Christmas in New York City is always such a wonderful time—there’s truly nothing better than experiencing the season through intimate, thoughtfully curated moments. One of those moments came this December at the newly opened Hyatt Regency Times Square, which kicked off the holidays with a celebration that felt both festive and distinctly New York.
To mark December twELF, the hotel paid homage to the beloved holiday film Elf with a stunning recreation of Buddy the Elf’s iconic NYC skyline display from the Gimbels department store scene. Created by artist Sid Dinsay using more than 30,000 bricks, the installation rose nearly six feet tall and featured detailed recreations of the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and MetLife Tower—alongside custom brick versions of the Hyatt Regency Times Square itself and the nearby Winter Garden Theatre, created especially for the hotel’s very first holiday season.
The display debuted beside a striking 25-foot-tall Christmas tree in the hotel’s soaring lobby as guests enjoyed a preview of Cue 48, the property’s upcoming signature restaurant overlooking Times Square, set to open on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Designed as a modern, social dining destination, Cue 48 is where elevated American dishes and hand-crafted cocktails meet a warm, theatrical vibe—shifting effortlessly from bright, welcoming breakfasts to spirited nightcaps near the glow of Times Square. Passed bites for the evening included empanadas and flatbreads, paired with the hotel’s signature holiday cocktail, the Peppermint-Tini.
Adding to the magic, Tony and Grammy Award–winning Broadway legend Orfeh delivered a soulful rendition of “Baby Please Come Home,”, which quickly turned into a full-on sing-along. At one point, I found the microphone practically in my face and did my best to join in—let’s just say my solo debut was…enthusiastic! I attended the evening with my friend Marisel, whom I hadn’t seen in several weeks, and it turned out to be the perfect reunion—filled with laughter, nostalgia, and just the right amount of seasonal sparkle. And don’t worry—there was no Buddy the Elf running around trying to pour syrup on spaghetti or hug Santa (though the holiday cheer was very much alive).
As Manhattan’s first Hyatt Regency, the Times Square location follows a multi-million-dollar transformation of the 795-room property, offering a welcoming retreat in the heart of Broadway. Located at 1605 Broadway, the hotel makes an immediate impression with its dramatic soaring porte cochere, two-story lobby, glass atrium overlooking the iconic lights of Times Square, and thoughtfully integrated programming designed to celebrate its neighborhood.
That creativity extends upstairs to one of the hotel’s most talked-about offerings: the exclusive MAMMA MIA!–themed guest room. A love letter to Broadway and the enduring joy of the hit musical, the immersive space layers sun-soaked Mediterranean blues and whites with theatrical touches inspired by the show’s Greek island setting, subtly nodding to ABBA’s iconic soundtrack and the magic of live performance just steps away. Even more charming, the room made a cameo in the LEGO skyline display itself—where a tiny brick version of the Hyatt Regency Times Square featured a miniature MAMMA MIA! detail, a delightful Easter egg for theater lovers and proof that no element of the hotel’s storytelling is overlooked.
The hotel’s inventive programming has been evident since opening. Earlier this year, it hosted a US Open–themed pickleball match that everyone truly loved (yes, tennis pun intended), and if this holiday celebration is any indication, even more imaginative experiences are on the horizon for 2026. With its blend of Broadway flair, New York energy, and immersive design, Hyatt Regency Times Square is quickly establishing itself as a destination where moments—both festive and everyday—feel thoughtfully, unmistakably magical.
