When Mr Gibbs, 80, first tried the role as a 17-year-old, he was filling in for his father at a Glen Waverley Sunday school.

But for the past 48 years, he's been a regular Santa, visiting dozens of Monash's libraries, hospitals, preschools and community groups every festive season.

Though he'll miss the job of spreading Christmas joy, he says Santa's thick costume is getting too hot for him.

He said the role had changed during the years. Santas now have to ask permission to put a child on their knee, but Mr Gibbs refuses to heed the call to stop shouting "Ho! Ho! Ho!".

"The children used to just climb all over you. It's a pity. I've enjoyed every minute. It's lovely to see the smiles on children's faces, especially in the hospital. That's my reward." He said the secret to being a good Santa was to love "kids".

"There's very few naughty children I've come across. I class every child as the same, regardless of where they come from."

He's enjoyed grand entrances as Father Christmas, arriving by helicopter, motorbike, dog sleigh, fire engine and camel.

Mr Gibbs' last hurrah as Santa was delivered in style, on top of a cherry-picker at last night's Carols by Candlelight at Jells Park.