🐻‍❄️ Why locals are plunging into 2026 with costumes and cocoa

The new year always brings its own kind of magic. There’s a sense of hope and motivation that comes with turning the page. It’s a chance to reflect, reset, and look ahead with fresh eyes. In our family, one of our favorite traditions is creating “word of the year” boards. We each choose a focus word, hang it up where we see it every day, and let it become our guiding light for the year. It’s not about perfection or big resolutions. It’s about choosing one word that reminds us who we want to be and what we want to work on. It’s simple, meaningful, and something we truly love.

This is our January events only issue, designed to help you plan out a fun month ahead. We’ll keep you posted as additional events are added, but this should give you a great starting point as you look ahead to next month. Next week, we’ll be back to sharing restaurants, businesses, local news, and more.

As we head into 2026, we hope this year brings you good health, laughter, growth, and plenty of special moments. Here’s to fresh starts, meaningful goals, and finding joy in the everyday. Wishing you and your family an incredible year ahead!

See the top New Year’s Eve events happening near you!
The best parties, dinners, and countdowns in your area. Click below to check them out.

🚂 Hill Country Flyer | Cedar Park Depot | Cedar Park | multiple dates | More
A scenic, nostalgic train ride through the Hill Country with a relaxed, family-friendly feel.

❄️ Polar Plunge | Robin Bledsoe Swimming Pool | Leander | 01/01 | More
Brave the cold with costumes, cheers, and a splashy start to the new year.

🛍️ Ruach BARN Weekend | Ruach BARN | Liberty Hill | 01/09-01/10 | More
Rustic barn shopping with vintage finds, handmade goods, and cozy Hill Country vibes.

👑 Princess Storytime with Elsa and Anna | Paper Bark Birch | Cedar Park | 01/17 | More
Magical storytime with songs, sparkle, and sweet fairytale moments for little fans.

🧩 Morning Puzzle Swap | Public Library | Leander | 01/17 | More
Trade completed puzzles and discover fresh challenges with fellow puzzle lovers.

🎭 CPHS Theatre presents PIPPIN! | South Performing Arts Center | Cedar Park | 01/22-01/24 | More
Bold student-led musical blending high energy, striking visuals, and thoughtful storytelling.

🌶️ 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off | Fire Oak Distillery | Liberty Hill | 01/24 | More
All-you-can-eat chili, live music, and spirited competition in a relaxed Hill Country setting.

🐾 Adoption Event | Tomlinson’s Feed | Cedar Park | 01/24 | More
Meet adoptable dogs and connect with local rescue teams in a welcoming setting.

🎉 Kids Night Out | B3 Dance | Liberty Hill | 01/24 | More
Fun-filled evening of games, activities, and dancing while parents enjoy a night off.

🎨 Craft Night Free Play | Public Library | Leander | 01/30 | More
Open-ended crafting time to explore materials and let creativity run free.

😂 First Saturday Comedy! | The Brewtique | Cedar Park | 01/03 | More
Free stand-up night with sharp laughs and a lively, adults-only crowd.

🏃 ASICS Nimbus 28 Demo Run | Fleet Feet | Leander | 01/05 | More
Test-drive fresh running shoes, enjoy an easy group run, and stick around for post-run bites.

🍻 Business “Happy Hour” | Red Horn Brewery & Roastery | Cedar Park | 01/08 | More
Casual, free networking with local business owners over drinks and easy conversation.

🎧 Thursday DJ Nights | Shooters Billiards & Sports Bar | Cedar Park | 01/08 | More
Late-night DJ sets with dance-floor energy in a lively neighborhood sports bar.

🤝 Liberty Hill Business Networking | Jardin Corona | Liberty Hill | 01/08 | More
Structured, relationship-focused networking with local professionals about growing together.

🍷 Texas Wine Flyer | Cedar Park Depot | Cedar Park | 01/11 & 01/25 | More
Relaxed vintage train ride with curated Texas wine tastings and Hill Country scenery.

🌳 “Let’s Talk” Community Session: Parks | Senior Activity Center | Leander | 01/13 | More
Thoughtful community discussion on growth, parks, and more.

🎸 Cade Baccus | Shooters Billiards & Sports Bar | Cedar Park | 01/14 | More
Relaxed acoustic country with honky-tonk roots, perfect for an easy midweek hang.

⛳ Golfinity Networking Social | Golfinity ATX | Cedar Park | 01/15 | More
Casual networking with fellow professionals in a fun, social golf-inspired setting.

🎤 Suede ATX | Haute Spot | Cedar Park | 01/17 | More
High-energy cover band with throwback favorites for a lively night out.

🎵 Name That Tune Bingo Night | The Fieldhouse | Leander | 01/20 | More
Music-filled bingo fun testing your song knowledge with laughs, prizes, and good vibes.

🤼 AEW Dynamite | H-E-B Center | Cedar Park | 01/28 | More
High-energy pro wrestling packed with big personalities and live TV excitement.

✨ UnBreakable 2026 Conference | Exchange ATX | Cedar Park | 01/29 | More
Transformational experience focused on purpose, leadership, and personal realignment.

🤝 New Year, New Friends Night | Spare Birdie Public House | Cedar Park | 01/30 | More
Relaxed evening of conversation and connection designed to spark real friendships.

Up for a short drive? Click on the image below for fun events outside of Leander, Cedar Park, and Liberty Hill!

Thanks for reading Leander Scoop! See you next week!