Will you make it onto Santa's waiting list this year? Macy's announces that children will need appointments to visit Father Christmas for the first time in the store's history

  • Macy's flagship New York City location introduces a wait list for seeing Santa
  • Starting Monday, people can access the reservation system for appointments
  • The appointments can be made 30 minutes to five days in advance
  • The new system is meant to help control crowds and ease long line waits  
  • Santaland admission is free and runs from Black Friday through Christmas Eve

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: | Updated:

Santa Claus may be coming to town, but you'll need a reservation to see him.

At Macy's flagship store on 34th Street in New York, a chance to sit on Saint Nick's lap is by appointment only this year, for the first time ever.

Starting Monday, eager families can go online to sign up for a time slot from 30 minutes to five days in advance. Admission is free to Santaland Herald Square and runs from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.

Macy's announced that a chance to sit on Santa Claus' lap is by appointment only for the first time ever in 2017 at Macy's flagship store in New York

Macy's announced that a chance to sit on Santa Claus' lap is by appointment only for the first time ever in 2017 at Macy's flagship store in New York

Macy's is instituting the policy in an effort to cut down on traditionally long wait times

Macy's is instituting the policy in an effort to cut down on traditionally long wait times

Appointments to see Santa can be made between 30 minutes and five days in advance

Appointments to see Santa can be made between 30 minutes and five days in advance

Macy's says the new arrangement is intended to cut down on wait times and make it easier to see the man in the red suit.

'Santa's a popular guy, so the wait times to meet him have been quite long in previous years, especially on our busiest days,' the company said.

Santaland is a 13,000-square-foot North Pole village complete with live elves and a train display, plus the world-famous Santa, immortalized in the film 'Miracle on 34th Street.' The store opened in 1902.

The department store says families can cancel a reservation and make a new one at any time. Spokeswoman Julie Strider said that people can also reserve a spot at a kiosk at the store.

And they say don't be too early or late for the time slot, and be sure to check in with an elf when arriving.

'Santa's day is packed! To help keep him on schedule, please arrive within your time slot,' the company said.

Most watched News videos