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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Scoop Family!
Can you believe we’re about to say goodbye to 2024? As we head into the new year, we’re more excited than ever to keep the good stuff coming — more stories, more events, and more reasons to feel connected to this amazing community we all call home.
Speaking of events… we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of New Year’s Eve celebrations happening nearby. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a night on the town, or something a little more low-key, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s to closing out the year with joy, gratitude, and a little sparkle. Thank you for being part of this journey with us — we can’t wait to see what 2025 brings! 🥂🎉
In today’s Scoop:
🛝 Bell Park now open!
🍽️ Restaurants recommended by locals
💦 Phase 4 water conservation in Leander
🎆 NYE Events to check out!
This week’s must-know news
🎉 New Bell Park is Now Open in Cedar Park!
Have you seen the amazing new Bell Park?! This 15-acre park near the new library features outdoor art, trailheads, a pavilion, and a 23-foot playground structure shaped like a mockingbird, the Texas state bird.
It's our newest spot for picnics, playdates, walks with our furry friends, or just taking in the beautiful Texas sunset. Check it out and let us know what you think! 🛝
Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏
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More local news, but fast
💦 Phase 4 Water Conservation in Leander
Starting Dec. 30, Leander will implement Phase 4 water conservation due to a planned Jan. 13 shutdown for upgrades at the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA) plant.
Outdoor watering is fully prohibited as the city works to reduce daily water usage to 9 MGD, ensuring adequate supply during the plant's temporary closure. The upgrades will eventually add 12 MGD capacity, supporting future needs. Read more here.
🏗️ Leander ISD Breaks Ground on New Transition Services Center!
Leander ISD has started construction on its new 18+ Transition Services and Science Materials Center, which will support students with disabilities as they prepare for adulthood. It will teach life skills and vocational training to 18-22 year olds who need additional assistance.
This facility will also serve as a hub for science materials, benefiting classrooms all across the district. This is a big step forward for education and inclusivity in our community! 🙌
🚧 Major SH 130 Expansion Coming to Williamson County!
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) just approved $250M to transform our eastern corridor into a six-lane highway.
The 15-mile expansion will stretch from Gattis School Road to I-35, giving us more lanes to zoom through our growing region. Construction kicks off in 2027 and is funded by toll operations.
Recommended by Locals 👍
🍝 Bella Sera
Craving Italian comfort food? Bella Sera’s got you covered with their beloved chicken parm and garlic knots. It’s the local go-to for pasta night, serving up consistently good Italian classics that keep you coming back for more.
🍕 Saccone’s Pizza
Craving pizza that hits the spot every time? Saccone's authentic, hand-tossed pies have the perfect balance of crispy crust, rich sauce, and melty cheese. It’s no wonder they’re such a fan favorite!
🍹 Obsidian Brewery
This spot serves up more than just drinks — think wood-fired pizzas, cheesy bread, and a ridiculously good grilled cheese. But their craft beers and top-tier liquor selection alone make it worth the trip!
🍣 Sky Asian Fusion
Their fresh flavors and hefty portions make it a standout for sushi and Asian cuisine. Quality and flavor are always top-notch here and it’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or just treating yourself!
🌭 Ziggy’s Kielbasa House
If you’re craving kielbasa, this is the spot in Leander. Whether you're dining in or just grabbing a quick bite, every dish is packed with handcrafted goodness and fresh flavors. Also a great, unique choice to cater your next party or event!
Spotlighting local businesses we love
3219 E Whitestone Blvd, Suite 100, Cedar Park, TX 78613
If you have little ones and you haven’t heard about KidStrong yet, check them out! This place is all about helping kids (from 13 months to 11 years) build strength, confidence, and leadership skills in the most fun way possible. 💪
Their programs are designed to challenge kids physically and mentally, so they can grow into strong, capable young people. Whether it’s through sports drills, obstacle courses, or leadership training, every class is packed with energy and excitement!
Our kiddos absolutely loved taking KidStrong classes when they were younger! Imagine fun obstacle courses paired with teaching breaks and monthly focuses on character traits like teamwork and mental toughness. The coaches were incredible—skilled, caring, and built such meaningful relationships with our kids.
If you’re looking for something fun and impactful for your kids, KidStrong is absolutely worth exploring! 💖
Discover your next dream home
View on Zillow
This house is gorgeous! It’s a 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom Taylor Morrison Larimar floorplan with nearly 4,000 sq. ft. and over $150K in high-end upgrades. The two-story great room is full of natural light, and there’s even an in-law suite on the main floor, offering privacy for guests.
The backyard is perfectly level with stunning canyon views 🌄—ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Sounds like the perfect place to call home! 😍
Learn about how you can apply AI in your life or business in under 60 seconds
AI video tools just leveled up big time, with OpenAI and Google rolling out their latest models.
Google introduced Veo2, which is the superior model for now—but it’s not publicly available yet.
Meanwhile, OpenAI launched Sora, nearly a year after it was first announced. If you’re a paying ChatGPT subscriber, you can access it now. Sora creates hyper-realistic videos up to 8 seconds long. Short? Yes. But the quality is jaw-dropping.
This weekend, I tested it out. My first attempt was just a simple prompt: "A dad and his son having fun at an amusement park." The result is pretty amazing in my opinion.
The takeaway? Play with tools like this as soon as they drop. It’s the best way to stay ahead—and have some fun while doing it. -TJ Larkin
Mark your calendar, go have fun!
🎊 Noon Year's Eve Party | Leander Public Library | Leander | 12/31 | More
Countdown to noon with games, crafts, and fun for the whole family!
🍻 NYE Smash | Caddie Shack Sports Bar | Leander | 12/31 | More
Smash into 2025 with Keepers of the Rock!
🎭 NYE Masquerade | Cimarron Hills Golf & CC | Georgetown | 12/31 | More
Dress up in elegant masks and enjoy a luxurious night of dancing and celebration!
🎆 NYE Extravaganza | Embassy Suites by Hilton | Round Rock | 12/31 | More
Upscale celebration with live entertainment, dancing, and more by Texasdude Productions!
🍽️ NYE Grand Buffet | Kalahari Resorts | Round Rock | 12/31 | More
Fun for the whole family with an all-you-can-eat buffet, live music, and a glow party.
🧘 Mini NYE Sound Healing Retreat | Soul Strong Yoga | Round Rock | 12/31 | More
Relax and reflect with meditation, sound healing, and intention setting.
🕺New Year's Eve Prom Reboot | Cork & Barrel Kitchen | Round Rock | 12/31 | More
Relive prom night with a NYE twist—music, dancing, and fun!
🎧 New Year’s Eve Silent Disco | Revl Social Club | Pflugerville | 12/31 | More
Dance to different music channels with glowing headphones!
🎤 Stoney LaRue | Haute Spot | Cedar Park | 12/31 | More
Country music vibes to close out the year.
🕛 Noon Year's Eve Party | Indigo Play | Austin | 12/31 | More
Countdown to noon with family-friendly fun, games, and activities for kids!
🎹 NYE Bash-Pour Decisions, Perfect Night! | Punch Bowl Social | Austin | 12/31 | More
Games, cocktails, and New Year's fun!
🎈 NYE Block Party | The Rose Room | Austin | 12/31 | More
Massive multi-bar NYE party with music, drinks, and dancing!
✨ New Years Eve Soiree | Azure Lounge | Austin | 12/31 | More
An upscale night of elegance with live entertainment and cocktails.
🎮 Lock-in at the Cave | The Crossover | Cedar Park | 12/28 | More
An overnight gaming event with 12 hours of non-stop fun, pizza, and prizes.
🏃♂️ New Year's Resolution Run | Lakewood Park | Leander | 12/28 | More
Set your 2025 goals in motion with a 5K, 10K, or half marathon challenge!
🌿 Farmer's Market | Wildfire | Leander | 12/28 | More
Shop fresh produce, artisanal goods, and meet local vendors in the community.
💖 Ladies Night: Always PINK | Super Sap's | Cedar Park | 12/26 | More
Celebrate with friends at a themed ladies night featuring drinks and a live show!
💃 Twilight Tango Temptation | Leander | 12/28 | More
An evening of tango dancing with live music and passionate rhythms.
😂 K*ll Tony | HEB Center | Cedar Park | 12/30 | More
Live comedy show featuring unfiltered stand-up with audience participation.
♠️ Poker Night! | Mouton's Bistro & Bar | Cedar Park | 12/30 | More
Test your skills at poker night while enjoying great food and drinks!
🎶 Koe Wetzel & Morgan Wade | Moody Center ATX | Austin | 12/27 | More
Country-rock vibes with chart-toppers live on stage!
🍸 Renowned B.A.R.E.N.Y.E. Party | Speakeasy | Austin | 12/29 | More
Celebrate NYE early with a swanky night of music, cocktails, and dancing!
🚶♂️ New Years Day Hike | Garey Park | Georgetown | 1/1 | More
A 3-mile guided hike for all ages to start the year off right!
Missed last week’s Scoop? No worries, you can catch up right here! 👇
Big things are coming in 2025! 🚀
Leander Scoop is growing, and Georgetown Scoop and Round Rock Scoop are joining the fun! More local stories, more events, and more ways to stay connected.
Here’s to a scoop-filled 2025! 🎉
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