it's back!

Beloved Nutcracker Market announces triumphant in-person return this fall

Expect crowds like this when the cherished market returns this fall.

Photo courtesy of The Nutcracker Market

Houston, get those credit cards ready. One of the most beloved holiday shopping events is back — and in-person. Expect the masses to pack NRG Center this fall for the 40th Anniversary Nutcracker Market – The Redo.

The cherished shopping extravaganza, which has been known to draw more than 100,000 attendees — will run November 11-14. Discounted general admission tickets go on sale at Ticketmaster.com on August 16, per a press release.

Technically, the market celebrated its 40th year in 2020; COVID cancellations pushed the in-person festivities to this year. Mignon Gill will serve as the event chair.

Those interested in special event tickets (including the Wells Fargo Preview Party, Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon, and Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon), as well as early bird, and group general admission tickets should call 713-535-3231.

As season shoppers know, the Nutcracker Market selectively curates its merchant list each year — mixing enduring fan favorites with new shops. The bash boasts clothing, accessories, jewelry, gourmet food, home and holiday décor, toys, kitchen wares, and myriad gifts.

Thus far, the fall market has clocked in more than 265 booths, with more than 50 new merchants. Newcomers include: C. Shel Shop with a bead and shell jewelry bar; Christmas Place, the largest Christmas store of the South; Deadwax Art’s hand-carved art, crafted from vinyl records; authentic oils, olives, and other flavorful goods from Lakonia Imports; elegant and one-of-a-kind writing instruments from Pens by Mike; luxury bath and body products from Willow Hill Soap Company, and more.

Familiar names include The Round Top Collection, The Royal Standard, Texas Tamale Company, Paul Michael Company, and more. Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Boutique will be a major draw, as will the wildly popular Donne Di Domani pasta sauce stand. (Read Ken Hoffman’s coverage here.)

More perks include The Nutcracker Market Raffle, which promises a Dine Around gift card package (valued at more than $4,500), a $1,000 Macy’s gift card, and more.

Planning ahead? Chart your shopping path via a full list of merchants here.

“Forty years is such a momentous occasion, especially after the challenges of last year,” said Patsy Chapman, CEO of the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, in a release. “I cannot wait to stand in the main aisle of the Market and simply enjoy the undeniable spirit of this event. We are thrilled to have this time to appreciate and celebrate so many years of unforgettable memories and to continue this tradition which has been so enthusiastically embraced by our community.”

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The 40th Anniversary Nutcracker Market – The Redo; NRG Center; 1 NRG Park. Hours are Thursday, November 11, 10 am-8 pm; Friday, November 12, 10 am-8 pm; Saturday, November 13, 10 am-6 pm; and Sunday, November 14, 10 am-5 pm.

shopping holidays

Barbara’s Legacy

Tom Selleck headlines Houston literacy luncheon, helps raise $775K

Barbara Bush Foundation literacy luncheon 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Lina Lorelle and Tom Selleck.

Tom Selleck may have played many roles throughout his decades-long career — private investigator, cowboy, police commissioner — but at an event in Houston, the Hollywood icon stepped into a new one: literacy advocate.

The Emmy and Golden Globe winner headlined the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s 10th Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon: Opening Doors to Literacy, bringing personal anecdotes, quiet wisdom, and his signature mustache to the sold-out crowd at The Post Oak Hotel.

“I first met Barbara Bush in Hawaii, when I was doing Magnum P.I.,” he shared from the stage. “She hosted a small reception, and I have to say we really hit it off.”

That connection made his participation all the more thoughtful.

Selleck reflected on stories from his 2024 memoir You Never Know, keeping the audience rapt with his tales of humor and humility. When asked what he hopes readers take away from his book, he offered an introspective insight.

“Getting there isn’t such a big deal, because there is always somewhere else to go,” he said. “The real value is in the journey.”

That sentiment struck a chord with the 800 attendees, who helped the Ladies for Literacy Guild raise a record-breaking $775,000 to fund literacy programs across Houston.

Co-chaired by Sidney Faust and Betty Hrncir, the luncheon honored the guild’s 10th anniversary and the 100th birthday of Barbara Bush. The event began with an invocation from students at Barbara Bush Elementary, followed by a rousing performance from the Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Pipe Band. Emmy Award-winning journalist Linda Lorelle emceed the afternoon.

Guests were also treated to a pearl-themed raffle courtesy of Tenenbaum Jewelers—a nod to Barbara Bush’s signature style—along with florals donated by H-E-B. Phillips 66 led the charge as Title Sponsor, joined by Literacy Champion Sponsor ExxonMobil.

Showing their literary love were Sarahbeth and Pierce Bush, John Hrncir, Nancy Ames and Danny Ward, Maggie Austin, Jamie Barrere, Tony Bradfield, Cheryl Byington, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Amy Chronis, Sue Conway, Patricia Cornelius, Tammy Genovese Davis, Stick Delaup, Deborah Dunkum, Lesha Elsenbrook, Tena and Tyson Faust, Julie Finck, Gail Garland, Rhonda Graff, Katy Hays, Maureen Higdon, Leslie Hix, Courtney Hopson, Lisa Jakel, Jenny Joy, Patti Kroll, Laurie Lashier, Julie Little, Tama Lundquist, Cora Sue Mach, Martha Adger Madget, Anne McClellan, Mary Hale, Lovett McLean, Marsha Montemayor, Trish Morille, Barbie Prusak, Tenley E. Raj, Regina Rogers, Mary Sage, Sandra Shenkir, Tharen Simpson, Rhonda Smith, Deborah Stavis, Andrea Suarez, Suzi and William Dore, and Jacqueline Hamilton Taylor.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Lina Lorelle and Tom Selleck.

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