NATCHEZ — Visitors to Melrose Saturday stepped back in time to celebrate Christmas with a Victorian flare.

The house, part of the Natchez National Historical Park and owned by the National Park Service, hosted its annual Christmas open house Saturday offering free house tours, refreshments and period craft projects.

Visitors took advantage of the chance to see inside the 1840 Greek Revival house and learn more about how Christmas was celebrated during that time period.

Dee Herring of Houston, Texas, originally from Natchez, brought her daughter to the event. Herring said whenever they are in Natchez she tries to share the history of Natchez with her daughter.

“Whenever we can we tour a house or two, just to teach her about Natchez,” she said. “Growing up here, I always appreciated the history, and I want her to, as well.”

Herring’s daughter Tori, 17, said she enjoyed the beauty of the house and learning about the lifestyle of that time.

“I really liked the detail work in the rooms,” she said. “It was beautiful.”

Dave Wyrick, chief of interpretation and resource management for the Natchez National Historical Park, said the property is only open for free tours about six times a year. He said the fact that people can see the inside of the house and also do Christmas activities is very appealing to visitors.

“Crowds have been steady throughout the day,” he said. “People are really enjoying the chance to see the property decorated for Christmas and all the other activities that are offered.

Before touring the house, the Herrings make period-themed Christmas ornaments.

Cheryl Munyer, curator for the Natchez National Historical Park said the ornaments being made were similar to the ones that might have graced the branches of the McMurran family tree at Melrose.

“There is a letter from Mary Louisa, the lady of the house, where she says her daughter, Mary Elizabeth, is making fancy little articles for the tree,” Munyer said.

Visitors made paper fan ornaments from the 1880s, beaded shape ornaments from the 1880s, Christmas books, paper silhouettes and glittered pinecones. Munyer said it was popular during the Victorian era to use items from nature as decorations, but people then didn’t have glitter to decorate with.

“They used ground glass like we use glitter,” she said. “It was very popular then to adorn items with ground glass.”

There was also a wreath- making workshop.

Christmas as Melrose activities continue from 1 to 3 p.m. today.