Howdy, Frisco fam!
It’s pushing 82 degrees this weekend.
Yes, really. We're out here in t-shirts pretending this is normal Texas weather.
Quick PSA for the politically ambitious: if running for Mayor or City Council (Place 5 or 6) has been on your vision board, candidate packets for the May 2026 election are available now.
Let's see what else is cooking.
🥭 Frisco's Getting an Upscale Indian Fusion Spot
Mango Yard is opening in early 2026 at University and Coit (right on the Prosper border at 12275 University Dr. #100), and it's aiming high.
What to expect:
Chicken tikka flatbreads
Alfredo rigatoni with Indian spices
Gulab jamun French toast for brunch (yes, really)
150 seats total including patio
Full bar with cocktails
Childhood friends Santosh Kota and Prem Kumar are bringing the "modern India restaurant scene" to North Texas.
The menu pulls from Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean influences alongside Indian classics. Order biryani or bao buns depending on your mood.
Translation: This is a date night spot, not your regular takeout joint.
🔥 We're Literally Setting Parks on Fire (On Purpose)
Don't freak out if you see smoke billowing from local parks starting in January... it's intentional.
What's happening:
Controlled burns at Frisco Commons Park (8000 McKinney Rd) in January
Grand Park (5001 Cotton Gin Rd) in February
Each burn takes about 4 hours
Only happens with a 5-day weather window
Why we're doing this: Think of it as ecosystem skincare. Burn off the dead stuff so native prairie plants can grow back and prevent the bad kind of wildfires.
Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner promises they're "safeguarding the community."
Honestly? Watching trained firefighters do their thing sounds like solid Friday afternoon entertainment.
✈️ You Can Now Fly Direct to... Nebraska?
American Airlines just announced two new routes from DFW starting June 4:
Lincoln, Nebraska (twice daily)
Home to the University of Nebraska. Great news for Cornhuskers fans or... a sign that American is really scraping the bottom of the destination barrel? Either way, it's now easier to visit America's 240th most flight-worthy city.
Roanoke, Virginia (once daily)
Gets you to Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Actually pretty nice if you're into hiking and fall foliage.
Not exactly the Maldives, but hey, sometimes you need to visit your college roommate in the Midwest or close a business deal in Appalachia.
Now you can do it without a layover in Chicago.
📅 What's Happening This Week
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
🎨 SaturYAY: Holiday Edition | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Santa visits, crafts, mini train rides. Perfect for little ones.
📍 6635 Warren Pkwy, Frisco | FREE
🎁 Crappy Gift Swap | 1-2 p.m.
Bring that weird mug, those oven mitts from your mother-in-law, or the office popcorn tin you'll never eat. Wrap it up and swap it for laughs! Beer & Tamale Flight Pairing available all day.
📍 402 E Louisiana St Building 2, McKinney | FREE
⛸️ Ice Skating Performance | 6:15 p.m.
Watch Olympian Ashley Cain and Rising Stars perform at Peace Plaza Ice Rink. Festive music, twinkling lights, holiday vibes.
📍 815 S Main St, Grapevine | FREE
ONGOING THROUGH NEW YEAR'S
🏠 Burkman's Holiday Lights | Nightly through Dec. 31, 5:30-11 p.m.
Walk-through family display. Weather dependent.
📍 3809 Hazelhurst Drive | FREE
✨ Holiday of Lights | Nightly through Jan. 4, 5-10 p.m.
Walk-through light experience with lake views and photo spots. Food vendors on Fridays & Saturdays.
📍 1297 Division Street, Southlake | FREE
🎄 Christmas in the Square | Nightly through Jan. 5, 6-10 p.m.
180,000+ lights, real ice skating, and Santa visits through New Year's. This is the 20th year!
📍 8874 Coleman Blvd, Frisco | FREE (skating costs extra)
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
📚 Library Noon Year's Eve Party | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ring in 2026 without staying up until midnight at the Frisco Library! Come in your best New Year's attire for a dance party, countdown at noon, and themed activities. Space is limited. Tickets available in the lobby starting at 11 a.m.
📍 8000 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco | FREE
⛸️ Ice Skating Performance | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 6:15 p.m.
Another chance to catch Ashley Cain and Rising Stars at Peace Plaza Ice Rink.
📍 815 S Main St, Grapevine | FREE
🎆 New Year's Early Eve | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 6:30-9 p.m.
📌 Mark your calendar! Ring in 2026 before bedtime at PGA Frisco. Live performance by Extended Play (6:30-8:30 p.m.) + 15-min fireworks finale. Bring blankets, leave the chairs. No dogs allowed due to fireworks (service animals OK).
📍 3255 PGA Parkway | FREE
🧠 Frisco Trivia Challenge
Question: Where does the name "Frisco" actually come from?
Think you know the answer? Reply to this email with your guess.
The first three people to respond with the correct answer will be featured in next week's Howdy Frisco newsletter. No Googling... we trust you. 😉
