Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market returns Thursday, Nov. 12, through Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, at Reliant Center, One NRG Park. Houston Ballet lists more than 280 merchants across more than 500,000 square feet, selling holiday fashion, home décor, gourmet treats and gifts. The ballet says most of the merchants are local Houston vendors.
The market started in 1981, and Houston Ballet says it has raised more than $100 million for the company, its Academy and its community programs. Proceeds from every admission and special-event ticket, plus 11% of what shoppers spend on merchandise, go back to Houston Ballet. In 2025, the ballet counted more than 104,000 shoppers and $24.6 million in merchant sales.
The market is open to every shopper with a ticket, and a visit can be as long or short as you like: a full day of gift lists, or an hour to walk the aisles, try on a jacket and pick up one present. Wheelchair and scooter rentals, a stroller check and a reduced late-day ticket price, all covered below, make it easier to fit the trip to your own pace.
A holiday merchant booth during the 2024 Nutcracker Market. Photo: Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market (houstonballet.org)
Nutcracker Market 2026 tickets
Houston Ballet’s fall ticket page lists these options:
- General Admission, $25. Good for any one day of the market.
- Early Bird, $60. Early entry from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12–13, before general admission opens, plus repeat admission on all four days.
- Sunday One Day, $20. Valid for one entry on Sunday only.
- Groups of 20 or more save $2 on each general admission ticket. The group rate is sold in advance through Houston Ballet; the fall tickets page has the details.
- Children 2 and under get in free. Everyone else needs a ticket.
The shopper tips page adds that reduced-price admission starts three hours before the market closes each day. Houston Ballet’s ticket page lists general admission hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. Early Bird ticket holders can enter at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday. Hours can change, so check the official site.
Two fashion show luncheons
For anyone here for the clothes, the market’s special events include two runway shows. Both are held on the second floor of Reliant Center. From the market floor, take the lobby escalator or elevator up.
- Snow Queen’s Fashion Show and Luncheon: Thursday, Nov. 12. Seating begins at 10:15 a.m. Fashion provided by Saks Fifth Avenue. Houston Ballet describes it as an opening-day fashion show with a three-course luncheon and wine. Tickets were listed at $250, $300 and $350.
- Sugar Plum’s Fashion Show and Luncheon: Friday, Nov. 13. Seating begins at 10:15 a.m. Fashion provided by Macy’s, with a second lineup of holiday looks and the same three-course luncheon. Tickets were listed at $250, $300 and $350.
Both luncheon tickets include Early Bird entry on Thursday and Friday and repeat admission all four days. The listed attire is “Holiday Chic.” Houston Ballet says physical tickets are required, photos of tickets aren’t accepted, all sales are final, and the order deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. Check the official special events page for current ticket availability.
There’s also the Wells Fargo Preview Party on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. It includes a buffet dinner and shopping on the show floor before the market opens to the public. Tickets are listed at $300 and $400, and the attire is cocktail.
Shopping the aisles
Houston Ballet’s history page lists home décor, gifts, food, apparel, toys and accessories among the booths. Its shopper tips say mornings are the busiest time, so afternoons and evenings are lighter, and it suggests layers and walking shoes. Package check, at booth 923 and an auxiliary booth 1709, holds your bags for a small fee and offers optional curbside pickup.
Strollers, carts, rolling bags, wagons and pets aren’t allowed inside. A free stroller check is in the lobby between Halls B and C. Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, other ADA-approved mobility devices and service animals are welcome. Wheelchairs and electric scooters can be rented if you reserve ahead.
Parking, rideshare and rail
Houston Ballet lists parking at $25 plus tax per vehicle, credit only and subject to change. Parking is managed by the venue, not the market. Shuttles and pedicabs run through the lots to the entrance. The rideshare drop-off and pickup area is on the west side of Reliant Center, by the Hall E entrance. The market warns of heavy traffic delays at the park entrances during market hours. If you’d rather take the train, METRO has rail information at ridemetro.org.
Living near Reliant Park
Reliant Center sits inside the 610 South Loop, between Kirby Drive and Fannin Street. For people who live nearby, the Nutcracker Market is one of several big events each year that bring heavy traffic to the park entrances on fixed dates. Houston Ballet has already published future market dates, including Nov. 10–14, 2027, so neighbors can mark the calendar early.
If you’re house hunting in this part of Houston, look at the neighborhoods west of Reliant Park along the South Loop. Our Meyerland area guide covers the deed-restricted subdivision along Brays Bayou in southwest Houston, including section-by-section deed restrictions. For other options, browse all of our Houston-area neighborhood guides.
Sellers in these neighborhoods can plan around the market too. A mid-November open house near the South Loop can compete with market traffic, so check the dates before you pick a weekend.
Plan your visit
Nutcracker Market 2026 runs Nov. 12–15 at Reliant Center, One NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054. Dates, prices and policies above come from Houston Ballet’s official Nutcracker Market pages as of Oct. 17, 2026. They can change, so check the official Nutcracker Market site before you buy tickets or head out.
Thinking about buying or selling a home near the South Loop? Read our pages for buyers and sellers, contact us, or call Aurhomes Group at (281) 724-3966.
Sources: Nutcracker Market fall tickets · Special events · Getting to the Market · Parking · FAQ · History
