The NRG Center glittered with holiday cheer for the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market preview party. Over 5,000 bustling shoppers gathered to eat, drink, and be merry to benefit the Houston Ballet Foundation. Houstonites joined to share savory snacks and a signature cocktail, “The Don” named after long-time preview party supporter, Don Gullquist. Among the glistening red and silver Christmas trees and larger-than-life nutcracker statues, the shoppers swayed to the David Caceres Band’s jazzy music between bouts of gift-hunting.
With over 270 merchants offering their best season’s tidings, finding the perfect present was no trouble, especially with the presence of beloved Texas businesses like The Round Top Collection, Susie’s South Forty Confections, Texas Tamale Co., Village Traditions, and Bora. To give the attendees a special memento of the night, the party set up photo ops near the City Mall reindeer and a selfie station. After a full evening of spectacular decorations, delicious food, special drinks, holiday shopping, and Christmas jazz, Patsy Chapman was recognized as the Honoree of the year for her 34 year career and dedicated work as the Nutcracker Market CEO. The 42nd annual Nutcracker Market preview party is going down in the books as a spirit-filled success, acting as the perfect precursor to the holiday season.
Cade Burks, Patsy Chapman, Sam Malone
Cade Burks, Gaylon Gullquist, Casey Rowe, Sam Malone
Photography by: PHOTOS BY MELISSA TAYLOR