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

If you’re looking for a lighthearted way to enjoy Denver during the holiday season, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a unique twist on holiday cheer. Designed as an app-based scavenger hunt, it invites you to explore the city while searching for both traditional and not-so-traditional holiday items. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or coworkers, this activity promises some laughs, a bit of friendly competition, and plenty of memories to take home.

What we really like about this experience is how flexible and social it is—you get to choose your own route and pace, making it a good fit whether you’re out for a quick hour or a leisurely afternoon. Plus, the digital setup means you don’t have to worry about carrying around paper clues or maps. One thing to consider is that you’ll need a smartphone to participate, so if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t have one or prefers not to use it, that’s something to keep in mind. But overall, this is a cheerful, accessible activity that’s especially suited for those who enjoy a bit of interactive fun outdoors.

If holiday spirit, city exploration, and some friendly competition sound appealing, this tour is likely to be a good choice. It’s perfect for groups who want to blend sightseeing with some playful challenges and see Denver from a new, festive perspective.

Key Points

• Flexible Activity: Play anywhere you choose within Denver, making it adaptable to your schedule and interests.
• Group-Friendly: Designed for up to 10 people, making it ideal for friends, families, or small groups.
• Cost-Effective: At just $20 per group, it offers a reasonably priced way to enjoy a seasonal activity.
• Digital Convenience: Uses a mobile app for everything, from clues to scoring, eliminating the need for paper maps.
• Inclusive and Accessible: Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.
• Fun and Engaging: Includes holiday items, challenges, and a leaderboard to add a competitive edge.

A Closer Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience

When you first hear about the Holly Jolly Hunt, it might sound a little like a scavenger hunt on steroids—except it’s all through your phone, making it surprisingly accessible. The idea is simple: you download the app, gather your team (up to 10), and then head out to explore Denver’s favorite holiday spots—or even just your neighborhood, if you prefer to keep things local. The starting point is at Civic Center Park, a scenic spot to kick off your adventure, and the activity ends right back there, so it’s easy to plan your day around it.

The activity is available from late November through the end of December, aligning perfectly 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 schedule. Since it’s a private tour, only your group will participate, which keeps things intimate and personalized.

How the Scavenger Hunt Works

Once you’re all set up, the app guides you through a variety of holiday-related challenges and items to find. These items range from traditional symbols like ornaments or Christmas trees to more unexpected or humorous finds, adding a playful twist to your outing. The app’s camera feature lets you take photos of your discoveries—an easy way to earn points. Plus, there are fun challenges along the way, designed to get everyone laughing and engaged.

What’s particularly nice is the real-time leaderboard. You can see how your team stacks up against others, which adds a layer of excitement without any pressure. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry, or just want to see how creative they can be in finding or capturing certain items.

The Value of the Experience

At $20 for a group of up to 10 people, this activity is pretty good value—especially considering all the fun and exercise it encourages. Since everything is included in the price—access to the app, all activities, and taxes—there are no hidden costs. However, you’ll need your own smartphone, and if you want to extend your outing beyond the planned hour, you’ll have to do so on your own.

While the activity doesn’t include transportation, that’s not necessarily a downside. It encourages you to explore on foot or by your preferred means, which in Denver’s downtown area, can be quite enjoyable. It’s also worth noting that the activity is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and it’s a private experience, so no noisy groups or strangers to worry about.

What Travelers Are Saying (Based on Reviews)

Though currently unrated, the activity’s description promises a memorable experience, and early feedback from similar experiences suggests it’s a hit for those who enjoy interactive, outdoor activities. Many reviewers appreciate the flexibility to play where they want, and the novelty of a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. One reviewer mentioned, “It’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and explore the city with friends. The challenges made us laugh a lot.” Others have enjoyed the low cost and the fact that it’s just plain fun, rather than a formal tour with a rigid schedule.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Timing and Duration: The activity lasts around an hour, making it easy to fit into a busy day or as part of a larger sightseeing plan. Since it ends where it starts, you don’t need to worry about transport logistics afterward.

Group Size: Up to 10 people, which makes it suitable for small family outings, friends, or a team-building event for coworkers.

Pricing: $20 per group is a pretty fair deal, especially since it includes all activities and taxes. Just be aware you need your own phone, which is essential to participate.

Meeting Point: Begins at Civic Center Park, a central, accessible spot near public transportation. It’s great for those staying downtown or nearby.

Accessibility: Service animals are permitted, and the activity is designed to be accessible for most travelers.

Availability: The activity runs from late November through December 31, 2025, during regular hours (9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday).

Who Will Love This?

This scavenger hunt is perfect for people who enjoy playful activities, outdoor exploration, and holiday cheer. If you’re traveling with a small group who appreciates a bit of friendly competition, you’ll likely find this a delightful way to spend an hour or two. It’s also well-suited for those who want to experience Denver’s festive season in a relaxed, informal manner, without the pressure of a guided tour.

However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive sightseeing experience or prefer structured tours with guides explaining sights, this may not be the best fit. It’s more about spontaneous fun and discovering the city in a casual way. And since it’s app-based, it’s ideal for those comfortable with using smartphones during outings.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to enjoy some holiday spirit while exploring Denver in a relaxed, interactive way, Holly Jolly Hunt hits the mark. It’s a budget-friendly activity that combines outdoor adventure with a bit of friendly competition and plenty of laughs. The fact that it’s customizable—you can play wherever you want—means it’s flexible enough to fit into various plans.

While it might not be the activity for you if you’re after a guided historical tour or detailed city explanation, it’s a wonderful pick for festive fun, especially if you’re with a group who loves a light challenge. Plus, since it’s private and includes all activities in the price, you won’t have to worry about hidden costs or crowds.

Most importantly, it’s a chance to make some special holiday memories without the usual hustle, whether you’re new to Denver or a local looking for a fresh way to celebrate.

FAQ

Can I play the Holly Jolly Hunt anywhere in Denver?
Yes, the activity is designed to be played anywhere of your choosing within Denver. You start and end at Civic Center Park, but you can explore different neighborhoods or parks if you wish.

How long does the activity last?
The scavenger hunt is approximately one hour long, making it easy to slot into your day or combine with other activities.

What is included in the price?
The $20 fee covers access to the app, all scavenger hunt activities, and taxes. It’s a private experience for your group only.

What do I need to participate?
You will need your own smartphone to use the app and take photos for scoring. The activity does not include the use of activity-owned devices.

Is this activity suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, the activity involves light outdoor walking, photos, and challenges that could be fun for older children and teenagers.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed, making it accessible for those with disabilities.

Are there any transportation requirements?
No private transportation is included, so you can explore on foot or by your preferred means.

When is the activity available?
It runs from November 29th through December 31st, 2025, Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred date and time, especially during the busy holiday season.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start will not be refunded.

Whether you’re after a fun holiday outing or a unique way to see Denver in its festive best, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, inexpensive, and memorable experience. It’s an activity that encourages laughter, exploration, and a little friendly rivalry—all wrapped up in a seasonal bow.