Christmas arrived in full sparkle this week as a host of familiar Irish faces descended on Luggwoods to celebrate the opening of its festive Lapland experience.
Glenda Gilson and her two sons, Danny, aged five, and Bobby, aged seven, who she shares with husband Rob McNaughton, were among the guests soaking up the magic in the enchanted forest before climbing aboard the all-new Luggwoods Express Train.
The model and mother-of-two posed with Santa in a festive red dress, paired with a white fur hat, while her boys were dressed in knitted jumpers.
Glenda Gilson pictured with her sons Danny MacNaughton (5) and Bobby MacNaughton (7) and Grace Kelly (10) at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Other guests getting in the Christmas spirit were Mary Kennedy, Claire Brock, Ciara Doherty, Jenny Buckley, and Louise McSharry, who were all eager to kick off the season in one of Dublin’s most enchanting holiday settings.
This year marks a milestone for Luggwoods, which is celebrating a decade of bringing Christmas dreams to life in its woodland home nestled in the Dublin Mountains.
To honour its 10-year anniversary, the team has expanded the experience into its most immersive yet, bringing a slice of Lapland to South Dublin.
Glenda Gilson with Santa at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Nestled in a beautiful natural forest in the Dublin Mountains just outside Saggart Village, Luggwoods is a cherished family-run destination where magic comes to life . For more information visit luggwoods.ie
Picture Brian McEvoy
Visitors enter through snow-dusted forest trails, where twinkling lights guide families to festive surprises hidden between the trees. The experience is specially catered towards children, who are greeted by woodland twins Willow and Spruce before boarding the brand-new Luggwoods Express Train which transports passengers to the new Santa Claus Village.
Inside the Santa Claus Village, which is a cosy Christmas settlement overlooking the glittering lights of Dublin city, guests can step into Santa’s workshop, wander through the Luggwoods Post Office to send their letters directly to Santa.
Glenda Gilson pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
They can also pay a visit to Mrs Claus and Santa’s reindeer while each child receives a special anniversary gift and a steaming hot chocolate before hopping onto the festive teacups ride.
Since opening in 2015, the family-run attraction has become a beloved part of Dublin’s festive landscape. Luggwoods also continues its charitable tradition this season, supporting Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital. Last year alone, donations collected at the Luggwoods Wishing Well raised €15,000 for the hospital.
Danny MacNaughton (5), Grace Kelly (10) and Bobby MacNaughton (7) at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Running from November 22 to December 23, this year’s event promises even more wonder as Lapland comes vividly to life in Dublin. With dazzling lights, character encounters, and the chance to chat with Santa himself, Luggwoods is set to be one of Ireland’s most magical Christmas outings once again.
Tickets start from €34.95 for adults, €44.95 for children, and €10.95 for babies. You can book your festive experience here.
See more pics of Irish celebs at Luggwoods here:
Ciara Doherty pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Mary Kennedy pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Roddy Collins and family pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Courtney Smith and her daughter Nova pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Claire Brock pictured her daughters Eve and Ruby and their friend Vivienne at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Niamh Ryan and family pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Jenny Buckley pictured with her daughter Bo and Nancy Evans at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Jody Hannon, Denis Bastick, Aidan Bastick and Jane Bastick pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Louise McSharry and her son Sam pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Clionagh Higgins and Robyn Higgins pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
The Santa Express pulls out at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Alex J Holmes and Graham J Holmes pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Ally Garvey pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Andrea Hayes with husband David Torpey and their children Skylar and Brooke at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Danielle Websdale at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Joanne Phibbs and her son Oliver pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Magician Steve Spade and Elaine Daly at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Val Forde with Michael Quinlan and their children Theo Quinlan and Ioa Quinlan. Pic: Brian McEvoy