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 includesTwilight Candle Co.,Tori Artis Planners,Africa on my Back,Sinless Treats, andQue 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.

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boots with a story

Houston bootmaker offers $5,000 cowboy boot and gator hunt adventure

Photo courtesy of Republic Boot Company

Houston bootmaker, Republic Boot Company, turns gator hunts into a custom pair of boots.

In Houston, where custom boots are a source of great pride and style, one local brand is taking the bespoke boot experience to a new level. Republic Boot Company, known for its elevated, hand-crafted creations, just launched a Gator Hunt Experiencewhere customers can source an alligator hide, which will be transformed into a pair of cowboy boots.

Part adventure and part traditional craftsmanship, the experience begins with a hunt in the marshlands near Anahuac, about an hour from Houston, and ends with a custom-made pair of alligator-skin cowboy boots tailored to the client's vision by a Republic Boot Company boot specialist.

"At Republic Boot Company, we pride ourselves on crafting boots that are not just footwear, but a legacy," said Chris Conrad, owner of Republic Boot Company. "This new Gator Hunt Experience takes that commitment to personalization to an unprecedented level, offering our customers a unique and memorable journey taking them from the bayou to the heart of the Bayou City."

The gator hunt is $5,000 per person and includes an 8.5-foot alligator (larger alligators incur extra costs). Individuals of all experience levels can participate, and all necessary permits and equipment are provided to ensure a safe adventure. After the hunt, the hide will be tanned during an eight-month process to ensure a one-of-a-kind pair of boots. Just in case the kicks aren't enough of a conversation starter, participants will also receive a professional mount of the alligator head.

Alligator hunting season runs from September 11 to September 30, so the boots won't be ready for the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Once they are complete, however, they will be wearable pieces of art with a memorable story behind them. Those interested in extending their only-in-Texas half-day hunt into an overnight experience can book overnight accommodations through Republic Boot Company.

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