HOUSTON – Each year, the Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market ushers in the holiday season. It’s the city’s de facto invitation to cast aside jack-o-lanterns, plastic pumpkins and autumnal décor in favor of tinsel, pine trees and all-things red and green.
What began in 1981 as a humble bazaar has grown into a mind-bogglingly massive four-day shopping extravaganza. Tens of thousands of eager shoppers, many with a mimosa in hand and clad in spirited holiday garb, descend on NRG Center for the annual event.
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Last month, those aforementioned shoppers spent a jaw-dropping $20.7 million on holiday gifts. Scroll below for a numeric recap of Houston Nutcracker Market 2022.
PHOTOS: Some of the festive, fabulous items we found at the Nutcracker Market
50
New merchants
Over 270
Total merchants
More than 88,000
Shoppers
$20.7 million
Merchandise sales
$5.5 million
Approximate net revenue to Houston Ballet Foundation
Over $86 million
Houston Ballet Foundation proceeds raised since 1981