29th Annual “Christmas in Island Heights” House Tour

Tickets are now on sale for the 29th annual Christmas in Island Heights House Tour and Craft shows. 

The $25 admission fee includes entrance to five unique homes in historic Island Heights. Tour highlights include: one of the oldest homes in Island Heights, built in 1878, featuring an extensive artwork collection and display of nutcrackers from around the world; a circa-1900 home that’s been exquisitely restored by its owners of 16 years; a Craftsman-style house with floor-to-ceiling limestone fireplace, functioning observatory, and sweeping views of the Toms River; an elegant new Craftsman-style home with stunning views of Barnegat Bay, visible from every window; and a Victorian farmhouse, built in 1910 and featuring an attic “tree house” with high-peaked ceiling.

In addition, there will be two craft shows, one at the church (111 Ocean Avenue), and the other at the Island Heights Firehouse on Lake Avenue, both free and open to the public between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For a nominal fee, lunch will be served from at the church from 12 to 4 p.m. and at the firehouse from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will feature homemade Methodist Minestrone soup, sandwiches, and desserts. Breakfast is available at the church from 8 to 10 a.m. ($5 adults, $3 children), and guests can relax and enjoy hot beverages and homemade sweets in one of two Victorian tearooms from 1 to 4 p.m. for $4.

On tour day, many Island Heights points of interest will open their doors, including: the Cottage Museum; The Studio at the John Peto house; 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, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. Held in the beautiful sanctuary of the church, this free event is open to the public.

Tickets may be purchased for $25 at the Island Heights United Methodist Church, 111 Ocean Avenue, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 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.

To reserve tickets in advance, e-mail IHUMC@comcast.net. Tickets will also be available on house tour day and may be purchased at the church or the Island Heights firehouse beginning at 9:00 a.m.

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