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Wortham tree brightens spirits
Story and photos by Jessica Ryden
The 14th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the Wortham Center Nov. 21
marked the opening weekend of the Houston Ballet's production of the Nutcracker.
Invitations were sent out to 13,800 Houston Ballet season ticket holders and random families and
organizations in the Houston area.
About 1,200 children and adults were on hand to meet and greet characters from the Nutcracker and
to watch the Sugar Plum Fairy light the 25-foot Christmas tree.
"This is the time that the children can really see the characters from the Nutcracker up close,
"said
Holly Hilsher, marketing associate for the Houston Ballet. "They can hug the mice and shake the toy soldier's hand. It is also a great opportunity for the
children
to get their pictures made with the characters."
Many of the characters signed autographs and danced with the children.
"I have been bringing my children out for the last five years, so when they watch the play they
are
so excited because they have met some of the people performing,"said Vickie Baker, a season ticket
holder.
Before the big lighting of the Christmas tree, patrons enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate while
listening to Christmas carolers.
The Nutcracker performances run Nov. 23 - Dec. 30 at the Wortham Center.
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With the flick of a switch, the Wortham Center and the City of Houston Civic Center kicked off
the holiday season.
