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

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to soak in Hartford’s holiday spirit, the Holly Jolly Hunt promises an engaging experience that blends city strolling with lighthearted challenges. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but from what’s shared, it sounds like a cheerful activity suitable for friends, families, or co-workers wanting to add a bit of festive fun to their season.

What really catches our eye are two things: first, it’s an app-based scavenger hunt that you can do anywhere you choose in Hartford—no fixed route, no bus tour—giving you freedom and flexibility. Second, the group size is manageable and affordable, with prices at just $20 per group for up to 10 people, making it accessible without breaking the bank.

One potential consideration is that it relies heavily on smartphone use and mobile connectivity, so if your phone’s having a bad day or you’re in a spotty area, the experience might be less smooth. Also, it’s a short activity, roughly an hour, so it’s great as a quick festive outing but not a full-day tour.

This scavenger hunt seems best suited for those who love a mix of light competition, holiday cheer, and city exploring—perfect for small groups wanting a memorable, fun-filled way to celebrate the season in Hartford.

Key Points

• Flexible Location: Play anywhere in Hartford, making it suitable for spontaneous fun or planned outings.
• Cost-Effective: At $20 per group, it offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy holiday activities.
• Interactive & Fun: Includes photo challenges and silly tasks guaranteed to bring laughter.
• Group Size: Designed for groups up to 10, fostering teamwork and shared memories.
• Duration: About 1 hour, ideal for a quick holiday diversion.
• Remote Guide: Support is available via text message, ensuring guidance without a tour leader.

What is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is an app-based holiday-themed scavenger hunt that you can play in Hartford or any city. The concept is simple: use your smartphone to find a mix of traditional and non-traditional holiday items scattered around the city, take photos, and complete fun challenges. It’s designed to turn ordinary city streets into a festive playground filled with giggles and friendly competition.

The main appeal is that it’s completely customizable to your chosen location, with the activity being played remotely. You don’t need a large tour group or a guide walking with you; instead, you’re supported by a remote guide via text message. This makes it flexible for spontaneous plans or organized group outings.

What do you do during the hunt?

You start at Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford, a historic and scenic spot that makes a fitting starting point. From there, your team will seek out various holiday-related items. These could be traditional decorations like ornaments or holiday trees, or non-traditional surprises that add a little novelty to the mix.

As you hunt, you’ll earn points for each item found. There’s an added layer of fun with holiday challenges, which might include silly tasks designed to bring smiles and laughter. These could be anything from singing a festive song to performing a holiday-themed dance — activities that make the experience more lively and memorable.

The goal is to maximize your score by capturing photos of items, completing challenges, and engaging with the holiday spirit. A leaderboard tracks all participating teams, so you can see how you stack up, which fuels friendly competition.

What’s included and what’s not?

For the $20 cost, your group gets a one-hour experience with a remote guide and access to all scavenger hunt activities. All fees and taxes are included in the price, which makes budgeting simple.

However, you’ll need to use your own smartphone for the activity, and your group is responsible for transportation to and from the meeting point. The app and activities are designed to be easy to access and play using standard smartphones, but if your device is outdated or has limited data, that could impact your experience.

The Meeting Point and Timing

You’ll start at the historic Connecticut’s Old State House on Main Street, a central and accessible location. The activity runs from late November through December 31st, aligning with the holiday season. Operating hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday, giving you plenty of flexibility to fit it into your holiday schedule.

What are the reviews and feedback?

While the tour currently has no reviews, the description and structure suggest it’s an activity meant to evoke joy rather than serious competition. The simplicity of the format and the inclusion of fun challenges seem designed to generate smiles and shared holiday memories.

Is it family-friendly?

The description states that most travelers can participate, and it’s suitable for all ages who enjoy holiday cheer. Since it involves light physical activity and fun photo challenges, it’s an activity that can be enjoyed by families, groups of friends, or co-workers. It’s a casual experience, not a tense or physically demanding adventure, making it accessible for most.

How do we rate the value?

At $20 for an hour, it’s a reasonably priced activity that offers more than just a walk around the city. You’re getting a guided, interactive experience that combines sightseeing with holiday fun. Considering it’s only a small group activity with all fees included, it’s pretty good value, especially if you’re celebrating with friends or family and want a shared experience.

Final thoughts on whether it’s worth trying

If your holiday plans include some lighthearted fun, and you want to see Hartford from a new, playful perspective, Holly Jolly Hunt could be a great choice. It’s perfect for small groups who enjoy challenges and festive activities, and it’s flexible enough to slot into a busy holiday schedule. Just remember, you’ll need a smartphone and a little bit of enthusiasm for holiday silliness.

Who is this experience best suited for?

This activity is ideal for groups of up to 10 looking for a quick, engaging way to celebrate the season. It’s great for friends or families wanting to add a bit of playful competition to their holiday outing. If you’re a co-worker group wanting a fun team-building activity, this could work too.

If you’re after a relaxed, meaningful tour with historical insights or extensive city guides, this might not be the right fit. But if you’d love a lighthearted, interactive holiday adventure that’s flexible and easy to organize, Holly Jolly Hunt is worth considering.

FAQ

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt played only in Hartford?
No, this scavenger hunt is designed to be played in any city. Hartford is the current location, but the app allows for flexible play in different places.

How long does the activity last?
The experience lasts approximately one hour, making it a quick but memorable holiday outing.

What do I need to participate?
You need a smartphone capable of running the app, and your team will be supported by a remote guide via text message. Transportation isn’t included, so plan to get to the starting point on your own.

Can I participate with children?
Most travelers can participate, and since it involves fun challenges and photo tasks, it’s suitable for a wide age range. There’s no specific mention of age restrictions, so use your discretion based on your group.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 82 days ahead, and the experience operates from late November through December. Booking in advance ensures you’ll secure a spot.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, which adds some peace of mind if your plans change.

Is there a guide or tour leader with us?
Instead of a physical guide, you’ll have access to a remote guide via text, ensuring support while maintaining flexibility.

Is it suitable for large groups?
The activity is designed for groups up to 10, making it ideal for small groups but less suitable for large parties unless split into multiple teams.

If you’re seeking a playful, budget-friendly way to enjoy Hartford’s holiday season with friends or family, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a simple, engaging experience. It’s not a deep-dive city tour, but rather a cheerful, interactive event that turns the city into your holiday playground. Just bring your smartphone, a sense of fun, and a readiness for some silly holiday challenges—you’re bound to leave with a few extra smiles.