Celebrating the Holidays in St. James 2026
Holiday Home Tour
Thank you for attending the 2026 St. James Service Club Holiday Home Tour. We hope you can admire and appreciate the beautiful homes as well as the hard work that went into creating the festive displays for the tour.
We also thank you in advance for helping us make this wonderful event safe for and enjoyable for all!
Click on the image below for a printable brochure with the descriptions of the homes featured on the tour.
NOTE: The addresses for the homes on the tour are printed on your e-ticket email receipt - NOT in the brochure.
Home Tour Brochure
Questions? Email cthstjames@sjserviceclub.org
tour guidelines
The homes on the tour can be visited IN ANY ORDER.
Please respect homeowners’ furnishings and decorations. Look with your eyes and please don’t touch.
Booties provided where applicable, no bare feet permitted.
Bathroom facilities are available at each of the Clubs and the Homer E. Wright Community Center.
Participation is at one’s own risk.
General Parking Information
Please comply with the trained parking and traffic volunteers’ instructions and signage.
Parking is restricted to one side of street and approved areas to ensure safety and emergency access.
Please carpool since parking is limited.
Avoid parking on residents’ grass.
1. The Home of Tom & Nancy Schwarz
THEME: The Nutcracker Suite
The Schwarz family invites you to step into a whimsical winter wonderland inspired by a holiday classic. Tom and Nancy have transformed their home into a spectacular tribute to nutcrackers, featuring an extraordinary collection in every shape, size, and style imaginable. From traditional German soldiers guarding the entryway to unique, hand-crafted characters hidden throughout the house, their festive display captures the timeless magic of the season. Visitors of all ages will delight in the vibrant colors, nostalgic music, and playful spirit that bring this favorite story to life.
Pets on Premise? No
2. The Home of Denise Fennell
THEME: Shell-abrate Good Times!
Welcome to a coastal-inspired contemporary Christmas retreat where the beauty of the beach meets the magic of the holiday season. Denise’s home is adorned in soothing shades of aqua, sparkling white, and shimmering silver, creating an elegant seaside wonderland. A striking 54-inch aqua pivot front door offers a unique welcome, inviting guests into a world filled with treasured collections and enchanting holiday displays. Beautifully decorated trees - including seashell, birch, and feather trees - are complemented by graceful deer and coastal accents throughout the home. Every detail reflects Denise’s love of collecting and decorating, bringing together the peaceful charm of the coast and the timeless magic of Christmas. Denise looks forward to sharing her home with all of you.
Pets on Premise? Yes, there is a beloved small dog in residence.
3. The Home of Brian & Krystine Hughes
THEME: A Holiday Kaleidoscope
Welcome to a true holiday kaleidoscope of sight, sound, and color at the Hughes home! Your journey begins outside with an exuberant outdoor winter scene that perfectly captures the festive spirit of the season. Brian and Krystine’s enthusiasm for the holidays continues as you step inside their home, where Santa is officially in residence. You will discover a treasure trove of yuletide decor that takes you from childhood wonder to heartfelt memories. You may even get to enjoy a hands-on experience during your visit! Can you take a guess at the number of collections?
Pets on Premise? Yes, there is a beloved cat in residence.
4. The Home of Karen Wagner & Steve Thatcher
THEME: Coastal Mission
Welcome to a beautiful holiday retreat where you’ll see Coastal Mission architecture meets a lifetime of global travel. This festive season, Karen and Steve’s home comes alive with uniquely themed Christmas trees, each showcasing a personal passion. Guests can marvel at the elegance of Steuben, shimmering with brilliant Steuben glass ornaments, or smile at the nostalgic charm of a whimsical tree dedicated to a heartwarming teddy bear collection. For a playful twist, the festive fairways tree features a spirited gathering of golfing Santas. Explore several beautifully styled spaces to see collections from world travels and how treasured memories create a memorable holiday escape.
Pets on Premise? Yes, there are two beloved cats in residence.
5. The Home of Barbara Sauter & Richard Chapman
THEME: Holiday Coastal Farmhouse
Welcome to Barbara Sauter and Richard Chapman's holiday coastal farmhouse. Barbara was raised on a farm in Woodstock, MD, and Rich's grandparents owned a dairy farm in New Jersey, making this theme a natural choice as an homage to their past. Barbara has incorporated many rustic touches from farm life while adding a fresh, coastal flair. Her love of crafting is evident throughout the home, beautifully showcasing pieces inspired by Santa and his mischievous elves.
Pets on Premise? No
