Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re looking to add some festive fun to your holiday season in Columbus, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful way to explore the city while celebrating the holidays. It’s a smartphone-based scavenger hunt that brings friends, family, or colleagues together for a cheerful, interactive adventure. From traditional Christmas decorations to quirky seasonal surprises, you’ll be hunting for items all over Columbus, earning points, and maybe even competing for the top spot on the leaderboard.

What I really appreciate about this experience is how accessible it is — only $20 per group (up to 10 people), and it’s a duration of about an hour. Plus, it’s flexible enough to be played during the holiday season from late November through December. The fact that it’s played via an app means you don’t have to worry about physical guides or complicated logistics. The team at Holly Jolly Hunt also includes a remote guide via text, which adds a helpful touch without feeling intrusive.

That said, a potential consideration is that you’ll need your own smartphone with internet access to participate fully — so it’s best suited for groups comfortable with using apps. If you’re traveling with younger kids, keep in mind that it’s designed for groups of up to 10, and the nature of the tasks is generally family-friendly, making it a good option for families or friends seeking some holiday cheer. This experience seems ideal for those wanting a relaxed, interactive way to celebrate the season while exploring Columbus.

Key Points

• Affordable fun: At $20 per group, it provides a cost-effective way to enjoy a holiday activity.
• Flexible location: Play anywhere in Columbus and customize your experience.
• Interactive and social: Engages your team with holiday-themed challenges and a leaderboard.
• All-inclusive: Price covers all activities, taxes, and a remote guide via text.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for groups of all ages, with activities designed to bring smiles.
• Time-efficient: About an hour’s commitment makes it easy to fit into holiday plans.

Exploring the Holly Jolly Hunt in Columbus

When it comes to holiday activities that combine a bit of adventure with a lot of fun, the Holly Jolly Hunt hits the mark. It’s a mobile app scavenger hunt that transforms Columbus streets into a winter wonderland of challenges and photo ops. We loved how it turns a simple walk into an engaging game, perfect for families, friends, or even coworkers looking to add some festive spirit to their day.

What to Expect from the Experience

Once you start at Capitol Square, the activity guides you through a series of holiday-themed tasks and scavenger items. The goal? Find and photograph various objects — think traditional holiday decorations, ornaments, or even some non-traditional surprises. The app keeps track of your points, so you’ll know how you stack up against other teams.

What makes this really enjoyable are the silly holiday challenges that pop up along the way. You might be asked to sing a carol, perform a holiday dance, or take a goofy photo. These tasks are designed to make everyone laugh and foster some lighthearted competition. Plus, with a remote guide available through text, you never feel lost or unsupported during your hunt.

The Start and End Points

The activity begins at Capitol Square, a central and accessible location in Columbus, making it easy to meet and start your adventure. It wraps up back at the same spot, so there’s no need for complicated transportation arrangements — just a simple, circular route that keeps the focus on fun.

The Duration and Group Size

The hour-long format is perfect if you want a quick holiday activity without committing your whole day. The group size is capped at 10, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable. If you’re traveling with a larger group, consider splitting into smaller teams for multiple hunts or just enjoy the activity as a shared experience with fewer people.

Cost and Value

At $20 per group, this activity offers good value, especially considering all the included scavenger hunt tasks and the guide support. Compared to other holiday outings, it’s a budget-friendly way to make memories and explore Columbus from a new perspective. Remember, the price covers all taxes and fees, so there are no surprises at checkout.

What Travelers Say

While the reviews are currently uncounted, the concept itself is popular among those who enjoy interactive activities. It’s a relaxed activity that’s meant to bring joy rather than stress, making it suitable for all ages. People who’ve tried it might find it a delightful way to see the city’s holiday spirit without the formality of guided tours or structured events.

The Experience in Detail

Throughout the hunt, you’ll encounter a mix of traditional holiday sights — like decorated trees, wreaths, and lights — alongside more unexpected items that add a whimsical touch. The app’s design ensures that you’re constantly engaged, with tasks that require movement, creativity, and a sense of humor.

A big plus is the flexibility — you can play in any part of Columbus, whether you prefer the bustling downtown area or quieter neighborhoods. Since it’s suitable for almost any time between 9:00AM and 5:00PM, you can plan your hunt around other holiday activities or sightseeing.

The remote guide feature is a clever touch, providing support when needed, which can be particularly helpful if your team gets stuck or wants hints. This chat-based assistance ensures the experience remains smooth and enjoyable without feeling overly structured or rigid.

The Pros and Cons

On the upside, the activity’s affordability and adaptability are major draws. It’s a relaxed, social way to explore Columbus and celebrate the season. Plus, the photo challenges make it easy to create lasting memories, especially when capturing funny or festive moments.

A downside? If you’re not comfortable using your phone or don’t have reliable internet, you might find it a little frustrating. Also, since it’s a group activity, it’s not ideal for solo travelers or small children unless supervised, as some tasks might require coordination or patience.

Final Thoughts on Suitability

This activity works well for families, friends, or co-workers looking for a lighthearted holiday outing. It’s especially good if you want to explore Columbus’s holiday decorations and festive atmosphere without the crowds of traditional events. It’s also flexible enough to fit into a busy holiday schedule, making it a convenient choice.

The Sum Up

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, interactive way to experience Columbus during the holidays. It’s perfect for groups of up to 10 who want to combine sightseeing, fun challenges, and some friendly competition into a one-hour adventure. For just $20, you get a lot of value — including all activities, taxes, and remote support — and the chance to make some memorable festive moments.

If you’re traveling with family or friends and enjoy a bit of playful exploration, this scavenger hunt could be a highlight of your holiday trip. It’s also a good option if you want something informal, flexible, and full of holiday cheer. Just keep in mind the need for a smartphone and a sense of humor — the more playful, the better.

The Holly Jolly Hunt seems like a charming way to celebrate the season while discovering some hidden gems and holiday decorations around Columbus. It’s not a tour for history buffs or those looking for a structured sightseeing experience, but if you’re in the mood for lighthearted fun, it’s definitely worth considering.

FAQ

How long does the Holly Jolly Hunt last?
The activity takes approximately 1 hour, making it easy to fit into a busy holiday day.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 10 people per group, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

Where does the hunt start?
It begins at Capitol Square, a central and accessible location in Columbus.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the tasks are holiday-themed and generally family-friendly, making it suitable for most ages.

What do I need to bring?
You need your own smartphone with internet access to use the app and participate fully.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are available if canceled timely.

Is it available during the holiday season?
Yes, from November 29 through December 31, 2025, Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

Are guide services included?
Yes, a remote guide via text message is included to assist you during your hunt.

What kind of items will I be looking for?
Traditional holiday decorations like ornaments and lights, as well as some fun, non-traditional surprises.

Is transportation needed?
No, you can play anywhere in Columbus, and the activity ends back at the start point.

If you’re after a relaxed, fun-filled way to celebrate the holidays and see Columbus differently, the Holly Jolly Hunt might just be your new favorite seasonal activity.