New Year’s Day Reception at Government House in Halifax, Nova Scotia

New Year’s Day reception is an annual tradition in Canada, that Queen’s representatives provide for general public. This reception is also known as New Year’s Day Levee and can be traced back to 16-th century. Nowadays, this is a great opportunity to visit Government House and shake hands with Lieutenant Governor.

New Year’s Day reception or levee starts usually at 11 am. There are ceremonial guards in bearskin caps, traditional bagpipe players and a lot of visitors. Local people from Halifax, tourists, new Canadians, officers of Canadian forces and other officials line up to wish lieutenant governor happy new year and exchange couple of phrases.

This government house reception is a unique chance to immerse oneself into surroundings of a 200 year old grand Victorian home. Government house in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada is full of antique furniture pieces, old paintings and photographs. Everything reminds about royal presence and royal visits.

Visitors to Government house follow along the first floor through series of rooms until they reach the office of Lieutenant governor. The house still has all beautiful Christmas decorations and several gorgeous Christmas trees. People have a chance to take off their coats in one of the rooms before proceeding to the reception.

Nova Scotia Lieutenant governor greets people in a very special room that has unique wall coverings and beautiful furnishings. After that people proceed to the refreshments area. Catering staff served hot apple cider and couple of large tables were set with an excellent selection of hors d’oeuvres.

New Year’s Day Levee at Government house in Halifax, Nova Scotia is a great opportunity to see the majestic interiors of this historic building and famous landmark.