Santa Claus is coming to town — take a number, kids!

In a first since it began the tradition 155 years ago, Macy’s Herald Square will require reservations to get lap time with the world’s most famous department store St. Nick.

“Santa’s a popular guy, so the wait times to meet him have been quite long in previous years,” Macy’s explained on its website. “The new reservation system is designed to minimize this by scheduling visitors to join the line at the time of your choice, allowing for the best possible holiday experience.”

To mingle with Kringle, kids will have to register for a pre-selected time, from 30 minutes to five days ahead of time. Slots are subject to availability, and existing reservations can’t be changed online.

And forget being nice — all that matters to this Santa is punctuality.

“Santa’s day is packed! To help keep him on schedule, please arrive within your time slot,” the store insists.

Some shoppers gave the new system a frosty reception, fearing it’ll be easier to get a table at Le Cirque — than to have a simple chinwag with the jolly ol’ elf.

“It ruins it!” griped Ireland native Kevin Murphy, 53, who said the new system will undoubtedly perplex tourists, who will wonder, “Why is everyone else queueing up and I can’t?’”

“In Ireland, we just get in a line and get in to see him!” added son Tiernan, 12.

Floridian Caroline Elliott, 66, practically turned into Jacob Marley when a Post reporter broke the news of the Reservations on 34th Street.

“No-ooooooo!” she screeched. “It takes a lot away from the excitement and spontaneity. Sometimes you want surprises. When we were kids there were lines. But it’s part of the excitement.”

Reservations will only be required for the Herald Square’s Santa, a Macy’s spokeswoman said, adding that nine kiosks will be available at Santaland on the eighth floor for walk-ins. Bookings begin Monday for slots between Black Friday and Dec. 24.

Humbug, said Bronx resident Malica Bracy, 23, who said the system makes the hectic holiday season even more stressful.

“[Now you have to worry] if you make an appointment … and it falls through,” she said.