let the holiday shopping begin

9 vendors breaking into Houston's Nutcracker Market for the first time

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is back and ready to kick off the holiday shopping season. One of the city's most highly anticipated shopping events returns for its 44th year with 270 merchants, including 25 new businesses. From November 14 to 17, NRG Center will be filled with holiday finds, including food, clothing, jewelry, one-of-a-kind gifts, and home décor.

"We are delighted to welcome the Houston community back to Nutcracker Market," said Houston Ballet chief development officer Angie Lane in a statement. "As we celebrate the Market's 44th year, we reflect on its continued growth and impact on our city. Houston Ballet is honored to have created a tradition that brings joy, fosters community spirit, and helps support our programs year after year."

Each year, the Nutcracker Market's Merchant Review Committee curates a selection of vendors that mix beloved favorites with fresh newcomers to provide a unique holiday shopping experience. For the second year, the Nutcracker Market is proud to introduce merchants through its Wells Fargo Small Business Diversity Program, which helps small minority-owned businesses participate in the shopping event. This year's lineup includes Twilight Candle Co., Tori Artis Planners, Africa on my Back, Sinless Treats, and Que Bonito Mexican Fashions.

Comfortable shoes, a gaggle of pals, and plenty of patience are the three essentials for a successful Nutcracker Market experience. To make this year's event even easier, we've curated a must-see list of exciting new vendors you won't want to miss.

BlueQuail Clothing Co.
BlueQuail Clothing Co. offers protective kids wear made with stain-resistant, UPF50+ fabrics inspired by the great outdoors that will help keep kids safe from UV rays.

EK the Boutique
The Elise and Katie Boutique offers on-trend clothing and accessories to help build women's confidence and spread joy.

Fabuplate
Fabuplate offers premium quality paper plate and napkin sets that are perfect readymade gifts for the holidays. Each set comes in a reusable, clear gift bag that makes for a fantastic customizable gift or a chic, easy-to-clean presentation.

Gold + Grace permanent jewelry
Gold+Grace Jewelry offers customizable permanent jewelry with a variety of chains in sterling silver, 14k gold-filled, solid 14k gold, and a wide selection of charms.

Nativity Market
Shoppers can find nativity sets from around the world available at every price point, size, and style.

Paul Michael Company
Nutcracker Market regulars will be excited to learn that highly sought-after home décor company Paul Michael Company is returning after a two-year hiatus. Paul Michael Company will introduce the new Holiday House collection featuring expertly sourced Christmas décor.

Sugar Sand Tan
Sugar Sand Tan offers professional sunless tanning products that are organic and made to keep the endless summer vibes going.

Tart by Taylor
This Dallas-based décor company offers over 100 of its popular designs including acrylic coasters, trays, champagne flutes, and decorative book boxes.

Tori Artis Planners
Handmade and designed in Houston, Tori Artis Planners offers stationery items, planners, and gifts, including personalized notecards, pens, pads, and accessories.

Photo courtesy of Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market

Running November 14-17 at NRG Center, Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is back for its 44th year, ringing in the holiday season for eager shoppers.

houston ballet houston nutcracker market

be well

3 hot wellness studios move swiftly into new Heights development

Courtesy of Radom Capital

The Swift BLDG is expected to open in late 2026.

A new mixed-use development in the Heights has announced its next round of tenants. Three wellness businesses are coming to The Swift BLDG, Houston developers Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners’ project in the historic Swift & Company Packing Plant that’s located near the Heights Hike & Bike Trail.

They are:

SweatHouz, a contrast therapy studio
Strong Pilates Studio
The Skin Clinic, a Houston-based aesthetics and skincare destination

Scheduled to open in winter 2026, SweatHouz will offer infrared saunas, cold plunges, and other protocols to improve a person’s well-being. The protocols are focused on areas such as athletic recovery, reducing stress, improving circulation, mental health, and longevity. In addition, it will offer a beauty bar equipped with Dyson hot tolls and a beverage station stocked with different waters.

Building on the success of its Katy location that opened last year, Strong Pilates Studio will occupy 2,500 square feet in the Swift BLDG. Using Rowformer and Bikeformer machines, customers have the opportunity to take classes in Strong Body, Strong Loaded, and Strong Pilates-Only. It’s expected to open in the fall.

“Our method blends strength, cardio, and reformer-based training into one, delivering real results in just 45 minutes. This isn’t just Pilates — it’s a new standard for fitness in Houston. And a community that sweats together stays strong,” franchisee Mona Hussein-Zaki said in a statement.

Currently located in M-K-T, the Skin Clinic will more than double its footprint by relocated to the Swift BLDG. The clinic’s services focus on skin health and rejuvenation. It also expected to open in the fall.

“The response from this community has been incredible, and Swift gives us the room to grow into what our patients have been asking for: more space, more services, and the same patient-centered care that got us here." founder Kelli Nwuli said.

All three businesses join previously announced tenants such as Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, premium juice bar Leemoo, Merit Coffee, and Houston Tex-Mex staple Escalante’s.

On track to open to the public in fall 2026, The Swift BLDG will offer more than 30,000 square feet of office space along with 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail tenants. The two companies previously partnered on M-K-T, the Heights mixed-use development that’s near the Swift project. Radom is known for a number of other Houston developments, including the Montrose Collective and the historic Tower Theater property and its adjacent buildings.

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