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

Celebrate the Season with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Pittsburgh with Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re on the lookout for a festive activity that combines a bit of outdoor adventure with holiday cheer, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Pittsburgh might just be what you need. While I haven’t personally tried this experience, from the details available, it seems like a laid-back, fun way to explore the city during the holiday season. It’s a mobile app-based scavenger hunt that can be tailored to your own schedule and group size, making it flexible for various types of travelers.

What we really like about this experience is that it’s affordable — just $20 per group of up to 10 people — and completely customizable since you can play anywhere you choose in Pittsburgh. Plus, it’s designed for all ages, with fun challenges and photo tasks that often bring out the laughs. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll want to plan your route and transportation separately if you’re not already walking or driving around.

This activity is best suited for those who enjoy light-hearted, interactive outings and want to add a little holiday spirit to their exploration of Pittsburgh. Whether you’re a family, a group of friends, or co-workers looking for a unique team-building activity, the Holly Jolly Hunt could be a delightful addition to your holiday plans.

Key Points

• Flexible Location: Play anywhere in Pittsburgh, making it adaptable to your preferred spots or holiday events.
• Affordable Price: Only $20 for a group, which is a budget-friendly way to add some fun to your day.
• App-Based Convenience: No need for physical tickets—just use your smartphone to participate.
• Interactive and Fun: Complete holiday-themed challenges and take photos to score points.
• Leaderboard Competition: See how your team stacks up against others from across the city.
• Ideal for Various Groups: Suitable for families, friends, or co-workers, with a private setting guaranteed.

In-Depth Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience

How It Works and What to Expect

The Holly Jolly Hunt is pretty straightforward but offers enough variety to keep it interesting. It’s an app-based scavenger hunt that invites you to explore Pittsburgh’s streets while hunting for holiday-related items. These aren’t just traditional decorations or Santa figurines — the clues and challenges also include some unexpected or quirky items, which keeps the activity lively.

Once you buy your ticket (which costs $20 per group of up to 10), you’ll receive access to the mobile app, which is your main interface. It’s designed to be easy to navigate, providing instructions, clues, and challenges that appear as you move along your route. You can start at the meeting point, 21 Market Square, and the activity ends back there, making it convenient for those who want a contained experience.

The Itinerary and Challenges

Although the activity is self-directed, the idea is to make your own route through the city while completing tasks. The challenges seem to be a mix of traditional holiday items—like finding a Christmas wreath or a holiday-themed storefront—and less typical things, possibly requiring creative thinking or humor.

Participants take photos through the app to score points, which adds a fun visual element. Besides hunting, teams can perform holiday challenges that are meant to generate laughter and bonding moments. These might include singing a holiday song or doing a silly dance — typical of scavenger hunts, but with a festive twist.

What Travelers Say

From reviews, we gather that the experience is light-hearted and engaging. One review notes that the activity “guaranteed to provide lasting holiday memories,” emphasizing its appeal as a festive, memorable outing. Others mention that the game is good for all ages, making it versatile for families or groups of friends.

However, some feedback points out that you’ll need to use your own smartphone and plan your transportation, as it doesn’t include those elements. This makes it more suitable for those comfortable navigating the city on their own or with a bit of prior planning.

Duration and Group Size

At about one hour, the Holly Jolly Hunt is a quick, manageable activity that won’t eat up your whole day. It’s a private activity, so your group won’t be mixed with strangers, and it’s ideal for small groups of up to 10 people. This exclusivity makes it a good choice if you want a more intimate, personalized experience.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes it easier to start the hunt. Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, though it’s worth noting that the activity involves walking and smartphone use, so those with mobility issues or limited tech skills might want to consider that.

Cost and Value

At $20 for a group of ten, the activity is quite reasonable. It offers a fun way to explore Pittsburgh’s holiday ambiance without the hefty price tag of guided tours or attraction tickets. Plus, with all activities and fees included, there are no surprises.

Cancellation and Flexibility

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, which is helpful if your plans change last minute. This flexibility is a plus, especially during busy holiday seasons when schedules often shift.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy outdoor activities with a festive edge, this scavenger hunt could be a perfect fit. It’s especially good for small groups wanting a relaxed, interactive way to get into the holiday spirit without the formality of traditional tours. Families, friends, or even co-workers looking for a lighthearted team activity will likely find this a charming addition to their holiday celebrations.

However, if you’re seeking a guided, narrated tour that dives into Pittsburgh’s history or architecture, this might not be the right choice. It’s more about fun challenges and outdoor exploration than cultural insights.

FAQs

Do I need my own smartphone to participate?
Yes, the scavenger hunt is app-based, so you’ll need to use your own smartphone to access clues and upload photos.

Can I play this activity anywhere in Pittsburgh?
Absolutely. The activity is designed to be played anywhere of your choosing, making it flexible and adaptable to your preferred locations.

Is this activity suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, the challenges are generally light-hearted and family-friendly. It’s best for those comfortable with walking and using a smartphone.

How long does the activity last?
The activity takes approximately 1 hour, so it’s a quick and manageable outing.

What is included in the price?
Your fee includes all scavenger hunt activities, access to the app, and a remote guide via chat. All taxes and fees are covered too.

What’s not included?
You’ll need to provide your own smartphone and transportation to explore the city. The activity does not include transportation.

Where does the activity start and end?
It begins and ends at 21 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA. The activity is designed to be a loop, finishing back at the start point.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this activity available during the entire holiday season?
Yes, it runs from November 29 through December 31, with opening hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, budget-friendly way to celebrate the holidays in Pittsburgh, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a unique option. It’s perfect for groups seeking a relaxed, interactive outdoor activity that offers a slice of local holiday spirit. While it’s not a guided tour with expert narration, it provides a playful challenge designed to bring smiles and memorable moments.

For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, inventive challenges, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this scavenger hunt could be a highlight of your holiday trip. Just remember to plan your route, charge your phone, and get ready for a cheerful, laughter-filled adventure through the city. Whether you’re visiting Pittsburgh for the first time or are a local looking for a seasonal activity, this experience can add a touch of magic to your holiday season.

In summary, Holly Jolly Hunt is an engaging, lighthearted way to enjoy Pittsburgh’s holiday atmosphere. It’s best suited for small groups, families, or friends who want a flexible, fun outing that captures the festive spirit without excess fuss. If you’re after a memorable, interactive experience that can be tailored to your schedule, give this a try.