Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus took a break from wrapping presents to make a special trip to Highgate at Seven Oaks for the first annual Highgate “Jingle-and-Mingle” Christmas party.

The festivities began with Highgate residents and their children being treated to traditional Christmas carols sung by Bakersfield High School Choir members around the fifteen foot tall Christmas tree inside the Highgate Clubhouse. After having their pictures taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus everyone enjoyed hot cocoa, apple cider, cookies and candy canes while touring the Highgate Clubhouse.

When the winners of the Highgate community Christmas Decoration Contest had been announced and everyone had given their Christmas wish-lists to Santa, he and Mrs. Claus wished everyone a Merry Christmas, jumped back in their sleigh, which was double parked outside, and flew off to the North Pole, where they were sure the elves had all been napping while they were gone.