Christmas in Narnia Immersive Installation: A Journey from Darkness to Light
Each December, one North Texas home becomes something extraordinary. The Christmas in Narnia immersive installation, known as Operation Christmas 2025: A Journey from Darkness to Light, transforms more than 7,500 square feet into a walk-through Christmas experience designed not just to impress—but to illuminate.
Created by homeowner Renee Rawlings in collaboration with Baker Design Group, this fully realized holiday installation blends faith, interior design, and floral artistry into a living narrative inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia and rooted in John 1:5:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Every room, floral moment, and design transition reflects a spiritual progression—from stillness and waiting to hope, renewal, and light.
A Christmas in Narnia Installation Rooted in Meaning
Operation Christmas began in 2020 as a deeply personal family practice—an intentional way for the Rawlings family to anchor the holiday season in faith during a difficult year. Over time, it has grown into a cherished annual tradition and living ministry, inviting guests into a tangible expression of wonder, reverence, and the true meaning of Christmas.
“Our prayer is that Operation Christmas continues to plant seeds of hope and nurture faith,” says homeowner Renee Rawlings. “We dream that every guest will leave filled with peace, wonder, and renewed anticipation for the season.”
This year’s Christmas in Narnia immersive installation allows that mission to unfold room by room, step by step.
Designing a Christmas in Narnia Journey—Not Just a Space
From the outset, this project was envisioned as a narrative interior design experience rather than a single holiday install. Lisa Floyd, Director of Interior Design at Baker Design Group, worked closely with Renee to map the emotional and visual arc of the home—guiding how guests would move through the space and what each moment was meant to communicate.
“The goal wasn’t just to recreate Narnia,” Lisa explains. “It was to translate its symbolism into a physical journey—where each room builds on the one before it, carrying guests from darkness into light.”
Key Spaces Throughout the Home Include:
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Eternal Winter, featuring a frozen forest of flocked trees and illuminated branch wreaths
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The Defrost, signaling transition through warmth, florals, and atmospheric lighting
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Enchanted Forests, Tumnus’ Cave, and Cair Paravel–inspired moments, layered with texture, reverence, and awe
Every turn is intentional. Every pause is purposeful.
Floral Design as Storytelling Within the Christmas in Narnia Installation
If the rooms provide the structure, the florals bring the story to life.
Libby Marrs, Artistic Director at Baker Design Group, led the creation of each custom floral installation—treating every arrangement not simply as décor, but as a character within the narrative.
“Florals were used to signal emotion and movement,” Libby shares. “Cold, restrained elements in Eternal Winter… softness and color emerging as the journey continues… and finally, full radiance in the spaces meant to feel hopeful and reverent.”
Floral Highlights Include:
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Cair Paravel–inspired golden floral arrangements
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A seven-table Dawn Treader installation, each table representing one of the Seven Islands and featuring hand-scripted scripture
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A gold-lit Aslan’s Throne scene designed to evoke majesty, strength, and sacred meaning
The result is a seamless blend of luxury floral design and symbolic storytelling—where florals do more than embellish; they speak.
A Living Christmas Story
The Christmas in Narnia immersive installation is not meant to be rushed. It invites guests to slow down, reflect, and experience the season through a lens of meaning.
“This project is sacred,” Libby adds. “It’s creative, yes—but it’s also reverent. It reminds us that beauty can be a vessel for truth.”
That intention is felt in every handcrafted detail and cinematic moment—each designed to linger long after guests step back through the wardrobe.
Looking Ahead
As Operation Christmas continues to grow, its heart remains unchanged: to create space for light, faith, and connection in a season often overwhelmed by noise.
For Baker Design Group, this Christmas in Narnia immersive installation is a reminder of why design matters.
When done with purpose, design has the power to tell stories that endure.
