Lighting the Winter: Creating Two Immersive Christmas Light Trails in Sweden
For the 2023–2024 festive season, Ammonite Studios partnered with Temple Live Entertainment to deliver two ambitious winter light trails in Sweden. Set within two very different but equally atmospheric locations — Skansen near Stockholm and Gunnebo Palace in Gothenburg — the project combined storytelling, technology, and large-scale design to create magical evening experiences for visitors of all ages.
The brief was both exciting and challenging: transform historic landscapes into immersive seasonal attractions while preserving the character of each site. Through thoughtful conceptual design, interactive technology, and precise technical delivery, the Ammonite team produced a pair of unforgettable winter journeys.
Designing a Narrative Through Light
At the heart of the project was the idea that a light trail should feel like a story unfolding in space. Rather than simply illuminating a pathway, Ammonite Studios developed a cohesive narrative experience that guided visitors through a two-acre landscape of interactive installations, sculptural lighting, and atmospheric sound.
Each section of the trail introduced a new visual moment — glowing sculptures, subtle path mapping, and carefully choreographed lighting sequences that responded to the environment around them. Visitors moved through the space at their own pace, discovering installations that invited interaction and exploration.
The design balanced spectacle with intimacy. Large illuminated features created moments of wonder, while smaller installations offered playful interactions that delighted children and adults alike. The goal was to create a journey that felt both magical and personal, encouraging visitors to pause, explore, and return for another experience.
Technology That Invites Participation
A defining element of the project was its integration of interactive technology. Ammonite Studios developed a series of light and sound installations designed to respond to visitor presence, adding an element of play and discovery throughout the trail.
These installations were designed to be intuitive and accessible to all ages. Rather than requiring complicated instructions, the interactions emerged naturally — lights shifting, sounds evolving, and visual effects responding to movement.
A Projection-Mapped Finale
Partnering with FRAY https://fraystudio.com - the experience culminated at Gunnebo Palace itself, where the historic mansion house became the canvas for a detailed projection-mapped show.
As visitors reached the final stage of the trail, the façade of the building transformed through a carefully choreographed narrative of light, colour, and animation. Architectural details were accentuated and reimagined through projection mapping, bringing the building to life in a way that respected its historic character while introducing a contemporary digital layer.
Precision Behind the Magic
While the experience felt effortless to visitors, delivering the project required a high level of technical coordination. Ammonite’s project management and technical teams worked closely with Temple Live Entertainment to ensure the installations operated reliably throughout the winter season.
Interactive features were carefully engineered for resilience, allowing thousands of visitors to engage with the installations night after night. Lighting infrastructure, projection systems, and software integrations were designed to work seamlessly together across the outdoor site.
A Winter Experience to Remember
The result was a vibrant and memorable winter attraction that thrilled visitors young and old. By combining immersive design, interactive technology, and storytelling through light, Ammonite Studios transformed two historic Swedish locations into magical festive landscapes.
From the first illuminated pathway to the final projection-mapped spectacle, the trail offered a journey that blended innovation with atmosphere — a celebration of winter light that invited visitors to step into a story and become part of it.
If you are interested in having us create or manage your winter lights project for 2026/2027 - get in touch today on info@ammonite.ltd.
Written by Matt Veitch