{"id":156387,"date":"2025-11-24T03:28:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T03:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/156387\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T03:28:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T03:28:16","slug":"glenda-gilson-and-her-sons-kick-off-christmas-at-luggwoods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/156387\/","title":{"rendered":"Glenda Gilson and her sons kick off Christmas at Luggwoods"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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. <\/p>\n<p>Glenda Gilson and her two sons, Danny, aged five, and Bobby, aged seven, who she <a href=\"https:\/\/evoke.ie\/2024\/08\/29\/entertainment\/how-they-met-following-glenda-gilson-to-spain-worked-out-for-rob-mcnaughton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">shares with husband Rob McNaughton<\/a>, were among the guests soaking up the magic in the enchanted forest before climbing aboard the all-new Luggwoods\u00a0Express Train.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-48.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2069300\"  \/>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<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;s most enchanting holiday settings.<\/p>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-33.jpg\" alt=\"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\" class=\"wp-image-2069293\"  \/>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<br \/>\nPicture Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Inside the Santa Claus Village, which is a cosy Christmas settlement overlooking the glittering lights of Dublin city, guests can step into Santa\u2019s workshop, wander through the Luggwoods Post Office to send their letters directly to Santa.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-43.jpg\" alt=\"Glenda Gilson pictured 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\" class=\"wp-image-2069299\"  \/>Glenda Gilson pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin.  Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p>They can also pay a visit to Mrs Claus and Santa\u2019s reindeer while each child receives a special anniversary gift and a steaming hot chocolate before hopping onto the festive teacups ride.<\/p>\n<p>Since opening in 2015, the family-run attraction has become a <a href=\"https:\/\/evoke.ie\/2025\/11\/12\/christmas\/magical-santa-experiences-ireland\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">beloved part of Dublin&#8217;s festive landscape<\/a>. Luggwoods also continues its charitable tradition this season, supporting Our Lady\u2019s Children\u2019s Hospital. Last year alone, donations collected at the Luggwoods Wishing Well raised \u20ac15,000 for the hospital.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-39.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2069298\"  \/>Danny MacNaughton (5), Grace Kelly (10) and Bobby MacNaughton (7) at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin.  Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p>Running from November 22 to December 23, this year\u2019s 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\u2019s most magical Christmas outings once again.<\/p>\n<p>Tickets start from \u20ac34.95 for adults, \u20ac44.95 for children, and \u20ac10.95 for babies. You can book your festive experience\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/luggwoodsevents.com\/christmas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>See more pics of Irish celebs at Luggwoods here:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-23.jpg\" alt=\"Ciara Doherty pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy No Reptro fee for one use\" class=\"wp-image-2069287\"  \/>Ciara Doherty pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-14.jpg\" alt=\"Mary Kennedy pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069269\"  \/>Mary Kennedy pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-6.jpg\" alt=\"Roddy Collins and family pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069278\"  \/>Roddy Collins and family pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-21.jpg\" alt=\"Courtney Smith and her daughter Nova pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069285\"  \/>Courtney Smith and her daughter Nova pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-3-santa.jpg\" alt=\"Claire Brock pictured her daughters Eve and Ruby and their friend Vivienne at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069273\"  \/>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<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-10.jpg\" alt=\"Niamh Ryan and family pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069271\"  \/>Niamh Ryan and family pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-2.jpg\" alt=\"Jenny Buckley pictured with her daughter Bo and Nancy Evans at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069280\"  \/>Jenny Buckley pictured  with her daughter Bo and Nancy Evans at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-26.jpg\" alt=\"Jody Hannon, Denis Bastick, Aidan Bastick and Jane Bastick pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069289\"  \/>Jody Hannon, Denis Bastick, Aidan Bastick and Jane Bastick pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-17.jpg\" alt=\"Louise McSharry and her son Sam pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069292\"  \/>Louise McSharry and her son Sam pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-20.jpg\" alt=\"Clionagh Higgins and Robyn Higgins pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069291\"  \/>Clionagh Higgins and Robyn Higgins pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-38.jpg\" alt=\"The Santa Express pulls out 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&#10;Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069297\"  \/>The Santa Express pulls out at Luggwoods in South Dublin.  Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-27.jpg\" alt=\"Alex J Holmes and Graham J Holmes pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069281\"  \/>Alex J Holmes and Graham J Holmes pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-12.jpg\" alt=\"Ally Garvey pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069275\"  \/>Ally Garvey pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-28.jpg\" alt=\"Andrea Hayes with husband David Torpey and their children Skylar and Brooke at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy No Repro fee for one use\" class=\"wp-image-2069284\"  \/>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<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-30.jpg\" alt=\"Danielle Websdale at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069282\"  \/>Danielle Websdale at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-16.jpg\" alt=\"Joanne Phibbs and her son Oliver pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069286\"  \/>Joanne Phibbs and her son Oliver pictured at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-29.jpg\" alt=\"Magician Steve Spade and Elaine Daly at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069290\"  \/>Magician Steve Spade and Elaine Daly at the launch of Lapland at Luggwoods in South Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Luggwoods-Christmas-11.jpg\" alt=\"Val Forde with Michael Quinlan and their children Theo Quinlan and Ioa Quinlan For more information visit luggwoods.ie Picture Brian McEvoy\" class=\"wp-image-2069277\"  \/>Val Forde with Michael Quinlan and their children Theo Quinlan and Ioa Quinlan. Pic: Brian McEvoy<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Christmas arrived in full sparkle this week as a host of familiar Irish faces descended on Luggwoods to&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":156388,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[321,93,61,60],"class_list":["post-156387","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-celebrities","tag-celebrities","tag-entertainment","tag-ie","tag-ireland"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/156387","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=156387"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/156387\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/156388"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=156387"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=156387"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=156387"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}