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

If you’re looking for a playful way to soak in Minneapolis’s holiday spirit, the Holly Jolly Hunt might just be your next favorite activity. This app-based scavenger hunt promises a lively, interactive experience that gets you exploring the city while having a good laugh and creating memorable moments. We’ve seen quite a few holiday activities in the Twin Cities, but Holly Jolly Hunt stands out because of its flexible format and its focus on fun, rather than just sightseeing.

What we genuinely like about this experience is how accessible it is—for groups of up to 10 people, the cost is just $20 per group, making it an affordable outing for friends, families, or even co-workers. Plus, the one-hour duration means it’s easy to fit into a busy holiday schedule. Another perk? The remote guide via text message keeps things straightforward and hands-off, allowing you to focus on the fun. That said, one thing to consider is that you’ll need your own smartphone to participate, and the activity doesn’t include private transportation or in-person guides, so you’ll need to organize your own logistics between stops.

Overall, if you enjoy a mix of light competition, holiday-themed challenges, and exploring a city at your own pace, this hunt could be a perfect seasonal outing. It’s especially suited for groups looking for something interactive that sparks joy without the fuss of booking multiple tickets or dealing with large crowds.

Key Points

• Affordable fun at just $20 per group, making it accessible for most budgets
• Flexible and solo-friendly (can be played anytime between late November and New Year’s Eve)
• Perfect for small groups up to 10 people, ideal for friends, family, or colleagues
• Engages players with both traditional and non-traditional holiday items
• Includes a remote guide, so you aren’t completely on your own
• One-hour duration fits easily into a busy holiday day

What is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is an interactive scavenger hunt you play on your smartphone, which means you get to explore Minneapolis at your own pace while hunting for holiday items. The app guides you through fun challenges and items to photograph, from classic Christmas icons to more unusual seasonal surprises. The goal is to collect as many items and complete silly challenges to earn points, all while competing on a leaderboard against other teams.

What makes this experience appealing is its versatility. You can play it anywhere in the city, which is great if you’re looking for a flexible way to enjoy the holidays. The app format means no physical guides or group leaders, but it does include a remote guide via text message to help if you get stuck or need encouragement.

The itinerary and gameplay

Once you arrive at the starting point—Mill Ruins Park at 102 Portland Ave S—your adventure begins. The park itself offers a scenic beginning, with views of the historic Mississippi River and remnants of old mills, so it’s a pleasant spot to kick things off. From there, the hunt takes you through various parts of downtown Minneapolis.

During your hour, you’ll be asked to hunt down both traditional holiday items—think ornaments, candy canes, or Christmas trees—and less obvious, more quirky items that capture the spirit of the season. The app prompts you to take photos of these items, which adds a visual element that makes the experience more engaging. It’s also designed to spark laughter through fun, holiday-themed challenges—like singing a Christmas carol while taking a selfie or finding something that makes you smile. These challenges add a lighthearted twist and are perfect for groups looking to share some laughs.

The points system and leaderboard keep the competition lively, especially if you’re playing with friends or family. The more items you find and challenges you complete, the higher your score—and the better your chances of climbing the leaderboard.

What makes it special?

What we loved about the Holly Jolly Hunt is how it encourages you to get creative and playful while exploring Minneapolis. It’s a low-pressure, high-fun activity that suits all ages, especially those who appreciate a bit of friendly competition and holiday cheer. The flexibility of playing in any part of the city means you can tailor your experience—perhaps starting with a stroll through the historic Mill Ruins Park and then wandering through downtown or nearby neighborhoods.

Another highlight is the cost-effectiveness. For just $20, a group receives an hour of entertainment, a remote guide, and access to all scavenger hunt activities. It’s a good value compared to more traditional holiday outings like dinners or events that might cost twice as much.

The pros and cons

Pros:

• Very budget-friendly and accessible for small groups
• Flexible timing within the holiday season
• The app-guided format makes it easy to follow along and stay organized
• The silly challenges promote laughter and shared memories
• Suitable for a wide age range and group sizes up to 10

Cons:

• Participants need to use their own smartphones, which could be a barrier if you don’t have a compatible device
• No private transportation or direct guide—you’ll need to navigate yourself
• The activity is fairly short (about an hour), so it’s a light activity rather than an in-depth tour

Who is this best suited for?

If you’re someone who enjoys casual, interactive experiences that combine exploring with a bit of friendly competition, you’ll probably get a lot out of this scavenger hunt. It’s well-suited for families, friends, or small work teams looking for a fun holiday activity that doesn’t require much planning. Since it’s only an hour, it’s perfect for fitting into a larger day of holiday festivities or as a standalone activity if you’re short on time.

However, if you’re after a more in-depth tour of Minneapolis or want a guided experience, this might not be the best option. Also, those without smartphones or who prefer in-person guides might find it less appealing.

Final thoughts

All in all, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a lighthearted way to enjoy Minneapolis during the holiday season. It’s affordable, flexible, and packed with opportunities to laugh, explore, and create memories. The app-based format makes it easy to do at your own pace, and the inclusion of holiday challenges brings a playful twist that’s sure to bring smiles. It’s not a deeply historical or educational tour, but if your goal is fun, connection, and a little holiday cheer, this activity hits the mark.

If you enjoy outdoor activities, slightly competitive fun, and holiday-themed adventures, this scavenger hunt could be just the thing to add sparkle to your Minnesota holiday visit. Just remember to have your phone charged and ready, and be prepared for an hour of lighthearted exploration.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, the Holly Jolly Hunt is designed to be fun for all ages. The challenges and items are holiday-themed and generally family-friendly, making it a good choice for kids who enjoy a scavenger hunt.

Do I need to book in advance?
While the experience confirmation is received upon booking, it’s best to reserve ahead, especially during the busy holiday season, to ensure availability.

Can I play this in any city?
Yes, the Holly Jolly Hunt can be played in any city, but the specific route and items are tailored for Minneapolis.

What is included in the price?
For $20 per group, you get a one-hour session with a remote guide via text message, all scavenger hunt activities, and all fees and taxes.

Are there any extra costs?
Apart from your own transportation and your smartphone’s data usage, there are no additional charges for the activity itself.

When can I play?
The activity is available from November 29, 2025, through December 31, 2025, Tuesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

How long does the activity last?
The typical duration is about one hour, making it easy to slot into a holiday day.

Is the activity private?
Yes, it’s a private experience for your group only, ensuring a personalized holiday outing.

If you’re after a fun, casual way to explore Minneapolis and celebrate the season, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a cheerful, low-stress adventure. It’s perfect for those who want to inject some humor and holiday spirit into their visit without the fuss of more formal or lengthy tours.