TAKING a trip to see Father Christmas can be a magical moment for families with small children.

But a visit to the grotto can be pricey at a time when budgets are stretched to the max.

You don't have to break the bank with a pricey grotto visit for the kids to meet Father Christmas

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You don’t have to break the bank with a pricey grotto visit for the kids to meet Father ChristmasCredit: Getty

Rather than breaking the bank, here are some cheap and cheerful Santa experiences to enjoy . . . 

GET A LETTER: Children can receive a lovely personalised letter from Santa through charity the NSPCC.

The suggested donation for the service is £8 but anything over £4 will cover costs and go towards the charity’s work.

You can choose from eight different designs and must order by December 13 to get it in time for Christmas.

READ MORE SUN SAVERS

SANTA STORIES: Sit down and listen as Santa gives daily updates from Lapland until December 25 with the podcast Elfcast Stories with Father Christmas.

The tales are free to listen to and last around ten minutes each.

VIDEO CALLING: Get a free personalised video for your child at portablenorthpole.com/santa-video and click on the free trials.

Father Christmas will say your child’s name, age and feature a photo of your child in the one minute video without any costs.

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TRACK SANTA: On Christmas Eve, you can track Father Christmas as he delivers gifts with free website Noradsanta.org or download the free Norad Tracks Santa Claus app.

Children will love watching Santa and his sleigh on the annual mission to visit the homes of good little boys and girls.

HIDDEN GEMS: Not all grottos are pricey.

Local school fairs, rotary clubs and shopping centres often have a cheap or free opportunity to see the big man.

You can also use Eventbrite to search out smaller grottos happening near you.

Search for events for free or paid.

A quick search brought up local experiences from as little as £3.

  • All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Save £15 on this magnifying mirror at Superdrug

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Save £15 on this magnifying mirror at SuperdrugCredit: Supplied

GET the perfect light for doing your make-up with this Studio London magnifying mirror with LED light, it’s down from £30 to £15 at Superdrug.

SAVE: £15

Cheap treat

H&M's satin lipstick is just £9.99

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H&M’s satin lipstick is just £9.99Credit: Supplied

GIVE the festive season a nod with H&M’s satin lipstick in shade Stop Sign, £9.99.

What’s new?

GET in the festive spirit with these cute reindeer mini rolls, new in at Sainsbury’s.

A pack is £2.50 with a Nectar card, £3 without.

Top swap

You could deep clean your hair for £22.40 at Lookfantastic

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You could deep clean your hair for £22.40 at LookfantasticCredit: Supplied
Or get B&M's version for just £2.49

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Or get B&M’s version for just £2.49Credit: Supplied

DEEP clean your hair with Olaplex clarifying shampoo, £22.40, at lookfantastic.com.

Or save your pennies and pick up Plex System cleansing shampoo, £2.49 at B&M.

SAVE: £19.91

Leah’s little helper

SPOIL your pooch with a Christmas meal out.

Bill’s has a special dog menu so your pet can enjoy a bite with you.

There are pigs in blankets or Christmas lunch treat bites, £3.50 each.

Shop and save

Grab this Costa instant blend for £3.50 at Morrisons

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Grab this Costa instant blend for £3.50 at MorrisonsCredit: Supplied

COSTA fans can make their favourite drink at home with these Millionaires Mocha sachets at Morrisons, down from £2.49 to £2.

SAVE: 49p

Hot right now

SPEND £20 at Deliveroo before December 17 to win one of its daily prizes, including free food and money-off vouchers.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

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Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Read more on The Sun

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

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