The holiday spirit is alive and well at Regina’s Government House and this year the facility is offering a brand new festive experience.
This year, there will be special Victorian Christmas tours on Fridays and weekends, when actors representing hosts from 1905 who lived in the building will lead people through the house.
Private tours for groups of six or fewer people can arrange tours on Friday evenings (Dec. 11 and 18), Saturday afternoons (Dec. 12 and 19) or Sunday afternoons (Dec. 13 and 20).
The actors will be explaining Victorian Christmas traditions and what it was like to celebrate Christmas in 1905 as part of the 30-minute tour.
Brie Hnetka, manager of Government House, believes it was important to get people into the holiday spirit.
“We think it’s important to try and offer guests that Christmas magic that Government House is really known for,” Hnetka said. “We are able to still provide tours in a very safe fashion.”
Starting Saturday, people will be able to pre-book their tours.
“We just thought it’s something that can be done in a safe manner while allowing people to come and enjoy the beautiful decorations and get into that Christmas spirit,” she said.
Hnetka says organizers were able to offer the new experience because of the smaller group sizes, allowing a more unique and personalized experience.
People will be able to book regular tours as well, which are to resume Saturday. Bookings can be made on the Government House website.