Christmas in Island Heights House Tour and Craft Shows

Tickets are now on sale for the 31st annual Christmas in Island Heights House Tour and Craft Shows. Hosted by the Island Heights United Methodist Church, the event takes place on Saturday, December 6th from 10am to 4pm. The $30 admission fee includes entrance to six unique homes in historic Island Heights.

In addition, there will be two craft shows: one at the church, 111 Ocean Avenue and at the other at the Island Heights Elementary School, 115 Summit Avenue, Lake Avenue entrance, both free and open between 9am and 4pm.

For a nominal fee, lunch will be served at the church (Fellowship Hall) from noon to 4pm and will include homemade Methodist Minestrone soup, sandwiches and desserts. Breakfast is available at the church from 8 to 10:30am. ($5 adults, $3 children), and guests can enjoy hot beverages and homemade sweets in the tearoom at historic Bedlam Manor, 236 Ocean Avenue from 1 to 4pm for $4. Another popular feature, the “Man Cave,” will be open all day at the church for rest, relaxation, and refreshments.

On tour day, many Island Heights points of interest will open their doors, including: the Cottage Museum; The Studio at the John Peto house (admission fee $10); Ludlow Thorston Gallery; the Ocean County Artists’ Guild; the Island Heights Library; and St. Gertrude’s Roman Catholic Church.

A candlelight carol service will kick off home-tour weekend on Friday, December 5th at 7:30pm. Held in the beautiful sanctuary of the church, this free event is open to the public.

Tickets may be purchased for $30 at the Island Heights United Methodist Church, 111 Ocean Avenue, Monday through Thursday from 9am to 1pm, or at one of these Island Heights locations: Ludlow Thorston Galleries, 10 Central Avenue; Ocean County Artists’ Guild, Ocean and Chestnut avenues; or Fast Break, 1635 Hwy 37 East; and in Toms River at Skip’s Florist, 1186 Washington Street.

To reserve tickets in advance, email IHUMC@comcast.net. Tickets can also be purchased on house-tour day beginning at 9am at the church or at the Island Heights Elementary School.

For more information, call the church office at 732-929-0444, email IHUMC@comcast.net, or visit www.IHUMC.org.