With holiday celebrations quickly approaching, you may find yourself in a race against time to buy gifts for everyone on your list. From the popular Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market to holiday festivals, the Houston area offers a diverse range of options.
As one of Texas’ top-tier holiday shopping extravaganzas, the Nutcracker Market showcases hundreds of merchants selling an array of exclusive wares, including home décor, gifts, food, apparel, toys and accessories. The event serves as the Houston Ballet’s primary annual fundraiser, with 11% of merchandise sales supporting the ballet, its academy and scholarship programs.
When: Through Nov. 12
Where: NRG Center, One NRG Park
Details: $20 and up; houstonballet.org
MORE ON THE NUTCRACKER MARKET: Legendary ballet dancer Lauren Anderson shares her favorite things at Houston’s Nutcracker Market
Markets for Makers Houston
Markets for Makers, a shopping event with more than 120 vendors, will be at Silver Street Studios on Nov. 11-12, 2023.
Courtesy of Markets for Makers
Markets for Makers is returning to Houston with over 120 vendors offering everything from home décor to fashion, art, design and food. In addition to shopping, there will be DIY stations, photo walls and beverage trucks.
When: Nov. 11-12: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards
Details: $8-$15; marketsformakers.com
Home for the Holidays Gift Market
Robin Wendell and her mother, Kathi Wendell, sell cookies at the Home for the Holidays gift Market in Katy.
By Claire Goodman / Staff writer
The 16th annual Home for the Holidays Market is Katy’s biggest gift market, featuring over 130 merchants offering Thanksgiving décor, Christmas goods, crafts, gifts and more.
When: Nov. 17: 2-6 p.m., Nov. 18: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Nov. 19: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Katy Merrell Center, 6301 S Stadium Ln, Katy
Details: $5-$20; homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com
Discovery Green Flea by Night
Flea by Night at Discovery Green.
Morris Malakoff
Flea by Night returns to Discovery Green featuring local vintage, handmade, recycled, repurposed and renewed goods for sale, as well as food trucks.
When: Saturdays Nov. 18-Dec. 16: 6-10 p.m.
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney
Details: Free; discoverygreen.com
Black Friday Holiday Flea 2023
Shoppers at the Black Friday Holiday Flea.
Flea at Silver Street
Inside the 20,000 sq ft air-conditioned Silver Street Studios, visitors will discover a curated market featuring unique collectibles, jewelry, vintage items, art, mid-century modern furniture, original designs, a full bar, and local food. The event is dedicated to supporting local small businesses in Houston and Texas.
When: Nov. 24-26: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards
Details: $5; bit.ly/47kC1la
Levy Park Holiday Festival
Levy Park’s annual Holiday Festival.
Levy Park Houston
Families are invited to the park for the sixth annual Levy Park Holiday Festival. This two-day, free event includes a holiday market, a craft station, live music performances across the park, a special River Oaks Dance performance, a complimentary Santa Claus photo booth, and food and drink concessions.
When: Dec. 2-3: Noon-5 p.m.
Where: Levy Park, 3801 Eastside
Details: Free; levyparkhouston.org
Midtown Mistletoe Market
Midtown Mistletoe Market.
Courtesy photo
The theme for this year, “Holiday Twinkle in Midtown,” welcomes artisans and specialty crafters to display their unique creations. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of creatively crafted gift items and elegant home decor, ideal for holiday gift-giving.
When: Dec. 8: 5-10 p.m. and Dec 9: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Baldwin Park, 1701 Elgin
Details: Free; midtownhouston.com
Tomball German Festival Christmas Market
Bill Milner, of New Caney, dressed in seasonal attire, browses the booths of Tomball’s Annual German Christmas Market.
Jerry Baker/Contributor
Tomball honors its German heritage annually with a festive event featuring street vendors and live music. You can experience free entry, family-friendly activities, and a taste of German traditions and treats there.
When: Dec. 8: 6-10 p.m., Dec 9: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Dec. 10: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 201 S. Elm Street, Old Town Tomball
Details: tomballgermanfest.org
Holiday Vibe Market
Holiday Vibe Market at Post Houston.
Post Houston
This two-day artisan shopping experience at POST Houston will showcase over 300 local artists and makers. Visitors will enjoy complimentary cocktails, music and a variety of concept restaurants.
When: Dec. 10: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: POST Houston, 401 Franklin
Details: Free; posthtx.com