Tom Giblin’s live animal nativity and Christmas lights are coming to life

By Aoife Gallagher

DonegalLive multimedia journalist

Published 3rd Dec 2025, 18:33 GMT
An aerial view of the Christmas lights themed garden and (inset) Tom Giblin and the newest addition to the minature farm - Yownéplaceholder image
An aerial view of the Christmas lights themed garden and (inset) Tom Giblin and the newest addition to the minature farm - Yowné

The event, which is supporting local charities by showcasing a live animal Nativity and Christmas light display will run from Friday, December 5, until Tuesday, January 6.

Tom Giblin, a kind-hearted Letterkenny man, will run another Christmas fundraiser benefitting 16 charities.

The event showcasing a live animal Nativity and Christmas light display will run from Friday, December 5, until Tuesday, January 6. 

My two-fold fundraising project features The Live Animal Nativity Stable and The Christmas Lights display. placeholder image
My two-fold fundraising project features The Live Animal Nativity Stable and The Christmas Lights display. 

The miniature animals include mini pigs, a mini donkey, a foal, a mini pony, a selection of mini goats, a few hens and a rooster and two bee colonies nearby. 

However, this year, there is a new addition to the miniature animals. Born during last year’s Storm Éowyn, a baby goat, Yowné has been peeking over the stable door for weeks, eager for her very first Christmas and hoping to greet every visitor who stops by. 

There are also garmented full life-sized Nativity figures on display at the Nativity stable.

The Christmas Lights display contains a Nativity scene, a Santa scene, a snow scene, an arctic scene and a teddy bear scene. Santa's sleek sleigh sits poised, adorned with twinkling lights, its runners glistening with anticipation for the enchanting journey ahead, ready to whisk Santa Claus through the starry night skies. Santa's postbox stands proudly, ready to receive heartfelt wishes and letters from children, promising holiday magic and dreams fulfilled.placeholder image
The Christmas Lights display contains a Nativity scene, a Santa scene, a snow scene, an arctic scene and a teddy bear scene. Santa's sleek sleigh sits poised, adorned with twinkling lights, its runners glistening with anticipation for the enchanting journey ahead, ready to whisk Santa Claus through the starry night skies. Santa's postbox stands proudly, ready to receive heartfelt wishes and letters from children, promising holiday magic and dreams fulfilled.

Everyone is welcome to attend and witness this heartwarming gathering of animals.  The Nativity / Christmas lights will open at 6 PM on Friday and run daily from 10am to 10pm at Lisnennan, Letterkenny, F92 C195. 

READ NEXT: In pictures: Lislin Miniatures' fluffy animals at Glenties Harvest Fair

The charities set to benefit from the donations are: St Vincent De Paul Letterkenny; Children's Hospital, Crumlin/Temple Street; Pieta House North West; Jack & Jill Foundation; Little Blue Heroes; Irish Wheelchair Association; Bumbleance Donegal; MS Ireland / Donegal; Little Angels School; St. Bernadettes Special School; Donegal Hospice; Donegal Down Syndrome; Blue Stack Special Needs Foundation; Good & New Cancer Bus Letterkenny; Donegal Donkey Sanctuary; and Alzheimer Society of Ireland/Donegal. 

There are three ways to donate. There will be donation boxes for those who attend in person, but even if you are unable to make the event and would like to donate to a worthy cause, you can donate online via iDonate or Revolut Tom: 086 068 6968. 

“We’re deeply grateful for your continued generosity and community spirit,” Tom said. “We can’t wait to welcome you—and neither can Yowné! 

Related topics:LetterkennyDonegalChristmasCharity
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