SPECIAL EVENTS

The Houston Ballet will be hosting its annual Nutcracker Market, November 12 through November 15.  The Theme for 2009: Puttin on the Dog!

In 1981, visions of sugar plums inspired long-time Houston Ballet supporter Preston Frazier to approach the board members of Houston Ballet with a new way to raise needed funds for the Houston Ballet Foundation, its academy and scholarship programs. His dream of a holiday market in the tradition of European or Latin American street markets has grown steadily and spectacularly from humble beginnings in a church-bazaar setting to a four-day shopping extravaganza at Reliant Center.

Over 65,000 attendees with a strong passion to shop visited more than 300 national and international merchants, offering unique items for the entire family, including home décor, gourmet food, apparel, accessories, toys, garden items, and much more … just in time for holiday shopping!

From the moment former First Lady, Barbara Bush cut the ribbon at the opening of the Nutcracker Market, and with a lot of imagination and a few setbacks along the way, the Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Market has become an annual tradition that kicks off the holiday season in Houston. “Texas.

It’s a whole other country,” goes the slogan. We might say, “The Nutcracker Market. It’s a whole other world!”

Since 1981, the Nutcracker Market has contributed over $26 million to Houston Ballet Foundation to support its academy and scholarship programs, which nurture and develop young, promising dancers who have and will become the backbone of Houston Ballet.  Currently more than 50% of the dancers in the company have received at least part of their training at Houston Ballet's Ben Stevenson Academy.

Special Events:

All special event tickets are good for repeat admission all four days!

 Wells Fargo Preview Party
Tickets start at $150
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
7 PM – 10:30 PM
Chairmen: Laura Eastman, Kathy Galt, and Kris McGee

Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon
Tickets start at $133
Thursday, November 12, 2009
9 AM – 12:30 PM
Chairmen: Wendy Burks, Patti Murphy and Rachel Regan

Priority Shopping
Tickets are $35
Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 13
9 AM – 8 PM
Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15
10 AM – 6 PM

Macy's Fashion Show and Holiday Brunch
Tickets start at $83
Friday, November 13, 2009
9 AM – 12:30 PM
Chairmen: Cynthia Christ and Karan Robinson