You survived, and Houston Ballet thrived. This year’s annual Nutcracker Market at NRG Center drew the highest recorded attendance to date, raising millions for the Ballet, its Academy, and scholarship programs—11 percent of merchandise sales plus all ticket sales and special events directly benefits the beloved dance program.
This year’s market—themed “Cruising into Christmas”—was chaired by longtime Houston Ballet Guild and Nutcracker Market Committee member Wendy Wilkins Burks. Merchants from across the country set up shop from November 8–10, proffering everything from compact fishing poles to gourmet food to vintage clothing. Shoppers donned their festive bests, sipped signature mimosas, and enjoyed special events like a preview party and two separate fashion shows (from Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s, respectively). Even Lyft got in on the action, offering special ride credits for Market shoppers and even couriering purchases. Here, we quantify what went down this year:
38th
Year of the market
4
Days of holiday shopping
113,290
Shoppers
$20.6 million
Merchandise sales
$5.5 million
Expected net revenue to Houston Ballet Foundation
270
Merchants
27
New merchants
540,000
Square feet of shopping space
$68.5 million
Houston Ballet Foundation proceeds raised since 1981
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