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

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

If you’re looking for a unique way to get into the holiday spirit in Madison, this Holly Jolly Hunt could be just what you need. It’s an app-based scavenger hunt that invites you to explore the city through a festive lens, seeking out holiday-themed items and completing fun challenges along the way. The concept is straightforward but has enough interactive elements to make it memorable — especially if you enjoy a little friendly competition.

What really caught our eye about this experience are two things: its flexibility and the social aspect. You can play it anywhere you choose in Madison, which means you’re not tied to a set route or schedule, allowing for a truly personalized holiday adventure. Plus, the scoring and leaderboard add a fun competitive twist, making it engaging whether you’re with friends, family, or co-workers.

One possible downside is that you’ll need your own smartphone to participate, which might be inconvenient if your device isn’t reliable or if you’re traveling with a group that prefers to keep things simple. Also, since the activity is outdoors and involves walking around, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable moving around for about an hour.

This experience suits anyone who loves holiday festivities, enjoys a bit of outdoor exploration, or simply wants a different twist on traditional holiday outings. It’s especially good for groups looking for something casual, interactive, and memorable without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Flexible location: Play anywhere in Madison, making it customizable to your interests.
• Cost-effective: At $20 per group (up to 10), it offers a fun, budget-friendly activity.
• Interactive fun: Complete challenges, take photos, and see your score climb on the leaderboard.
• All-inclusive price: No hidden fees — all scavenger hunt activities, fees, and taxes are included.
• Requires a smartphone: You’ll need your own device to participate, which could be a consideration.
• Duration: About an hour, making it easy to slot into a busy day or holiday itinerary.

What to Expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt

This scavenger hunt is designed to be a relaxed, playful way to experience the holiday season in Madison. Once you book, you’ll receive access via a mobile ticket, and the activity can be started at your convenience between late November and the end of December in both 2025 and 2026. The starting point is at the Wisconsin State Capitol, a pretty iconic spot that sets a festive tone right from the beginning.

The App and the Challenge: When you open the app, you’ll find all your instructions woven into a user-friendly interface. The scavenger hunt involves searching for traditional holiday items like ornaments or Christmas trees, but it also invites you to look for less obvious or even unconventional elements—think quirky holiday decor or seasonal landmarks.

Photo Challenges: One of the highlights is the photo-taking component. As you spot items or complete challenges, you’ll take pictures through the app that earn points. These photos don’t just serve as proof; they’re often fun to look back on, especially if you’re playing with friends or family.

Holiday Challenges and Laughter: The game includes various activities designed to get you giggling — think silly poses or creative interpretations of holiday symbols. These challenges are meant to lighten the mood and create shared laughs, whether you’re competing seriously or just having fun.

Leaderboard and Competition: Seeing your score on the leaderboard gives the experience a little competitive edge. It’s a lighthearted way to motivate your group to be creative and quick, without any real pressure. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a formal tour with a guide — instead, you’re in charge of your adventure, with support available via chat if needed.

The Itinerary in Detail

Given that this is a mobile app scavenger hunt, the “itinerary” is more flexible than a traditional tour. You choose your starting point and route, which means you can tailor the experience to your preferences. Starting at the Wisconsin State Capitol provides a scenic, recognizable backdrop that’s perfect for photos and sets a festive scene.

Activities Included: All scavenger hunt activities and challenges are covered in the fee, so there are no surprises or extra costs. You’ll be asked to spot and photograph holiday-related items, from classic symbols like Christmas trees to more offbeat or quirky items that catch your eye.

Duration and Pace: The experience lasts approximately one hour, which is a good length for a quick holiday outing. You can take your time or go for a brisk pace — it’s entirely up to your group.

Group Size and Private Experience: This activity is designed for groups of up to 10 people, making it ideal for small parties or families. It’s a private activity, so you’ll share the fun only with your chosen group. This privacy helps keep the experience relaxed and personal.

Ending Point: The hunt ends back at the starting point, the Wisconsin State Capitol, making it easy to hop on to other holiday festivities or dinner plans afterward.

The Value of Holly Jolly Hunt

At $20 per group, this scavenger hunt offers a pretty good bang for your buck. You get access to a curated list of activities, a connection to a remote guide via chat, all fees, and taxes included — plus the flexibility to play whenever it fits your schedule. Compared to more traditional tour options, this is a laid-back, affordable way to see Madison’s holiday vibe in a way that’s interactive and fun for all ages (most travelers can participate).

While it doesn’t include transportation or require an activity-owned smartphone, the upside is that it’s easy to integrate into your day, especially if you’re already exploring the city on foot or by car.

Real Traveler Insights and Reviews

Although this experience currently has no reviews posted, the features and structure suggest that guests would likely enjoy its casual, engaging nature. The fact that it’s designed to bring laughter and foster team spirit makes it appealing for groups wanting a memorable holiday activity. Its flexibility and the inclusion of a chat guide also add a layer of reassurance, especially for first-timers or those unfamiliar with scavenger hunts.

Who Should Consider This?

If you’re someone who enjoys holiday traditions but wants a fresh twist, this scavenger hunt could be just right. It’s ideal for groups who want a flexible, inexpensive way to explore Madison, enjoy some light-hearted competition, and create lasting memories. It’s also a good choice if you prefer outdoor activities that don’t require long hours or physical exertion.

Keep in mind that since the activity relies on your smartphone, it’s best suited for those comfortable navigating apps and taking photos. Also, if you’re traveling with a larger group or prefer guided experiences, you might find other options more suited to your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special app to participate?
Yes, you’ll access the scavenger hunt via an app, which is included in your booking. It’s a mobile ticket, so make sure your device is compatible and ready to go.

Can I start the activity at any time?
Yes, the activity is available from 9:00AM to 5:00PM Tuesday through Sunday between late November and the end of December, but you can choose your preferred start time within those hours.

Is there any cost besides the $20 fee?
No, all fees, taxes, and activities are included in the price. Just remember, you’ll need your own smartphone to play.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time, and you’ll receive a full refund.

Is this activity suitable for kids?
While not explicitly family-focused, the challenges are generally light and playful, making it suitable for most travelers. Service animals are also allowed.

How many people can join?
Up to 10 people per group, making it perfect for small parties or family groups.

What’s the meeting point?
You start at the Wisconsin State Capitol, which is accessible via public transportation and centrally located in Madison.

How long does the activity last?
Approximately one hour, making it easy to fit into a busy holiday schedule.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, everything is included in your booking. Just keep in mind you’ll need your own phone for the app.

Is this a guided tour?
It’s a self-guided experience, but you have access to a remote guide via chat if you need assistance.

Final thoughts

If you’re in Madison during the holiday season and looking for a relaxed, interactive way to celebrate, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a charming and budget-friendly option. It’s a good pick for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, friendly competition, and capturing fun moments through photos. While it’s not a guided tour with in-depth narration, it provides a personalized holiday experience that’s easy to enjoy with friends or family.

Whether you’re locals wanting to spice up your usual winter routine or visitors eager to see the city’s festive spirit in a fun new way, this scavenger hunt keeps things light, social, and memorable. Just remember to bring your smartphone, dress warmly, and get ready for some holiday laughs.

This activity is best suited for groups seeking a casual, engaging, and affordable way to explore Madison’s holiday scene. It’s an experience that’s easy to participate in, provides plenty of photo-worthy moments, and leaves you with a few good stories to tell well into the new year.