Christmas in Island Heights House Tour & 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 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The $30 admission fee includes entrance to six unique homes in historic Island Heights. Among the tour highlights is one of Island Heights’ most striking new additions, the sprawling Sutherland home—a 21st-century interpretation of the 1800s-era shingle style of American architecture characterized by expansive porches, multiple gable roofs, and complex shapes and towers clad in cedar-shingle siding. The Sutherland home also features panoramic views of the Toms River and Barnegat Bay, a huge open floor plan, large gourmet kitchen, and a backyard oasis with garden, pool and spa.

Other tour focal points include a historic Methodist campsite home boasting original wainscoting and wide-plank pine floors; a new “Victorian/coastal style” house with an open, inviting floor plan and interior wainscoting, kitchen cabinets, porches, and landscaping created by the owner; a renovated cottage with high ceilings and a great room looking out on to the river; a renovated 1898 Victorian home with splendid gardens and large bi-level sunken deck; and a whimsical home with spiral staircases, private sundeck overlooking the river, high ceilings with skylights, and a gourmet kitchen—plus, this home will feature live choral music throughout the day.

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 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For a nominal fee, lunch will be served at the church (Fellowship Hall) from 12 to 4 p.m. and will include homemade Methodist Minestrone soup, sandwiches, and desserts. Breakfast is available at the church from 8 to 10:30 a.m. ($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 4 p.m. 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 5 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 $30 at the Island Heights United Methodist Church, 111 Ocean Avenue, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 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; 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 9 a.m. 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.