Christmas in Island Heights House Tour and Holiday Boutique

The Island Heights United Methodist Church will host its 37th “Christmas in Island Heights” House Tour and Holiday Boutique on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Tickets for the House Tour (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are $35 through December 1st and $40 on the day of the event. A free pop-up Holiday Boutique (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) at the local elementary school will feature jewelry, artwork, accessories, and other unique handmade items from area artisans.

Appearing on the tour are six holiday-dressed homes in Island Heights, a historic riverside community and former Methodist Camp Meeting Ground. Known for its Victorian architecture, Island Heights offers an eclectic mix of old and new, and visitors will view a unique sampling on Tour day.

Highlights include: a perfectly restored turreted Victorian mansion on the Toms River waterfront built in 1896, an adorable 1954 cottage on Ocean Avenue, an impressive newly constructed bayfront home, and the Island Heights Cultural and Heritage Association’s Cottage Museum built in 1879, with its historically accurate depiction of life in an original Island Heights “Carpenter Gothic” two-story summer cottage. The Cottage will be decorated in classic Victorian style with gold, rich reds, and deep greens, allowing guests to experience a festive Christmas celebration circa 1880.

In addition to the Holiday Boutique at the Island Heights Elementary School (115 Summit Avenue, Lake Avenue entrance), ticket holders have access to a craft show at the church (111 Ocean Avenue), which includes a bake sale. Guests can participate in a free drawing at the boutique on tour day for the chance to win a Christmas collectible.

For a nominal fee, lunch will be served at the church from 12 to 4 p.m. and will include homemade Methodist Minestrone soup, sandwiches, and desserts. Breakfast is available at the Church from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. ($7 adults, $5 children), and guests can enjoy hot beverages and homemade sweets in one of two tearooms from 1 to 4 p.m. for $5.

On tour day, other Island Heights points of interest will open their doors, including the Ocean County Artists’ Guild; the Island Heights Library, the Ludlow Thorston Art Gallery, and the John F. Peto Studio Museum.

As part of these holiday festivities, the Church will host a Christmas Caroling Service and Community Blessing at 7:30 p.m. on house-tour eve, Friday, December 1st. All are welcome.

Tour tickets may be purchased for $35 (until December 1) at the Island Heights United Methodist Church, 111 Ocean Avenue, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or at one of these Island Heights locations: Ocean County Artists' Guild (Ocean and Chestnut avenues) and Fast Break (1635 Hwy 37 East), and in Toms River at Skip’s Florist (1186 Washington Street).

To reserve tickets, email office@IHUMC.org. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the House Tour beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the church for $40. Tickets may also be purchased online at ihumc.org

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

URL:
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2013484-2?pid=2874

Category: Community | Fundraisers

Price:
General Admission in advance: USD 35.00