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    nutcracker in the spring

    Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market springs forward with new shopping event

    Holly Beretto
    Jan 15, 2019 | 3:00 pm
    Spring Nutcracker Market Sara Janes
    Get sunny items at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Spring Spectacular.
    Photo courtesy of Sara Janes

    The annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is a Houston tradition as immortal as the opening strings in Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet — and like the guests who fill the stage for the party scene that sets the stage for one of the world’s most beloved stories, the market takes over NRG Center with a crush of revelers, looking for one-of-a-kind gifts and treats to augment the holiday season.

    Yet even as the Nutcracker Market heralds the arrival of winter — or the Bayou City’s approximation it — the market’s organizers have an answer for those who find themselves too impatient to wait for the November event: get ready for the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Spring Spectacular.

    Launching April 12 – 14 at NRG Center, the shopping weekend extravaganza boasts 150 merchants, 50 of whom are making their Houston market debut, all featuring an array of seasonal gifts, attire, jewelry, home goods, and goodies.

    “We have considered the idea of a spring event for several years, given the incredible enthusiasm for our holiday themed Nutcracker Market,” said Patsy Chapman, CEO of the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. “It’s truly exciting to be able to offer all the best elements of Nutcracker Market, but with an entirely different array of merchandise full of the bright colors and bloom of spring and then on to the celebrations and carefree days of summer.”

    Like Nutcracker Market, Spring Spectacular will serve as a fundraiser allowing shoppers to give back to the Houston Ballet Foundation, its Academy and scholarship programs. Eleven percent of all merchandise sales, plus proceeds from admission tickets, supports the Houston Ballet’s various programs.

    Funds from the 2018 Nutcracker Market exposed almost 61,354 Houston-area students to ballet through the academy’s education and community engagement programs, and $506,980 was awarded to 129 students to study dance at Houston Ballet Academy. Students from 261 Houston-area schools got their first opportunity to see ballet and hear from dancers through free programming, performances and classes at Houston Ballet’s prestigious Center for Dance.

    Shoppers at the Spring Spectacular can expect items such as pepper mills in fun shapes; colorful, handmade straw tote bags; gourmet foods for summer menus; floral décor; baseball-themed memorabilia; and clothing and accessories to refresh outgoing winter wardrobes. Regulars to Nutcracker Market will find familiar favorite vendors such as The Round Top Collection and The Royal Standard, who will bring a fresh selection of products to fit the spring theme.

    ---

    The Spring Spectacular hours are Friday, April 12, from 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday, April 13, from 10 am to 6 pm; and Sunday, April 14 from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets go on sale with Ticketmaster on March 1 and are $13 each. Beginning March 11, $13 tickets are available at all Houston-area Randalls locations. Door admission tickets cost $15 and are available at the NRG Center’s Nutcracker Market ticket windows (cash only). Children under 5 get in free.

    Early Bird and group sale general admission tickets can be purchased now by calling 713-535-3231. Groups of 20 or more will receive a $2 discount off regular admission price. Early Bird tickets are $30 each and are good for repeat admission all three days, and offer early admission beginning at 8:30 am on Friday.

    fundraisersshopping
    news/society

    Power and Style

    Fashion show and tequila toasts light up Latin Women’s Initiative lunch

    Joel Luks
    Jun 13, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    Houtson's Latin Women’s Initiative pulled off a tres chic triple threat — style, celebration, and serious giving — during its 30th anniversary luncheon and fashion show, drawing more than 850 supporters to the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom. The event blended culture, community, and catwalks into one spectacular midday affair.

    Event chairs April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza, alongside board president Jovanny Orellana, welcomed guests to a ballroom teeming with fashionistas, philanthropists, and a whole lot of Latin sass. The annual luncheon, show, and bustling marketplace marked a major milestone for the nonprofit, which has supported Houston’s Latin community for more than two decades. This year’s honorees, Lisset Garza and Naimeh Salem, were recognized for their years of dedicated support to the organization and beyond.

    Festivities kicked off early with a shopping marketplace that opened in the morning and quickly became standing room only. Stylish attendees sipped tequila samples from local brand Titanium Tequila while browsing vendors. A specialty cocktail bar and music from DJ Freddy B kept the energy festive. Event designer Johanna Terry delivered an elegant setting, infusing the ballroom with rich emerald green tones, a nod to the organization’s 30th anniversary, paired with lush florals.

    The program began with Orellana welcoming the crowd from a dramatic Y-shaped runway, as Mariachi Reyes de Mexico filled the room with music that hushed the crowd for a heartfelt invocation.

    Then came the moment every fashion lover waited for: Lo Mejor de Saks Primavera 2025 (The Best of Spring Saks 2025), a luxe runway show presented in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, led by Heidi Turney and Hasina Starks. Applause echoed as models and a few brave Houston firefighters showed off the season’s must-haves. But the true showstopper? Actor and TV host Julián Gil, who surprised the audience by strutting the runway himself, earning whoops and cheers from the crowd. His appearance was generously sponsored by Salem.

    The catwalk came alive with Latin beats and massive LED screens flashing colorful visuals, thanks to a production team led by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar. Behind-the-scenes storytelling and videos, created by exclusive media partner Telemundo Houston, added a poignant layer to the spectacle.

    As guests settled in for lunch, anticipation built for the raffle, which included a dazzling diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers. Helene Zadok herself took the stage to crown the lucky winner. All that excitement translated into impact: the event raised more than $500,000 to benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio Children's Chorus, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.

    And what’s a Latin party without a proper toast?

    Guests clinked glasses in a tequila-fueled cheers to three decades of fashion for a cause, then danced the afternoon away to live music from Grupo Kache. The grand finale included more marketplace shopping and lite bites, with plans already announced for next year’s fête on May 1, 2026.

    Houston’s Latin glitterati showed up, including Ceron, Patricia Herrera, Leticia Fallick, Rosi Hernandez, Gloria Luna Bounds, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Vicky Dominguez, Becky Reyes, Maritza Gonzales, Vicki Luna, Chree Boydstun, David Cordua, Frances Castañeda Dyess, Patricia Garcia, Alba Huerta, Daisy Mendoza, Arcy Muñoz Marshall, Jolene Treviño, Mari Salazar, Leanne Schneider, Hoda Sana, Xochitl Ljuboja, Jackie Garcia, Cathryn Martinez, Mariangeles Orti, Vanessa Ramirez, Matty Restivo, Lisa Flores, Susan Dray, Marilu Garza, Conchita Reyes, Lorena Gomez, Lucia and Michael Cordua, and Leisa Holland-Nelson.

    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Dave Rossman

    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

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