It appears that the beloved Eustace Hutchinson Island mansion Christmas lights will not be displayed this year.
Elsa Eustace confirmed the news with WPTV following the passing of her husband, Robert “Bob” Eustace. The two created this cherished Treasure Coast tradition. The family is not in the frame of mind to continue the display this year, which was always Bob’s idea from the beginning.
For years, Bob and Elsa Eustace transformed their oceanfront estate into a spectacular winter wonderland that drew visitors from across Florida’s Treasure Coast each December. The incredible Jensen Beach mansion Christmas lights display was completely free, a gift to the community that became one of the most anticipated holiday attractions in Jensen Beach.
The Legacy of the Mansion Christmas Lights
The Eustace Family started the mansion Christmas light tradition years ago at their property on Hutchinson Island. Bob, the founder of Applied Systems, and Elsa covered their home in thousands of lights, elaborate decorations, and animated features that changed from year to year.
The combination of holiday lights, palm trees, and ocean views produced a distinctly Treasure Coast Christmas experience that became one of the most anticipated holiday attractions in Jensen Beach.
The display operated every evening during the season, typically from late November through early January. Lights turned on at dusk and stayed illuminated until around 10 PM.
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A Gift to the Community
What made the Eustace mansion display special wasn’t just the scale; it was the spirit behind it. This was a private residence where a family chose to share holiday joy with strangers. No admission fee. No ticket required. Just drive by and enjoy.
Thousands of families made it an annual tradition. Kids grew up looking forward to the drive down Ocean Boulevard. The display became synonymous with Christmas on the Treasure Coast.
Why the Christmas Light Display was so Special
The Hutchinson Island mansion’s Christmas lights stood out for several reasons. First, the sheer scale of the display impresses even those who’ve seen countless holiday light shows.
Thousands of lights covered the mansion’s architecture, landscaping, and surrounding grounds. The display includes elaborate decorations, animated features, and creative lighting designs that change from year to year.
Furthermore, the oceanfront location created stunning photo opportunities. The combination of holiday lights, palm trees, and ocean views produces a distinctly Treasure Coast Christmas experience.
Honoring Bob Eustace’s Memory
Bob Eustace passed away earlier this year. His legacy extends far beyond the Christmas lights—he built a successful company and contributed to the community in many ways. But for many Treasure Coast families, the holiday display is how they’ll remember him best.
The lights brought joy to countless visitors over the years. That generosity and community spirit is worth celebrating, even as we say goodbye to the tradition.
Other Christmas Light Displays on the Treasure Coast
While the Eustace mansion won’t be lit this year, other displays across the region offer holiday magic:
Christmas at Tara Plantation (Vero Beach) – 500,000 lights along a quarter-mile drive-through loop. Free admission. November 30-December 31.
McKee’s Jungle Lights (Vero Beach) – Illuminated botanical garden trails. $30-35 adults, $20 kids. Select nights in December.
Heathcote’s Garden of Lights (Fort Pierce) – Over one million lights with themed displays. $15 adults, $10 children. December weekends.
Fairgrounds Festival of Lights (Fort Pierce) – Mile-long drive-through display with Santa’s Village. $25 per car advance. November 27-December 28.
PSL in Lights (Port St. Lucie) – Nature-themed displays with turtles and flamingos. Free. November 28-December 31.
Santa’s City Lights (Downtown Stuart) – Lighted trees lining downtown streets. Free. Opens December 13.
FAQ: Hutchinson Island Mansion Christmas Lights
Will the Hutchinson Island mansion Christmas lights happen this year?
No. Elsa Eustace confirmed the display will not happen this year following her husband Bob’s passing. The family is not in the frame of mind to continue the tradition at this time.
Will the lights ever come back?
That remains to be seen. The family has not announced plans for future years.
Where was the Eustace mansion located?
The mansion is located at 4545 NE Ocean Blvd, Jensen Beach, FL 34957 on North Hutchinson Island.
Are there other free Christmas light displays on the Treasure Coast?
Yes. Christmas at Tara Plantation in Vero Beach, PSL in Lights in Port St. Lucie, and Santa’s City Lights in Downtown Stuart are all free. See our complete guide to Christmas events on the Treasure Coast for more options.
How can I honor Bob Eustace’s memory?
Consider supporting local charities, spreading holiday cheer in your own neighborhood, or simply remembering the joy his display brought to so many families over the years.
