Andrew Robertson took ill and collapsed as excited youngsters were being handed gifts during the party in Dundee.
Attempts to revive the 82-year-old failed and he was pronounced dead when medics arrived on the scene.
Mr Robertson played Santa for several years at the city's Broughty Castle Bowling Club's Christmas party.
Club secretary Ian Smart said he would be sorely missed, adding: "Andy was a father figure in the club who never had a bad word to say about anyone."
Mr Robertson was a former shipbuilding company director.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©