Before the Nutcracker Market becomes a winter wonderland, there’s quite a bit of sparkle and hard work that goes into transforming the cavernous Reliant Center into the largest holiday market in the country. With the clock ticking, the frenzied days leading up to the Thursday opening pay off when shoppers take that first step onto the red carpet.

For 30 years the Nutcracker Market has ushered in the holiday season and for Ballet Guild volunteers Vanessa Sendukas and Cheryl Gallagher, the opportunity to raise money for the Houston Ballet is worth the time it takes to make it all happen. The women were busy organizing the new Ornament Barre, a one-stop shop for glittering and colorful tree ornaments.

“We have 37 different ornaments to display and it takes twice as long as you think it’s going to, but we all work well together and even though we have strong opinions, we work it out,” Sendukas said.

The ornaments are $6 each or $36 for a set. Faberge style eggs sold at the booth are $15 and all money made from the ornaments goes to the ballet.

More than 80 committee members make the Nutcracker Market run and when most of us are thinking Easter eggs, the volunteers are combing through boxes of merchandise sent by hopeful vendors. Applicants ship their wares in the spring for consideration and by March, the final vendors have been chosen.

Veteran vendors like the Pewter Company and Round Top collection are in the mix again, but there are also the newbies, like Stacey Hamilton and her EnviroTrend bags.

Originally from Dallas, Hamilton came to Houston each year to shop the Nutcracker Market and she’s still somewhat surprised to be on the other side of the aisle. “It’s a different feeling, but I’m excited to be working it,” she said.

Her eco-friendly designer shopping bags are super cute, washable and inexpensive, starting at $10. EnviroTrend bags originated in Australia and when company owner Janina Byrne discovered the bags had been accepted into the Nutcracker Market, she flew to Houston to work the show too.

Hamilton, Byrne and EnviroTrend employee Vanessa Pennisi had already been arranging their corner booth for hours and were aiming for perfection before the preview party Wednesday night. The EnviroTrend booth also features a monogram machine, so shoppers can have the bags personalized for $10 while they shop.

There’s no rest for vendors, but ballet volunteers also spend countless hours working on the market. Their efforts are rewarded with a lounge with plush leather chairs, foot massagers, snacks and catered meals from Stone Kitchen. The lounge is buzzing at 4 o'clock each day when the women gather to discuss the day. Take note shoppers, that’s an excellent time to hit the market.

Early birds can catch First Lady Barbara Bush cut the opening ribbon 9 a.m. Thursday, signaling the market’s opening. The Nutcracker Market is open Thursday through Sunday, doors opening at 10 a.m. One day ticket passes are $12 and four-day passes are $35 and grant 9 a.m. shopping Thursday and Friday.