Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Dallas with Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re exploring Dallas during the festive season and looking for something to add a dash of fun and adventure to your holiday plans, the Holly Jolly Hunt might catch your eye. This app-based scavenger hunt promises to turn your usual city stroll into a cheerful, competitive holiday experience. While it sounds like a great way to get some fresh air, see the sights, and share some laughs, it’s worth taking a closer look at what you’re really signing up for.

What we really like about this experience is its flexibility—you can play it anywhere you choose in Dallas, and it’s designed to be inclusive whether you’re with friends, family, or coworkers. Plus, the price point is pretty accessible at just $20 per group, which makes it appealing for a quick festive activity. On the flip side, some reviews hint that the actual experience might not quite live up to the hype, with some players feeling underwhelmed or confused by the challenges. That’s an important consideration if you’re expecting a polished, high-energy scavenger hunt.

In the end, this hunt could be perfect if you’re after a casual, low-pressure way to explore the city during the holiday season. But if you prefer well-organized tours with clear, engaging activities, you might want to consider other options. For now, let’s break down what you can expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt and whether it fits your holiday plans.

Key Points

• Flexible Location: You can play anywhere in Dallas, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Affordable Price: At $20 per group, it’s a cost-effective activity for small groups.
• App-Based Convenience: The scavenger hunt is simple to access via your phone, with all activities managed through the app.
• Limited Information on Quality: Mixed reviews suggest it might be just okay, with at least one person calling it “just OK.”
• Short Duration: About an hour, so it’s a quick festive activity rather than a full-day outing.
• Suitable for All: Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, indicating good accessibility.

What Is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is an app-based scavenger hunt designed to celebrate the holiday season. It offers a fun, interactive way to explore Dallas by searching for holiday-related items, both traditional and not-so-traditional, all through your smartphone. You can do this activity anywhere you like, whether it’s downtown, a park, or a neighborhood that’s decked out for Christmas.

Once you start the hunt, your team will perform various challenges—taking photos of certain items, completing holiday-themed tasks—and earn points for each success. The app also features a leaderboard, so you can see how your team stacks up against others from all over. It’s meant to be lighthearted and entertaining, aimed at creating lasting holiday memories.

The activity includes access to a remote guide via chat, which can be helpful if you get lost or need clarification. The entire experience lasts approximately one hour, making it easy to slot into an afternoon or evening outing.

How Does the Experience Unfold?

Starting at John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza on Main Street, your group will kick things off with instructions via the app. From there, the hunt takes you on a journey through Dallas’ holiday scene, with challenges that may involve spotting decorations, taking photos of specific landmarks, or completing mini-games.

Because the location is flexible, the actual content and route depend on where you decide to play. You might wander through well-lit streets filled with Christmas displays or explore quieter neighborhoods with a more traditional holiday vibe. The app guides you with prompts and keeps score in real-time.

The activities are designed to be both fun and engaging, but based on some reviews, the challenges can sometimes feel unexplainable or oddly chosen. This means your experience might be unpredictable—sometimes delightful, sometimes a bit confusing.

The activity concludes back at the starting point, which is convenient if you want to grab a warm drink afterward or head home without extra hassle.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $20 for a group of up to 10 people, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a budget-friendly way to spend about an hour during the holidays. Compared to other holiday activities in Dallas—like visiting light displays or taking guided tours—this scavenger hunt provides a more interactive experience for the cost.

However, considering some feedback, the quality of the experience might be hit or miss. One reviewer called it “just OK,” and described the items as “unexplainable,” which hints at the challenges being somewhat confusing rather than creative or well-organized. If you’re looking for a polished, highly engaging activity, this might not fully satisfy your expectations.

That said, if you’re simply after a casual, fun activity that can be tailored to your preferred location, the price is reasonable and offers flexibility. Plus, the app’s chat feature provides some guidance, which is helpful if you’re unfamiliar with scavenger hunts.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This activity is best suited for small groups—families, friends, or coworkers—who are comfortable with a level of unpredictability. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something lighthearted and easy to do on a whim, especially if you’re in a city that’s decorated festively.

It’s also a good choice if you want a low-pressure activity that won’t take up an entire day and doesn’t require transportation or extensive planning. Those with an adventurous spirit will appreciate the ability to pick their own starting point and route.

But if you have high expectations for a structured or highly engaging scavenger hunt experience, or if your group prefers guided tours with more detailed narratives, this might fall a bit short.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Accessibility

The hunt kicks off at John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, a visible and central Dallas landmark. The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes it easy for most travelers to access. The activity is designed to be private—only your group participates, so there’s no worry about others interfering or waiting behind large crowds.

Duration and Pace

The total time is around one hour, which makes it a great filler activity or a complementary experience to other sightseeing. It’s quick, so you can do it between longer tours or just as a standalone festive adventure.

What You’ll Do

Your team will be prompted to find holiday items or complete challenges using your phone. You’ll take photos through the app to earn points, and perform various fun challenges that are meant to bring laughter and joy. The challenges are designed to be light-hearted, but some reviews suggest they might not be especially meaningful or well thought out.

Challenges and Scoring

Participation involves photo-taking and completing tasks visible through the app. The leaderboard feature adds a competitive element, allowing your group to see how you compare to others. This can add a layer of motivation, but it’s also worth noting that some players might find the challenges a bit “unexplainable,” as one reviewer put it.

Privacy and Inclusivity

The activity is private, with only your group involved. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is accessible to most travelers. You’ll need to bring your own smartphone, but all fees and taxes are included in the price.

The Real Deal: What People Are Saying

The only available review is quite critical, describing the experience as “just OK” and mentioning unexplainable items. It’s a reminder that this isn’t a curated, highly polished tour. The challenges might sometimes feel arbitrary, which could be a turn-off if you prefer more structured activities.

That said, different groups might find it more entertaining, especially if you’re in the mood for a relaxed, low-stakes outing that combines exploration with some holiday cheer.

Final Thoughts: Is It For You?

If you’re after a cost-effective, flexible way to enjoy Dallas during the holidays with a touch of friendly competition, the Holly Jolly Hunt can be a fun choice. It’s easy to set up, not overly demanding, and offers a chance to see the city through a festive lens.

However, if you want a well-organized, highly engaging activity that guarantees a memorable experience, this might not quite hit the mark. The mixed reviews suggest you might find some challenges confusing or underwhelming, so temper your expectations accordingly.

This activity shines for small groups looking for something different to do for an hour, especially if you enjoy lighthearted competitions and are comfortable with a bit of unpredictability. It’s best suited for those who don’t mind a casual, somewhat spontaneous adventure with a holiday twist.

FAQ

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for families with pets. The activities are generally family-friendly.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, the scavenger hunt is app-based, so you’ll need your own smartphone to participate and complete tasks.

Is there a set route I must follow?
No, you can play anywhere in Dallas you choose. The app guides you with prompts, but the actual route is flexible.

How long does the activity last?
Expect around one hour of playtime, making it a quick and easy holiday activity.

What’s included in the price?
Your group gets access to the scavenger hunt activities, all fees and taxes, and a remote guide via chat if needed.

Are there any hidden costs or extras?
No, all activities and fees are included, but you’ll need your own smartphone and should be aware transportation isn’t provided.

Can I cancel this activity?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, perfect if your plans change unexpectedly.

Is this activity available during the holiday season?
Yes, it runs from late November through December 31, 2025, during standard daytime hours.

Is it worth the price?
That depends on your expectations. It’s inexpensive and flexible but may feel somewhat unorganized or “just OK” based on some reviews. If you’re looking for a casual, festive activity, it could be a good pick.

In the end, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a relaxed, budget-friendly way to add some holiday spirit to your Dallas visit. While it might not be a top-tier tour, it’s a simple, social activity that could bring some laughs—and that’s often what the season’s all about.