Merry Christmas Natchez! Natchez National Historical Park is once again proud to give its annual gift to the city. We invite all of you to enjoy the annual “Christmas at Melrose” program. As in previous years, the program will be free!

If you choose to attend this year’s program, you will find that all of your senses will be gratified by the experience. You will be greeted by the sight of luminaries dotting the landscape. Upon entering the estate’s carriage house, you will be overwhelmed with the scent of fresh greenery and delicious refreshments. You will then proceed to the front of Melrose in a horse drawn carriage. Once in front of the mansion you will be able to soak in the wonder of a splendidly decorated antebellum masterpiece.

Unlike previous years, you will be able to enter every major room on the mansion’s first floor, where you will be greeted by park staff in period clothing. While inside, you will gain an understanding of how our current Christmas traditions have evolved from the traditions of antebellum Americans — both enslaved and free. While you are enjoying the eye-catching visuals of the mansion, your ears will be soaking in the delightful sounds of violin music.

Throughout the evening our slave cabin will also be open, and will feature our “Christmas in Quarters Exhibit.” The Melrose Garden Friends will also be on hand to assist visitors in creating their own holiday decorations. The “Christmas around the World” exhibit will also be on display, and don’t forget about the scrumptious refreshments that will also be available.

This event will take place the evenings of Dec. 7 and 8. The first guided tour will begin at 6 p.m., with 10-person tours beginning every 20 minutes until the final tour at 9 p.m. Each tour will last about 20 minutes. Tickets are available at the Melrose Visitor Center on a first come, first serve basis the day of each program, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

We strongly encourage you all to get your tickets early! If you choose to wait until late in the day to pick up your tickets, you may be sadly disappointed. If you have any questions about the event please call us at 601-446-5790.

Nathan Hatfield is a ranger at the Natchez National Historical Park.