NATCHEZ — The Natchez National Historical Park presents “Christmas at Melrose,” a free holiday program, on Dec. 7 and 8 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Melrose estate. Carriage rides begin every 20 minutes, tickets are required and are available on a first come/first serve basis. Tickets will be available only on the day of the performance.

Once inside the house, visitors will see how our Christmas traditions have evolved from the traditions of antebellum Americans. Costumed interpreters will explain how the slaves prepared conventional holiday feasts, the business aspects of Christmas, the musical history of Christmas, and the start of modern Christmas customs.

The “Christmas in the Quarters” exhibit, located in the slave cabin, explains the difference between celebrations in the “Big House” and those in the slave quarters.

The program is free of charge.

Melrose is located at 1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway in Natchez.

For more information, please contact Tim Van Cleave at 601-446-5790, or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/natc.