Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Milwaukee

Getting in the holiday spirit with the Holly Jolly Hunt in Milwaukee

If you’re looking for a festive activity that mixes a bit of adventure with holiday cheer, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Milwaukee might just be a great fit. This scavenger hunt, played via smartphone app, promises to turn your city stroll into a playful, laughter-filled experience. While I haven’t personally participated, the concept and details seem to offer a practical and engaging way to enjoy Milwaukee’s holiday sights—and maybe even create some new traditions.

What I love about this experience? First, its flexibility—you can explore the city at your own pace and in your own style, which is perfect if you’re traveling with a group that includes kids or older relatives. Second, the interactive, fun tasks add a layer of humor and lightheartedness that can make even familiar sights feel fresh and amusing. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that it’s app-dependent—so you’ll want to ensure your smartphone is charged and that everyone in your group is comfortable with using mobile tech.

This scavenger hunt is ideal for anyone who enjoys a casual, social activity that combines sightseeing with a little friendly competition. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or colleagues, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a way to celebrate the holidays without the typical crowded event or expensive tour. It’s straightforward, affordable, and guarantees a few giggles along the way.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: Just $20 per group for up to 10 people, making it an accessible way to add some holiday fun.
• Flexible Scheduling: Available from late November through December, running Tuesday through Sunday during daylight hours.
• All-Inclusive Activities: The cost covers all scavenger hunt activities and a remote guide via text.
• City Exploration: You get to discover Milwaukee’s holiday sights and surprises, both traditional and unexpected.
• Family & Group Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with tasks designed to bring laughs and smiles.
• Tech-Dependent: Requires a smartphone and adherence to app instructions; no physical transportation included.

What to Expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt

One of the most appealing aspects of this tour is its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a mobile-based scavenger hunt, meaning you don’t need to worry about complex logistics or transportation. The meeting point, Cathedral Square Park, is centrally located and easy to access via public transit. From there, the hunt begins, and your group is prompted to seek out holiday-themed items or complete fun challenges scattered around Milwaukee.

Once you start, you’ll use the app to capture photos of objects or scenes, earning points for each successful find. The game is designed to encompass both traditional holiday symbols—like ornaments or Christmas trees—and more unusual, non-traditional items, which keeps the experience lively and unpredictable. The challenges are playful and meant to generate lots of laughter, making this activity particularly appealing for groups looking for a relaxed, jovial outing.

The activity lasts approximately one hour, which means it fits easily into a busy holiday schedule or can serve as a delightful way to break up a day of sightseeing. The end point is back at the starting location, so it’s simple to plan other activities afterward or grab a meal nearby.

Diving into the Details: How the Hunt Works

The core of the experience involves exploring Milwaukee’s streets and landmarks, all while hunting for holiday items. The cost includes access to all scavenger hunt activities, plus a remote guide via text message, which helps keep the game on track and adds a layer of support if needed. That’s a nice touch for those unfamiliar with the city or new to this kind of activity.

Since the price is just $20 for a group of up to 10, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to add some holiday fun. You won’t have to worry about hidden costs or extra fees—everything is included, from the activity fees to taxes. This transparency makes it a convenient choice, especially for families or groups wanting to keep holiday spending manageable.

The app-based nature also means you’re free to play in any part of Milwaukee you choose. You can explore the core downtown area or venture to other neighborhoods if you wish. The flexibility means the experience can be tailored to your group’s interests and energy level.

Exploring the Milwaukee Setting

Milwaukee’s cityscape and historic sites become the playground for your holiday hunt. The meeting point at Cathedral Square Park is a central hub, surrounded by festive decorations during the season. From there, the hunt can wind through streets lined with holiday lights, shops, and notable landmarks, providing a scenic backdrop as you search for items.

Since the activity ends back at the starting point, you’ll get a chance to soak in the city’s holiday ambiance without worrying about transportation or time constraints. It’s great for a casual, relaxed outing, especially if your aim is to enjoy the season’s sights and sounds at your own pace.

The availability window from late November to December means you’ll be able to enjoy this activity during peak holiday time, when Milwaukee is likely decked out in its festive best. Plus, since it runs Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., you’ll have plenty of options to fit it into your holiday plans.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable and straightforward—a fun activity that doesn’t break the bank.
• Flexible and customizable—play any time within the season, in any part of the city.
• Inclusive fun—suitable for all ages, with light-hearted challenges.
• Creates memorable moments—laughter, photo-taking, and friendly competition make for lasting holiday memories.
• Easy logistics—meeting point, duration, and price are simple to understand and plan around.

Cons:

• App reliance—you’ll need a smartphone with the app downloaded and ready.
• Limited to Milwaukee—although the experience is transferable to other cities, this review focuses on Milwaukee.
• No physical transportation included—so if you’re not within walking distance or don’t have your own transit, you might need to plan accordingly.
• No reviews yet—the experience currently has no rating or reviews, so while the concept sounds promising, feedback from participants could clarify what to expect.

Who Should Consider This?

This scavenger hunt is best suited for families, friends, or co-workers who want a playful way to enjoy Milwaukee during the holiday season. It’s perfect for those who appreciate casual, social activities and don’t mind using their phones to play. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll probably find the tasks light and amusing enough to keep everyone engaged.

Adventure seekers who enjoy exploring cities in a relaxed, interactive way will find this a good fit. It’s also great for group celebrations or team-building, especially when you want something memorable but low-pressure.

Final thoughts

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a simple, accessible way to turn Milwaukee into a holiday playground. It’s budget-friendly, flexible, and full of opportunities for shared laughs and photo-worthy moments. While it’s not a full-fledged tour or sightseeing extravaganza, it’s a delightful addition to your holiday itinerary—especially if you’re looking for an interactive, lighthearted activity that everyone can enjoy.

If you love holiday festivities, are keen on exploring the city in a fun way, or want to create new seasonal traditions, this scavenger hunt could be just the ticket. However, keep in mind that reliance on your phone and the current lack of reviews mean it might be a bit of an unknown quantity. Still, with its straightforward setup and cheerful premise, it’s worth considering for your Milwaukee holiday plans.

FAQ

Do I need to book ahead for the Holly Jolly Hunt?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 13 days in advance to secure your preferred date, especially during busy holiday times.

What’s the cost for the activity?
It’s $20 per group, accommodating up to 10 people, which makes it quite affordable for small or larger groups.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers all scavenger hunt activities, a remote guide via text, and all fees and taxes.

Is transportation included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation. The activity starts and ends at Cathedral Square Park, which is accessible via public transit.

How long does the hunt last?
It takes approximately one hour, making it easy to slot into your day.

What do I need to participate?
A smartphone with the app installed, and a charged battery are necessary. Service animals are allowed.

Can I play anywhere in Milwaukee?
Yes, you can explore any part of the city you wish, as long as you stay within the season’s available hours.

Is this activity suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a children’s activity, the playful challenges and festive theme make it enjoyable for families with kids.

What are the opening hours?
The activity runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, from late November through December.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing you to plan with confidence.

If you’re after a light, fun way to soak up Milwaukee’s holiday atmosphere and make some laughs along the way, the Holly Jolly Hunt might just brighten your season. It’s a straightforward, cheerful activity that promises memorable moments without the fuss—just good company, some friendly competition, and a dash of holiday magic.