ALBANY — The weather was cold Thursday outside the Governor’s Mansion, but the reception was warm inside.

State residents who won a lottery for the opportunity toured the mansion decorated for the holidays. They also got the chance to meet Gov. David Paterson and first lady Michelle Paige Paterson.

“Some don’t realize that Gov. and Mrs. Paterson are there to greet them,” said Vinny Brewer, who was handing out hot beverages outside the mansion. “Once they find that out, they’re that much more excited.”

Brewer, the director of food services for the state Office of General Services, handed out coffee and hot chocolate to visitors. He suggested to several to take a mansion napkin as a souvenir.

The New Year’s Day tour has been offered for the past three years. It was also offered in years past. This was the first New Year’s tour for Paterson, who was swept into office in the spring after the resignation of Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

Regular tours are offered on Thursdays with two weeks’ notice.

Among those taking advantage of the hot chocolate were the Chaputs of Alplaus. Melissa Chaput, daughter Harper, 7, and Logan 8, were on their way in when they got hot chocolate with whipped cream. Mother Melissa said she wanted to bring the children to see the mansion because of its history.

“It’s just a special thing to be able to do on New Year’s Day,” she said. “It has a rich history and it’s a fantastic building.”

Heading out were the Chromiks of Albany, Sherri and Frank, daughter Lexi, 10, and son Nick, 7.

They toured the first floor, seeing the dining room and the Christmas tree. They also met the governor.

“We’ve been living here our whole lives, and this was the first time we ever saw the inside,” mother Sherri said. “It was pretty cool.”

It was Shirley Everett’s second trip to the mansion. She had been there as a child, and this time she went with her two grandchildren. They also met the governor.

“He really liked my granddaughters,” Everett said of Jasmine Everett, 9, and Areona Williams, 10. He also had a quick conversation with Jasmine: “She was trying to get away. She’s a little shy.”