Santa Claus made a surprise early visit Thursday evening to the Newhall Community Center, where he was warmly greeted by a gymnasium full of happy children.

The Grinch tried to steal some of the  cookies that had been left out for Santa, but the crowd put a stop to THAT.

All in all, it was a fun-filled evening of “Cocoa, Cookies and Caroling” hosted by the city of Santa Clarita, complete with ornament decorating, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a musical program featuring the Senior Center Choir, the Community Center Youth Choir and musicians including The Silver Belles, The Silver Beaux and the Silvertones.