Home Care In Plano, TX

"It's not effective, it's not a long-term solution and it's just unnecessarily cruel," said Rebecca Hamlin with the North Texas Wildlife Center.

PLANO, Texas — Wildlife rescue teams are searching for a bobcat injured by a leg-hold metal trap after a video posted on social media sparked outrage.

The video, shared on NextDoor, was recorded at Hoblitzelle Park in Plano. It shows two bobcats on a pedestrian bridge. One appears to be pacing, while the other struggles with a metal leg-hold trap and a chain clamped to its left rear paw.

"It's really sad," said Rebecca Hamlin, president of the North Texas Wildlife Center. "There's a sense of entitlement that we can control the animals. These animals have a right to exist as much as we do."

Hamlin said her organization is working with rescue teams, including Song Dog Watch, that began searching the Russell Creek watershed Tuesday morning. Their goal is to locate the injured bobcat, remove the trap, and rehabilitate the animal. If possible, it would later be released back into the wild.

"We have these conflicts and people think they can handle it on their own," she said. "It's not effective, it's not a long-term solution and it's just unnecessarily cruel."

As for whoever set the trap, Hamlin wants to remind them that the traps are illegal in Plano. City of Plano ordinances also stipulate that "hunting, trapping, or removal of any animal, or to let loose any animal is prohibited" in Plano parks. Hamlin says the traps also pose a threat to pets and humans. Bobcats also play an important role in the local ecosystem by controlling populations of rabbits, rats and mice, she said.

"There's a lot of misunderstanding and fear surrounding these animals," Hamlin said. "They are vital to our ecosystem."

If the bobcat is found and survives its injuries, it could be treated by veterinarians who work with the North Texas Wildlife Center, which regularly cares for animals hurt in urban encounters. Hamlin said the center has already taken in more than 1,300 opossums since Jan. 1.

"Please stay away and avoid flocking to the area," she said of the ongoing search for the injured bobcat. "We need to let the experts handle this."

Rescuers say their hope is to give the injured bobcat a chance to recover and return to the wild.

Make your reservations before it's too late

Across North Texas, restaurants are ringing in the New Year with special menus, festive cocktails and dining experiences designed to toast the start of 2026.

Whether you’re planning an elegant multi-course dinner, a lively late-night meal with champagne flowing or a relaxed gathering with friends before the countdown, there’s a New Year’s Eve table waiting for you.

Here’s Local Profile’s curated guide to New Year’s Eve dining destinations across North Texas, where great food sets the tone for a great year ahead.

Uchiko

When: Dec. 31 Where: 7801 Windrose Ave. Suite H 150, Plano More info

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Uchiko Plano with a refined ten-course omakase for two. The experience begins with smoked beef cheek croquettes with caviar, followed by courses such as sawara crudo with passion fruit ponzu, grilled golden beets with burrata, shiso ika tempura maki, multiple nigiri and sashimi tastings, lobster thermidor, NY strip with beet purée and truffle, and a blood orange–forward tiramisu finale. A standout option for a celebratory, chef-driven night to close out the year.

Knife Steakhouse

When: Dec. 31, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Where: 6121 W Park Blvd RS9, Plano More info

Celebrate 2026 at Knife Steakhouse Plano with an exceptional New Year’s Eve dining experience. The restaurant will serve its full menu of chef John Tesar’s signature steaks, seasonal dishes and bold flavors, alongside a special offering featuring an entrée flight of dry-aged meats and festive martini and champagne flights.

Centro on the Square

When: Dec. 31 Where: 112 E Louisiana St, Suite A, McKinney More info

Welcome 2026 with an elegant evening at Centro on the Square, featuring a live jazz trio with Shelly Carrol and a four-course prix fixe menu for $75 per person. Guests can choose from starters like yellowtail crudo or butternut squash soup, followed by beet salad or classic caesar, and main courses including braised short rib, Chilean sea bass or lemon ricotta agnolotti del plin, finishing with chocolate mousse. A complimentary champagne toast at midnight completes the celebration.

Dee Lincoln Prime & Havana Dee’s

When: Dec. 31, starting at 8:30 p.m. Where: 6670 Winning Drive Suite 400, Frisco More info

Havana Dee’s offers a five-course NYE dinner with Chateaubriand, sushi, caviar sammies and Dee’s “red bottoms” cake, plus live music and a midnight champagne toast. Dee Lincoln Prime features bone-in halibut porterhouse, 64oz Australian wagyu tomahawk and 000 pure beluga caviar.

Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen New Year’s Eve

When: Dec. 31, 5:00 PM–12:30 AM Where: 8763 7th St, Frisco More info

Celebrate 2026 at Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen with two New Year’s Eve seatings. The early seating, 5–6:30 p.m., offers a three-course dinner for $55. The later, exclusive 9–10 p.m. seating is a Great Gatsby–inspired fête for 30 guests, featuring a four-course menu, Prohibition-era cocktails, a live jazz band, shared dessert, midnight champagne toast and festive party favors for $175 per person.

Nobu

When: Dec. 31, 5 p.m. Where: Nobu Dallas, 400 Crescent Court, Dallas More info

Ring in the new year at Nobu Dallas with an exclusive six-course New Year’s Eve omakase for $225 per guest. Highlights include a sashimi tasting and Japanese A5 Wagyu steak with umeshu foie gras and sancho soy. A limited à la carte menu will also be available.

Truluck’s

When: Dec. 31 Where: All North Texas locations More info

Celebrate at Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab with a three-course New Year’s Eve menu for $150. Start with options like Florida stone crab, oysters or little gem caesar salad, with TRU caviar available as an add-on. Entrees include miso-glazed seabass, filet mignon or blue crab-stuffed lobster tails, with optional sides like truffle mashed potatoes or brie-king crab mac and cheese. Finish the evening with Truluck’s signature desserts, including carrot cake, chocolate malt cake, or key lime pie.

Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa

When: Dec. 31 Where: Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, 4341 PGA Parkway, Frisco More info

Ring in 2026 with a special three-course New Year’s Eve menu at Ryder Cup Grille for $68, featuring lobster bisque, braised short rib ragu with gnocchi and warm bread pudding. Dinner seatings are available until 11:30 p.m. Afterward, head to The Lookout Lounge & Bar from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for live music from Rockestra Duo, champagne specials and a complimentary midnight toast.

CRÚ Wine Bar & Bistro New Year’s Eve

When: Dec. 31 Where: CRÚ Wine Bar & Bistro, 7201 Bishop Rd, Plano More info

Ring in 2026 at CRÚ Wine Bar & Bistro with a special three-course New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu for $75 per person. The evening starts with a complimentary lobster bisque amuse-bouche with robiola crostini, followed by chef-driven starters, entrées and desserts. Guests can enhance the celebration with expertly paired wines or a festive glass of bubbly. Whether for a romantic evening or a night out with friends, CRÚ provides the perfect setting to toast the new year in style.

Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill

When: Dec. 31 Where: 4017 Preston Rd #530, Plano More info

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at North Texas’ beloved family-owned seafood spot, Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill. Chef Ryan Oruch and his team will serve a decadent prix fixe menu featuring shrimp cocktail, tuna nachos, smoked salmon dip, and entrees like broiled lobster tail, lobster thermidor, cedar-planked steelhead trout, blackened snapper, seared scallops and sautéed flounder. After dinner, continue the celebration next door at The Wilfred, Plano’s speakeasy, with the “Bumps & Bubbles” party.

Ateliê

When: Dec. 31, 7:00–10:30 PM Where: 367 W Jefferson Blvd, Dallas More info

Celebrate 2026 at Ateliê with an intimate, art-forward New Year’s Eve experience. Guests can enjoy a four-course prix fixe dinner by chef Wyl Lima, featuring globally inspired dishes like winter salad with goat cheese, Wagyu bolognese, roasted chicken with sweet plantain and matcha cheesecake. Four seatings (7, 7:45, 9:45 and 10:30 p.m.) allow the evening to unfold at a relaxed pace, with later seatings leading into a New Year’s countdown. Beginning at 10 p.m., a soulful DJ soundtrack accompanies curated art from Daisha Board Gallery, culminating in a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets start at $109.89.

Knife Italian Steak

When: Dec. 31, 5–10 PM Where: 4150 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving More info

Celebrate 2026 at Knife Italian Steak with a special New Year’s Eve dining experience. Guests can enjoy the full dinner menu along with chef-curated à la carte specials, including a caviar flight featuring Antonius 6-star oscietra, paramount hackleback and royal baerii, filet of turbot with Champagne and caviar beurre blanc, and a 240-day dry-aged 44 Farms ribeye with truffled mashed potatoes, morel mushrooms, burnt onion gel, shaved black truffle and cherry jus.

Fearing’s at The Ritz-Carlton

When: Dec. 31, 5–9 PM Where: 2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas More info

Celebrate 2026 at Fearing’s with a special multi-course New Year’s Eve menu by famed chef Dean Fearing and team, featuring bold Texas flavors and seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy expertly paired wines, lively ambiance and the warm hospitality that makes Fearing’s one of Dallas’ most celebrated dining destinations.

The Reserve at The Highland

When: Dec. 31, 5:30 Where: 5300 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas More info

Start 2026 at the table with a celebratory New Year’s Eve dinner at The Reserve. The restaurant will offer open seating starting at 5:30 p.m. featuring a specially curated $95 prix fixe menu with optional enhancements. A sommelier-selected wine pairing is also available for $55 per guest.

Meridian

When: Dec. 31, 4:30–10 PM Where: 5650 Village Glen Dr, Dallas More info

Ring in 2026 at Meridian with a special New Year’s Eve dining experience. Guests can enjoy the full à la carte menu or a $185 multi-course tasting curated by chef Eduardo, featuring refined starters like venison tartare, king crab with caviar, and warm laminated brioche, followed by seasonal dishes including Hokkaido scallop crudo, duck cappelletti and cobia with saffron congee, and finishing with a 40-day aged ribeye and caramel namelaka dessert.

Sanjh When: Dec. 31, buffet opens at 7 p.m. Where: 5250 N O'Connor Blvd Suite 146, Irving More info

K?I When: Dec. 31 Where: 7301 Windrose Ave. c200, Plano More info

Nuri Steakhouse When: Dec. 31 Where: 2401 Cedar Springs Rd, Ste. 120, Dallas More info

Stillwell’s Steakhouse When: Dec. 31 Where: 2575 McKinnon St, Dallas More info

The Mont When: Dec. 31, 5 - 9 p.m. Where: 4729 St Amand Cir Ste. 105, Fort Worth More info

Looking for more ways to kick off 2026? Visit Local Profile’s guide to New Year’s Eve celebrations. ___

Hungry for more? Check out our dining guide.

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2026 will be here before you know it

Just because December is coming to a close doesn’t mean the celebration has to end. Across North Texas, the area’s most exciting New Year’s Eve events offer something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, enjoy a sophisticated evening of music and fine dining, or gather with family for an early countdown, there’s a North Texas celebration ready to welcome 2026 in style.

Here’s Local Profile’s curated guide to the top New Year’s Eve events across North Texas:

Legacy Hall’s Rhinestone Rodeo

When: Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m. doors | 8 p.m.–1 a.m. show Where: Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano More info

Saddle up for a glitzy, boot-stompin’ celebration as Rhinestone Rodeo rings in 2026. Dance all night to ’90s country hits with live music from All Hat No Cadillac, covering Shania, Garth, Reba and more. Dust off your boots and rhinestones, and toast to the new year with a complimentary champagne at midnight.

Grandscape 2026 New Year’s Eve Bash

When: Dec. 31, 6–10 p.m. Where: Corona Stage & Lawn, Grandscape, 2401 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony More info

Celebrate the new year early at Grandscape with live music from DJ Shaun and the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, plus a range of family-friendly activities. Enjoy face painting, airbrush and glitter tattoos, a lashes and glitter bar, New Year’s freebies and photo ops — all before the midnight rush. Perfect for families and early birds who want fun without the late-night chaos.

Midnight on Main

When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Where: Rollertown Beerworks, 6450 Main St, Frisco More info

Ring in 2026 on Main Street with cold beer, cocktails, great music, and friends as Rollertown Beerworks transforms into Frisco’s go-to New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy the vibes in the Downstairs Tap Room, free to attend with first-come, first-served seating. The celebration is 18+ after 7 p.m., so grab your crew, claim your spot early and get ready to toast when the clock strikes midnight.

TUPPS Neon New Year’s Eve Celebration

When: Dec. 31, 4 p.m.–1 a.m. Where: TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana St., McKinney More info

Ring in the new year at TUPPS Brewery with a free, laid-back celebration featuring live music, fireworks and plenty of local beer. The Flannel Pajamas headline the night, with music running from late afternoon through midnight and into the new year. Families can catch an early 2 p.m. countdown, while adults can settle in for a heated beer hall, first-come seating and a festive sendoff to 2025.

Pete’s New Year’s Eve Party

When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. Where: Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, 6765 Winning Dr #810, Frisco (The Star) More info

Ring in 2026 with high-energy sing-alongs and nonstop entertainment at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar in Frisco. Four dueling pianists lead the night with crowd-favorite songs, party favors and plenty of laughs, plus signature cocktails and champagne for table reservations. It’s a lively, late-night way to send off 2025 and welcome the new year.

New Year’s Eve at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa

When: Dec. 31, 10 p.m.–Jan. 1, 1 a.m. Where: Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, 4341 PGA Parkway, Frisco More info

Toast to 2026 at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa with live music from the Rockestra Duo in The Lookout Lounge & Bar. Guests can enjoy champagne specials and a complimentary midnight toast, all in the elegant setting of the resort. Special room packages are available for those looking to make the night extra memorable.

Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower

When: Dec. 31, 11:59 p.m. Where: Reunion Tower, 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas More info

Dallas rings in 2026 with a sky-high spectacle as Reunion Tower hosts the 10th edition of Lone Star NYE. At the stroke of midnight, more than 5,000 pyrotechnic effects will launch from the landmark tower, joined by a choreographed show of 259 LED lights and 500 drones illuminating the downtown skyline. Note: Street closures of Reunion Blvd, Hotel St. and surrounding streets will begin around 7:30 p.m. The celebration can be watched live locally on NBC5-KXAS from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., or nationwide via Nexstar’s Coast to Coast broadcast. Whether viewed in person or on screen, it’s one of North Texas’ most iconic ways to welcome the new year.

New Year’s Eve with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

When: Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. Where: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas More info

Toast the new year with an elegant evening at the Meyerson as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents a festive New Year’s Eve concert. The program features waltzes, polkas, marches and operetta favorites, including works by Johann Strauss Jr. in honor of his 200th birthday. Upgrade to the premium experience for a four-course buffet and private intermission reception, and welcome 2026 in classic symphonic style.

Sidecar Social Frisco: New Year's Eve Party

When: Dec 31, 8 p.m–2 a.m. Where: 6770 Winning Dr, Frisco More info

Celebrate 2026 at Sidecar Social with live music, DJs Quick Mixx Rick and Luxury Raps, and a big countdown on 18-foot screens. Dance the night away and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight with balloons and confetti. General admission is $10, or reserve a table for seating and NYE party swag. The venue is 21+ after 8 p.m., with VIP experiences available by reservation.

New Year’s Eve Cosmic Cabaret

When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m. (doors), 21+ Where: Meow Wolf Grapevine, 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine More info

Ring in 2026 inside Meow Wolf’s immersive universe as the venue transforms into the Cosmic Cabaret. Expect a high-energy mix of burlesque by Nightshade Burlesque, roaming circus performers, tarot readings, VR interactions and multiple DJs spinning across Meow Wolf’s surreal spaces. The night culminates with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, blending art, music and spectacle into one otherworldly New Year’s Eve.

Kai New Year’s Eve Experience When: Dec. 31 Where: K?I Lounge, Legacy West, 5601 Legacy Dr, Plano More info

Concrete Cowboy New Year’s Eve Party When: Dec. 31, 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Where: Concrete Cowboy, The Star, 6765 Winning Dr, Frisco More info

New Year’s Eve at Scruffy Duffies When: Dec. 31, 12 p.m.–Jan. 1, 3 a.m. Where: Scruffy Duffies, 5865 Kincaid Rd E8, Plano More info

Emerald City’s Rock the 26 New Year’s Eve Party When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.–1 a.m. Where: Toyota Music Factory Pavilion, 2850 W Las Colinas Blvd, Irving More info

NYE at Harvest Hall When: Dec. 31, 5 p.m.–12:30 a.m. Where: Harvest Hall, 815 S Main St, Grapevine More info

New Year’s Eve at Bottle Rockets 2026 When: Dec. 31, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Where: Bottle Rockets, 5800 Legacy Dr., C-11, Plano More info

Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve (Kid-Friendly) When: Dec. 31, 1–5 p.m. CT Where: The Crayola Experience, 6121 W. Park Blvd., A100, Plano More info

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Plano Mayor John Muns joins Inside Texas Politics to discuss the city’s future.

PLANO, Texas — As we head into 2026, one of the biggest sports mysteries in North Texas is whether the Dallas Stars will move north to Plano.

Mayor John Muns would love to see the hockey team in his city.

“We would be thrilled to have an organization like that in Plano. And so, it’s really not up to us. It’s up to them. And we’re hoping that they come to Plano,” Mayor Muns told us on Inside Texas Politics.

The Stars are reportedly looking at building a new arena at the Shops at Willow Bend Mall off of Park Boulevard and the Tollway.

When we asked the Mayor if there were actual talks happening between the city and the team, he told us he couldn’t say. But he did confirm Plano has made some sort of offer.

“It’s a really good offer, but at the same time it protects Plano’s community and what we’re doing right now for everyone and make sure we protect the resources in Plano,” Muns answered.

We’ll also learn more about Plano’s future relationship with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) next year. While voters will decide whether to walk away from DART in May 2026, the city has until March 18, 2026 to cancel the vote.

The city is trying to negotiate with DART, offering to stay if the agency allows it to pay half a penny of every dollar collected through sales tax instead of the current full penny. The city would also like to get rid of the buses but keep the rail.

Mayor Muns said DART hasn’t yet responded to the offer.

“DART is working on kind of evaluating their rates. And they plan on getting back with us hopefully in early January because we’ve already put a committee together to look at alternative transit. And we’re almost through with that. And so, we just really want to see what our options are and what DART is willing to do,” explained Muns.

The mayor said one of the biggest challenges facing the city in 2026 is getting through citywide infrastructure upgrades.

If you’ve driven through Plano recently, you’ve experienced this. It seems like every major street in the city is under construction. And even when they’ve finished a street, it will be torn up again and again.

The mayor said one of the reasons for the lengthy construction is the fact that water mains have to be repaired and replaced as well.

“I joke a lot, maybe it’s not that funny to most of our residents, that our new city flower is the orange cone,” relayed the Mayor. “But I think it’s just our commitment to try to move forward and really substantiate our ability to have our arterial roads be in great shape for the next 30 and 40 years. And we realize that if you have decaying roads, especially the main roads, people aren’t going to stay.”

Nothing says Christmas like Santa flying through the air, glowing drummers suspended from the ceiling, live camels and concert-style lights — all under the roof of one Texas megachurch.

If you've been on social media at all, chances are you already know what I'm talking about. After all, "The Gift of Christmas" show at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano goes viral every year, pretty much like clockwork, and this year is no different. In fact, the performances on December 6, 7, 13 and 14 all sold out, according to the City of Plano.

It's no mystery why, as the sight of airborne performers leaping over packed rows of audience members, exotic animals led onto stage, flashing lights and even a fog machine is sure to raise eyebrows. I mean, the sheer production value of it all is through the roof — earning it the nickname "Church du Soleil," as one commenter under an Instagram post dubbed it. The post has amassed over 9.9 million views and counting at the time of publication.

Another said, "I grew up near this church. A lot of my high school called it 'Six Flags Over Jesus.'"

According to the City of Plano, the showcase features "special effects, a nearly 1,000-member cast and choir, live orchestra, flying angels and much more," including a live nativity scene, camels, kings and flying angels — and it brings in thousands of folks every year. It's a ticketed show, with standard admission ranging anywhere from $20.95 to $60.95, according to the city.

But it's not the simple fact of its extravagance that has this holiday production drawing hundreds of thousands of views from people who didn't make it into the pews. Videos from the event tend to spread like wildfire across social media, drawing just as much criticism as they do awe — including calls to "flip some tables."

"Is this an actual church? I’m too Catholic for this," one commenter wrote under an Instagram post. Another said, "I wonder how many people could've been fed instead." Many took issue with the flashiness of the whole affair, saying "church should not be [about] entertainment ... it’s about worship" as one commenter on a TikTok posted by @queenbbelle argued.

However, a spokesperson for the church previously told MySA that "The Gift of Christmas," being a "ticketed Christian production," is not a church service but "a long beloved Christian tradition celebrated by the many hundreds of thousands in our community and surrounding states" for decades.

"Prestonwood Baptist Church is not ashamed to pull out all the stops in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ during the Christmas season," the spokesperson said. "It’s unfortunate that the perennial American tradition of the church Christmas program now draws criticism. We pray that they, too, may come to know the joy of Christmas and the love of our Savior."

Well ... same time next year?