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Nutcracker Market keeps ballet, retailers on their toes
  
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By CYNTHIA LESCALLEET
As with retailers hoping the holidays will carry their businesses beyond the season, Houston Ballet is counting on its annual Nutcracker Market for a critical piece of its foundation budget.
The fundraising event provides about 11 percent of its operating budget for the ballet company and its academy, said C.C. Conner, managing director. “It’s a significant piece.”
Last year’s event made $2.4 million and attracted about 65,000 shoppers and ballet supporters, he said, making it one of the largest markets of its kind in the country.
This year’s Nutcracker Market will be “A Rockefeller Center Christmas.” It runs Nov. 13-16 at Reliant Center. Hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 13-14 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 15-16.
More than 315 vendors from across the country will participate in this 28th annual holiday shopping extravaganza. It offers unique gift items for the entire family, including home décor, gourmet food (including the ever-popular Donna di Domani marinara sauce), garden, clothing, toys, candles, sporting gifts, novelties and accessories.
As part of the entertainment, school groups will be performing for shoppers.
Conner said Houston Ballet Foundation isn’t sure how the public will react this year to the popular event, given the economy, however subscriptions and corporate support this year have met goals.
“The bottom line for this year will be resolved in the next six weeks,” he said, referring to the two final components of ballet budgetary components: the Nutcracker Market and “The Nutcracker” performances.
Ticket sales for that holiday tradition remain strong, he said. This was also the case in 2001 after 9-11, he said, when people didn’t travel but “still wanted the holidays to feel good.”
Nutcracker Market
9 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 13-14
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 15-16
Reliant Center
One Reliant Park
For tickets, call 713-535-3231 or visit www.nutcrackermarket.com.
Stroller, wagons, rolloing bags and rolling carts not allowed in the market.
The fundraising event provides about 11 percent of its operating budget for the ballet company and its academy, said C.C. Conner, managing director. “It’s a significant piece.”
Last year’s event made $2.4 million and attracted about 65,000 shoppers and ballet supporters, he said, making it one of the largest markets of its kind in the country.
This year’s Nutcracker Market will be “A Rockefeller Center Christmas.” It runs Nov. 13-16 at Reliant Center. Hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 13-14 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 15-16.
More than 315 vendors from across the country will participate in this 28th annual holiday shopping extravaganza. It offers unique gift items for the entire family, including home décor, gourmet food (including the ever-popular Donna di Domani marinara sauce), garden, clothing, toys, candles, sporting gifts, novelties and accessories.
As part of the entertainment, school groups will be performing for shoppers.
Conner said Houston Ballet Foundation isn’t sure how the public will react this year to the popular event, given the economy, however subscriptions and corporate support this year have met goals.
“The bottom line for this year will be resolved in the next six weeks,” he said, referring to the two final components of ballet budgetary components: the Nutcracker Market and “The Nutcracker” performances.
Ticket sales for that holiday tradition remain strong, he said. This was also the case in 2001 after 9-11, he said, when people didn’t travel but “still wanted the holidays to feel good.”
Nutcracker Market
9 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 13-14
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 15-16
Reliant Center
One Reliant Park
For tickets, call 713-535-3231 or visit www.nutcrackermarket.com.
Stroller, wagons, rolloing bags and rolling carts not allowed in the market.
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