Nutcracker Shows, Markets Planned Across US

Holiday Nutcracker events are returning across the country in November and December. Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market runs Nov. 12–15 at Reliant Center, featuring more than 280 merchants, including 29 newcomers, with proceeds supporting the ballet, its academy and community programs; the market drew more than 104,000 shoppers and generated $24.6 million in sales in 2025. In Fort Collins, Gratie Ballet will bring nearly 100 student, community and professional dancers together for three performances of The Great Fort Collins Nutcracker at The Lincoln Center on Dec. 4 and 5. UNCSA will stage five performances at Winston-Salem’s R.J. Reynolds Auditorium Dec. 3–6 while its usual home is renovated, and plans to recognize people who attended the school’s inaugural Nutcracker there in 1966.