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 Tori Artis

Tori Artis Planners is one of five merchants participating in the Market this year through the Wells Fargo Small Business Diversity Program.

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RETAIL REFRESH

Athleisure giant Lululemon stretches out with new Heights store

Photo courtesy of Lululemon/Instagram

Lululemon will be opening its newest location in the Heights on June 11.

Global athleisure brand Lululemon is leveling up in the Heights with a big move to a larger location. For Heights shoppers who live in leggings, the new location is just a short jog away from its former home.

The popular athleisure brand has officially closed its boutique-style storefront at Heights Mercantile and is relocating just five minutes down the street to a more spacious, high-traffic location at M-K-T Heights. This move is a progression for the brand in one of Houston’s most sought-after shopping neighborhoods.

Their former spot on Heights Street, housed in a repurposed residential building, was charming and very successful. It was so successful that the brand felt it needed more square footage to accommodate the needs of its shoppers.

The brand did not want to go too far from its original location and identified M-K-T as an excellent place for a new outpost, a M-K-T representative tells CultureMap.

lululemon MKT Heights Shoppers can explore the new Lululemon location at M-K-T Heights on June 11, featuring a modern layout and expanded retail space.Courtesy of M-K-T Heights

The space, which is scheduled to open on June 11, will offer a more traditional layout, in line with the brand’s familiar store design, and brings additional benefits. The new store will be adjacent to a curated mix of local and national retailers, including Chloe Dao, Ray-Ban, Buckle Bunny Hat Bar, as well as restaurant favorites Buttermilk Baby, Mala Sichuan, and Casa Nomad. It will gain visibility from increased foot traffic, enhanced signage, and a sleek, open interior that allows for a more elevated guest experience.

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