Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

Nutcracker Market rocks and rolls into the holidays at preview party with Elvis in the house

It’s not the calendar or the temperature that heralds the beginning of the holidays in Houston, rather it’s the annual ode to sugar plum fairies and Christmas Carols at the Nutcracker Market. The preview party at NRG Center draws serious shoppers decked out in comfy cocktail attire for an evening of holiday cheer and retail therapy, benefiting the various programs of Houston Ballet and its Academy.

The Rockin’ and Shoppin’ theme of the Nutcracker Market chosen by market chairman Myrna Fisch took a nostalgic turn in both decor and music by the Davis Caceres band. A large digital jukebox greeted shoppers as they walked in marketplace, Christmas trees were decorated with old 45 record albums and Elvis was definitely in the building. From an Elvis Presley statue to an Elvis impersonator, the King of Rock 'n' Roll was on the holiday scene.

There were also famous local faces, too. Ernie Manouse of Houston Public Media sat down with Houston Ballet artistic director Stanton Welch for a Facebook Live chat and local designer Chloe Dao of Dao Chloe Dao (booth 1444) was working her chic shop loaded with fashion-forward and fun holiday wares.

More than 45 new merchants were added to the selective roster of retailers at the market, adding to the mix of annual favorites like the Paul Michael Co., Donne di Domani marinara sauce (they are accepting credit cards this year) and Marye-Kelley, handmade decoupage items that are heavy on Houston Astros World Series items like frames, plates and wastepaper baskets.

Mid-century bar lovers will raise a glass to Seeing Pink Elephants (booth 1145.) The collection of Imperial glasses, ice buckets and other items will surely make the holidays merry and brightand are not to be missed.Witty tea towels and socks make an even bigger mark this year, and for those looking to wow hosts and hostesses at holiday events, stop by locally-owned Vinglace (booth 1336) for portable wine chillers that fit any size bottle of wine.

The Nutcracker Market runs through Sunday, November 12. Tickets are $20 at the market and it's cash only at the NRG ticket windows. ATMs are available in the lobby. Discount tickets, $18, are sold in advance at Houston-area Randalls stores, and online at Ticketmaster. Half-price admission is available daily, three hours prior to closing. Children under 5 are free.

Those making merry at the Nutcracker Market Preview Party included Jim Nelson, Patsy Chapman, Cheri Fama, Caroline Fant, Regina Garcia, Jane Jones, Patricia Green, Darryl Montgomery, Philamena Baird, Kirksey Gregg, Shay Calhoun, Don and Gaylon Gullquist, Hannah McNair, Ericka Graham, and Roseann Rogers.

Seeing Pink Elephants is a mid-century must-stop at the Nutcracker Market.

Seeing Pink elephants/nutcracker preview party vendor

Photo by Heather Staible

Seeing Pink Elephants is a mid-century must-stop at the Nutcracker Market.

charity

Twinkling Nights

Houston sneaker heads gather on the bayou for a night of conservation

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Rich and Nancy Kinder, Mayor John Whitmire.

Under a canopy of twinkling lights and to the hum of bird song, a spiffy throng of Houstonians in sneaker-chic threads lauded the green revitalization accomplishment of Buffalo Bayou Partnership. The nonprofit’s 2024 Gala, aptly themed “Belonging on the Bayou,” was a vibrant reminder of the city’s roots and a celebration of the al fresco spaces that bridge the past, present, and future.

Held at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park on November 7 and chaired by Julie and Seth Barrett and Marie Louise and David Kinder,the evening unfolded with a casual meet-and-greet reception where supporters, nature lovers, and visionaries convened, all committed to the mission of cultivating welcoming parks, trails, and public spaces that unite the city along the historic bayou.

Guests mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as the Houston Groove Society set the sunset mood with jazzy tunes, and artist Texas Tim entertained with custom caricatures. Guided tours were offered to Rachel Rossin’s immersive art installation, Haha Real, tucked away in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern—a captivating installation that invited reflection.

As dusk turned to evening, the crowd moved upstairs to The Brown Foundation Lawn, where a grand tent adorned with greenery, wooden chandeliers, and a projection of birds welcomed them. Tables were decorated with nature-inspired florals donated by H-E-B, each arrangement an artistic nod to the bayou’s flora and fauna.

Emmy-award-winning Derrick Shore of KPRC’s Houston Life took to the stage as emcee. Mayor John Whitmire shared thoughtful remarks on the bayou’s impact on the Bayou City’s identity and growth. Marie Louise Kinder underscored the significance of the organization's ongoing work, envisioning a future where more Houstonians feel at home.

Funds raised will support continued work on projects that expand and improve Houston’s green spaces, including upcoming efforts to enhance pathways and recreational areas. Buffalo Bayou Partnership will continue to bridge neighborhoods, and connect communities.

Familiar faces included board chair Gaynell Floyd Drexler, Nancy and Rich Kinder, Sis and Hasty Johnson, Houston Parks and Recreation Department director Kenneth Allen and wife Delaina, Mike Garver, Liz and Andrew Ziccardi, Bolivar “Bo” M. Fraga, Julie Peak and David Hightower, Emily Keeton, Cabrina and Steven Owsley, Monica and Bradley Radoff, Regina and Frem Reggie, Jessica Feinstein and Taylor Chapman, and partnership president Anne Olson and husband Tom.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Rich and Nancy Kinder, Mayor John Whitmire.

parks buffalo bayou partnership fundraisers