"A lot of death happens in them," jokes Houston Ballet principal dancer Jessica Collado of her silk, baby pink ballet slippers. A ballerina's point shoes have a reputation for being tough on the toes, which might be why many ballerinas use the dark nickname "coffins" for their footwear. However, 20 years into her time as a dancer at the Houston Ballet it seems Collado's feet are still happy to keep on dancing.

Tickets for the 44th annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, the ballet's largest fundraiser, are now available. The event will take place from November 14-17 at NRG Center, featuring over 270 merchants and raising funds for the ballet's Academy and scholarship programs.

We're getting a first look at some of the new products you can find at this year's Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. General admission and early bird tickets are now available at Ticketmaster.com.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is an all-male ballet company celebrating 50 years on the stage. They not only wow audiences with their athleticism and grace, but they perform in a way most male ballet dancers don't -- en pointe. Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is an all-male ballet company celebrating 50 years on the stage. They not only wow audiences with their athleticism and grace, but they perform in a way most male ballet dancers don't -- en pointe. Over the years they've performed in nearly 700 cities in more than 40 countries -- and there's a reason audiences keep coming back to see this fun and talented group. Watch the video for Derrick's interview with the group's ballet master and to see him try a few moves himself.

Derrick, Tessa, Lauren and Mel are kicking off the holiday season at the 43rd Annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. From what to expect at the market to unique finds, gift ideas and so much more.

It’s a Houston tradition that unofficially kicks off the holiday season for many shoppers.

We’re here to help you navigate all the area has to offer

We’re here to help you navigate all the area has to offer

Internationally renowned choreographer John Neumeier is in Houston for the ocassion

It was a fun idea created by three cousins, Kristy Moore, Amberly Hall and Jennifer Couch. They even brought their idea to the sharks on “Shark Tank.”

The 43rd Annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market runs Thursday, November 9 through Sunday, November 12, 2023 at NRG Center.

Harper Watters stars as 'Paris' in the Houston Ballet's Romeo & Juliet.

This Houston holiday tradition features more than 270 merchants during a three-day shopping extravaganza.

A new production at Stages Theater in Houston tells the story of iconic American ballerina, Lauren Anderson

It’s your last chance to catch ‘La Sylphide,’ at the Houston Ballet, which is billed as the oldest ballet in existence.

Trying to find something great to do or a gift for someone in your life who’s impossible to shop for?

Houston Newsmakers: HPD Chief Troy Finner says city’s homicide rate ‘unacceptably high,’ talks bail bond reform

Houston Ballet has established a scholarship fund honoring their first African-American principal dancer Lauren Anderson.

Are you ready to retire those winter clothes for the season? We hope so! Because Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market SPRING is gearing up for its third showing.

There is one holiday tradition that Houstonians look forward to each year – we’re talking about the Houston Ballet’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’.

Tickets to the nutcracker are on sale now!

Tickets to the nutcracker are on sale now!

The Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market ushers in the twinkliest season of the year. It’s the city’s de facto invitation to cast aside jack-o-lanterns, plastic pumpkins and autumnal decor in favor of tinsel, pine trees and all-things red and green.

The Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market kicked off today, celebrating their 40th anniversary after going virtual last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shoppers from all around were excited to explore the nearly 150 merchant stalls, while showcasing their holiday spirit.

This year, the market is returning in full force with in-person shopping at the NRG Center -- and just in time for the event’s 40th anniversary.

This year, the market is returning in full force with in-person shopping at the NRG Center -- and just in time for the event’s 40th anniversary.

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is back!

One of Houston’s most popular shopping experience is returning this year in full force.

After two seasons either completely or partially cancelled due to COVID-19, Houston Ballet will be coming back to the stage for the 2021-22 season.

After having to cancel all events in 2020, the Houston Ballet’s Spring Nutcracker Market is back and ready to welcome shoppers.

Dancers and staff were hours away from their March 12, 2020, opening performance when it was canceled due to the pandemic. Now, the Houston ballet is back and ready to welcome an audience.

Still haven’t bought tickets to this weekend’s Nutcracker Market Spring? Now is the chance to do so.

Official Contest Rules

The Houston Ballet is proud to present an innovative series of dance films set to music by The Dead South. The films are said to be a celebration of life and community connections. Join “Houston Life” on Friday, March 26 at 3pm to meet the incredible dancers and get a special performance! You can also learn more about the production on the Houston Ballet’s website.

Native Houstonian Lauren Anderson has flourished in one the most detailed artforms in the world -- professional ballet. Her persistence to excel resulted in a remarkable breakthrough in American ballet history. At the age of 18, she joined the Houston Ballet (the fourth-largest professional ballet company in the U.S.) as a ballerina in the Corps de Ballet, which means a group of dancers. The Houston Ballet received pushback for its decision to promote Anderson. However, in a photo that was taken during the Swan Lake performance, Anderson can be seen directly in the center of the formation.

Consumer Expert Amy Davis previews the first ever spring Nutcracker marketHOUSTON – The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market will make a return for the spring season this April. Keep an eye out in the next few weeks for on sale dates for Nutcracker Market SPRING* General Admission tickets! Though... Posted by Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market on Monday, February 1, 2021Due to capacity restrictions, all guests must purchase a ticket to enter the Market, regardless of age. Ticket purchases and 10% of merchandise proceeds will benefit the Houston Ballet Foundation, its academy, and scholarship programs. IF YOU GOHouston Ballet Nutcracker Market -- SpringWhere: NRG CenterWhen: April 16-18Tickets: $20 per person, regardless of ageTickets can be purchased at any H-E-B Business Center or on Ticketmaster.

Houston – The 2020 Nutcracker Market starts this Wednesday, Nov. 11. What: 2020 Virtual Nutcracker MarketThis is the largest annual fundraiser for the Houston Ballet Foundation. When: November 11, 2020 - December 11, 2020Wednesday, November 11: VIP Wells Fargo Early Bird Day $30 (These passes are no longer available). Wear your fun and crazy t-shirts or fun and crazy headbands.”Time to shopThere are 150 vendors this year instead of the 270 at the live Nutcracker Market. Limited edition fabric patterns only for Virtual Nutcracker Market customers.

The Houston Ballet is back. As a part of the Frame x Frame Film Fest, the Houston Ballet will hold drive-in performances at its Center for Dance parking lot. The experience affords fans the opportunity to safely experience dance in a socially-distanced setting. Frame x Frame Film Fest at the Houston Ballet Drive-In is a month-long event taking place Thursdays through Sundays beginning Thursday, Nov. 5. The festival will show different performances each night ranging from “Singin' In The Rain” to “White Christmas.”Tickets are $10 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance online.

HOUSTON – Houston Ballet’s biggest fundraiser is going virtual this year. The Nutcracker Market, a monthlong shopping event, features more than 200 merchants. It’s localMore than half of the participating merchants of the Nutcracker Market are based in Texas. Do some Christmas shoppingThe Nutcracker Market will feature many items that will make perfect presents and stocking stuffers this holiday season. You can still celebrate with your friendsYou can your family and friends plan a virtual shopping extravaganza.

HOUSTON – The Nutcracker Market will be going all virtual this year. The market, which is the largest single fundraiser for the Houston Ballet, will be extended to a monthlong event for online shopping. More than 200 merchants have signed up to participate in the virtual event that will run from Nov. 11 to Dec. 11. The holiday tradition was set to open its 40th year at NRG Center on Nov. 11. A spring version of the Nutcracker Market was launched in 2019.

HOUSTON Houston will not have The Nutcracker this holiday season, the Houston Ballet announced Monday. The performing arts organization announced the change amid its redesigned season for the 2020-2021 year. In a release about the changes the Houston Ballet shared these words about the holiday staple: " The Nutcracker (November 27 December 27, 2020), which generates $5 million in revenue, will not be performed as planned. We are not finished creating, says Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch. They hope to know more in the coming months about alternative programming, after further discussions with artists unions and healthcare partners.

HOUSTON The dancers from the Houston Ballet aren't letting the pandemic get them down. Because of everything that's going on, the Houston Ballet wanted to find a fun way for their dancers to stay connected and moving while spending more time at home. They came up with a group Zoom dance to Billy Joel's classic, "Dancing with Myself." The virtual performances might make you want to even get up on your feet and join them.