Happy Friday, Georgetown. In today’s edition: A therapy program for at-risk youth, a Swedish candlelight Christmas, a home tour VIP brunch, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Curbside patios spark debate: Georgetown is exploring a pilot to convert downtown parking spots into parklets, letting businesses use sidewalks and adjacent spaces. Supporters tout vibrancy, while others worry about already tight parking — read the full story.

Early intervention shows results: Williamson County has launched a 24/7 Multisystemic Therapy program bringing therapists to homes and schools to keep at-risk youth out of the juvenile justice system. Its caseload is half full — learn how the program works.

Planning for drought and growth: Williamson County convened area cities in the Williamson County Water Group and approved a $500,000 study to assess long-term water infrastructure needs, with regional solutions and funding options to follow — get all the details.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Toddlers enjoy stories during this free event
• Learn business basics through this chamber 101 session
• Savor festive four-course igloo dining
• Experience Disney’s Frozen live onstage
• Meet Santa at Hydrate on the Square
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Festivities fill historic streets: Leander’s Old Town Christmas Festival lit up Dec 6 with small town sparkle: a chip timed Rudolph Run 5K, an all day marketplace, a community parade, and an evening tree lighting followed by The Grinch under the stars. Families hit the kid zone and Santa photos, with free hot chocolate to boot. See schedule and tips.

Blending history and community: Georgetown is cutting the ribbon on the Light & Waterworks District Plaza at noon Dec. 12 in historic downtown. Tucked between the Public Library and the 1911 Light & Waterworks building, the new space adds a stage, event lawn, shaded pavilion, food truck spots, and public art. See what’s included and when.

Fresh hair energy: Downtown staple Razmataz Salon pairs a teaching-driven team with Aveda color, blonding, balayage, and extensions, and a history of local awards dating to 2004. Expect thoughtful consultation, lived-in color, and clean cuts that grow gracefully, whether you’re maintaining signature strands or plotting a glow-up.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

💼 Women’s Connection @ Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Restaurant | Friday (12/12) at 8:30am – Kick off your morning with meaningful networking, fresh insights, and great company over breakfast. It’s a relaxed but purposeful gathering designed to spark connection and conversation among local women in business. Bring your business cards and your appetite—both will come in handy.

🕯️ Swedish Candlelight Christmas @ Old Settlers Association of Williamson County | Friday (12/12) at 6:00pm – Trade the mall madness for candlelight and Swedish cheer at Old Settler’s in Round Rock. The Williamson Museum is rolling out living history, crafts, and Julbord tastings, all free, all charming, like a Santa Lucia procession for your stress levels.

This weekend

🎾 Pickleball Family Play Day @ Georgetown Tennis Center | Saturday (12/13) at 9:00am – Got a competitive streak and a crew of kids or grandkids? Georgetown Tennis Center is hosting a $5 Pickleball Family Play Day with basics, expert tips for adults and kids, and friendly games. Spots go fast, so register now, then gloat over post-court pancakes.

⛄️ Christmas Dreams & Snowy Things @ CHASCO Family YMCA | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Whether you remember when snow in Round Rock meant a sno-cone, the CHASCO Family Y is importing the real stuff. Expect a giant slide, games, booths, food, and music, all free and kid-approved. Bring the crew, your holiday spirit, and gloves.

🍪 Kids Holiday Cookie Decorating Class @ Sugar Mommy’s | Saturday (12/13) at 3:00pm – If your kid has been begging to frost everything in sight, this holiday cookie class saves your countertops, your sanity, and maybe the dog. They sprinkle, pipe, and eat their weight in sugar, you sip coffee, trade neighbor gossip, and score sweet souvenirs.

🥂 Preservation Georgetown’s Home Tour 2025 VIP Brunch @ City Post Chophouse | Sunday (12/14) at 9:30am – Feel like brunching in a former post office? Treat yourself to the VIP Home Tour brunch at City Post Chophouse, with a cocktail, live harp, and grown-up conversation, then wander Georgetown’s prettiest historic homes. Two Sunday seatings, limited spots, so plan ahead.

🛍️ Silver Moon Curios Shop Small YULE Market @ Silver Moon Curios | Sunday (12/14) at 10:00am – Whether you collect crystals or just want a warm drink, this enchanted garden market in Georgetown brings handmade goods, jewelry, apothecary finds, art, teas, and live music. Grab a tarot reading, find gifts with actual heart, and skip the mall parking spiral. Family friendly, free.

🎄 Skate with Buddy the Grinch @ The Crossover – Ice and Field | Sunday (12/14) at 2:00pm – Lace up for a hilariously festive skate session with the Grinch himself—equal parts mischief, photo ops, and holiday cheer on ice. This family favorite sells out every year, so snag tickets early if you want in on the fun. Party upgrades available for those who like their Christmas chaos extra merry.

Next week

🍽️ Igloo holiday dining @ Encantada Cocina+Cantina | Monday (12/15) at 4:30pm – Holiday season calls for twinkly lights, bottomless cocoa, and pretending an igloo under the stars counts as fine dining. Book a cozy dome or a larger festive tent, savor a four-course meal, then go full elf with treat packages, build-your-own gingerbread, and Christmasy cocktails.

🎭 A Tuna Christmas @ Penfold Theatre Company | Monday (12/15) at 7:30pm – Two actors. Twenty-two characters. One hilariously chaotic Christmas Eve in the tiny (and delightfully dysfunctional) town of Tuna, Texas. From sabotaged yard displays to a theatre show on the brink, this satire serves up every way the holidays can go sideways—Texan style. Grab a seat and get ready to cackle.

🏺 Clay Ornaments at Lamp Post| Tuesday (12/16) at 6:30am – Holiday craft night at Lamp Post means rolling up sleeves and shaping air-dry clay into ornaments for the tree, the mantle, or Aunt Carol. Tickets are $25, or buy three and get one free. Seats are for ticket holders, and drinks and bites are extra.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/13 Darkside of the Wall @ Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing – 5 pm
• 12/13 Hippo Claus Crawl @ Downtown Hutto – 6 pm
• 12/14 Quiet Company @ Haute Spot – 5 pm
• 12/15 Cedar Park High School Band Concert @ Cedar Park High School – 7 pm
• 12/17 Snowplace Like Home @ Affinity at Cedar Park – 5 pm
• 12/19 Ed Johns @ The Thirsty Longhorn – 7 pm
• 12/20 R&B Christmas @ Sky Hookah Lounge – 9 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Georgetown edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Kristy Rioux (Intelligent Real Estate, Inc.)

On 5.2 gated acres in Georgetown, this dual residence compound blends country quiet with in town access. The single story 2,488 sqft main home brings a quartz kitchen with island, breakfast bar and bay nook, a refreshed family room, and a vaulted primary with dual closets, dual vanities, garden tub, and separate shower.

A detached two car garage includes AC loft studio and balcony. The 2017 guest house adds 1,239 sqft, 2 beds, a granite and travertine kitchen, its own septic, and a sitting area. Paver patio beneath mature trees, new 2024 roofs, no HOA, 1.55 percent tax rate.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →