Nutcracker Market is a shopper's delight

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Nutcracker Market is expected to be bigger and better this year! The unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season in Houston officially kicked off on Thursday, and organizers expect more than 120,000 people to attend four-day shopping event.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid heavy traffic around the market so you can get to the goods faster!

1. Leave the strollers, wagons, rolling bags at home - You can check them at the front gate, but they are not allowed inside the market
2. Take METRORail! It will drop you off right in front of NRG Park, and you won't have to pay for parking
3. Carpool - There will be less traffic, and more fun for you and your friends. Parking is $10 at NRG Park.
4. Take advantage of savings - There's half price admission three hours before closing each day and the crowds are lighter.
5. Use Lone Star Pedicabs - They will help you haul your merchandise to your car.
6. Remember to have a designated driver - More than 14,000 mimosas were sold at the Nutcracker Market last year, so if you want to partake, leave the driving to someone else!

The market runs from November 13-16 at the NRG Center. Tickets are $15 if purchased from Randalls, or $16 at the door. Half-price admission is available daily beginning three hours prior to closing. Children under the age of 2 are free.

For more information, visit the website.