. Packed with gift ideas. Packed with lots of shopping frenzy's. Packed with beautiful home decorating stuff. Packed with Christmas decorations. Packed with isle after isle of shoppers. ....but an adventure you need to put on your annual calendar. Truly! read more

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market - People people people! - Festivals Near Me - Houston, Texas

My sister and I decided to check out the Nutcracker Market on Sunday, November 11, 2012 because I wanted to see what all the hype was! We were busy participating in a local craft fair the day before selling our own handmade goods and was excited to see what this grand event offered. We paid $10 to park, another $13 each at the door and then headed to the back and worked our way to the front. I bought my daughter a 1st Christmas ornament, 1st birthday outfit, a smoked meat package and my sister bought wrapping paper and olives. This took us 3.5 hours while fighting the crowds. Overall, I thought there would be more unique, hand-crafted items like I see at our local craft fairs. Instead, it was a lot of store bought stuff and purses and jewelry that I could find on Harwin. There were quite a few places to buy holiday decor but I usually buy my stuff at the after Christmas sale instead of full price. If I really want to buy something again, I would just go online and purchase from the vendor since shipping is way cheaper than paying parking and entrance. Kind of a disappointment...ladies even tailgate for this? Maybe I'm missing something. read more

I'm writing this from a different perspective than the other reviewers - I worked for a vendor... It was realllllllllly well organized! Though this is my first year there (and my second visit to Houston ever) all of the Junior League women were very excited and supportive. Most importantly the support staff were to DIE for. Those were some looooooooong days and every time - from the security guards to the bathroom attendents to the janitorial staff - they were always SMILING and happy to help you in absolutely any way they could. I know I asked the same questions as everyone else did but they never made me feel like it was the 1982838th time they'd heard that question. Hats off to them! read more

A pricey day when you add the cost of the tickets ($18), parking ($12) food (at least $8) and drinks (4.50-5.50). Booths seem to be repeating themselves year after year. Several booths offer the exact merchandise with varying prices. There are few seating options for the weary. This year there was no entertainment which was a huge disappointment. I will go again next year as its a tradition, but you need to start saving now. read more

My coworker and I were feeling whimsical at the end of a long day so we decided to check out the nutcracker market. Oh my, I've lived in Houston a little over a year and I have never felt more "Texan"... We fought our way through suburbanites, soccer moms, and teenagers to catch a glimpse of knock-off jewelry, and embellished cowboy boots. I was beginning to wonder, why any sane person would put themselves through this? After all, it was essentially an Americanized Grand Bazaar (although slightly less organized). These thoughts vanished when we came across our first booth handing out samples. This booth had multiple flavors of spicy jams, chutney, and honey. My friend and I had a new mission; to try out every sample before the market closed! We made it through every aisle in a little over two hours, and in that time we tried toffees, bundt cakes, soups, dips and cheeseballs. It was fantastic! The vendors were all so friendly and willing to share how they got started. We also ventured in to several craft and holiday decor booths. There are some very talented and creative merchants at the market. This was probably the most impressive part for someone like me, I don't have an artistic bone in my body, and my flat looks like it was decorated by a teenage boy. I would definitely add the Nutcracker Market to the Houston holiday "must try" list. It was an experience to say the least! read more