Houston Nutcracker Market Spring announces in-person shopping: Here’s how organizers want it to work Published: Updated: Tags: COVID-19 prompted the cancellation of in-person shopping for both Nutcracker Market and Nutcracker Market Spring in 2020. “We cannot overstate how excited we are to return to NRG Center and bring back an in-person market for our merchants and shoppers,” said Patsy Chapman, CEO of the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market. “We have carefully and thoughtfully prepared our plan for in-person shopping with recommendations from local and national experts on reopening protocols. Many aspects of the market will look a little different, but ultimately, the experience of shopping for a great cause is still at the heart of this event.”