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

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate the holidays in Portland, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful and engaging twist on traditional seasonal activities. This app-based scavenger hunt lets you explore the city at your own pace, hunting down holiday-related items—both classic and unexpected—and completing fun challenges that are designed to bring a smile to your face. It’s a great way to add a little adventure to your holiday trip, whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or even colleagues.

What really stands out about this experience are its flexibility and the interactive elements. You can play it anywhere you choose within Portland, making it perfect for customizing your day around your group’s interests and schedule. Plus, the competitive aspect of scoring points and seeing your rank on the leaderboard adds a little friendly rivalry that makes the game even more fun. On the flip side, it does require you to have a smartphone, and it’s not a guided tour—so you’ll need some independence and a sense of adventure.

This activity is best suited for groups wanting a lighthearted, memorable activity that combines exploration with a dash of holiday cheer. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy interactive experiences or want something a bit different from typical sightseeing. If you’re traveling solo or with very young children, keep in mind the activity’s focus on using your own device and navigating around Portland at your own pace.

Key Points

• Flexible and independent: Play anywhere in Portland, on your own schedule.
• Affordable fun: At $20 per group, it offers good value for a personalized, interactive activity.
• Interactive challenges: Completes tasks and takes photos to earn points, making it engaging and lively.
• Tech-dependent: Requires a smartphone and access to the app to participate.
• Inclusive and accessible: Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can join.
• Limited guidance: You get a remote guide via chat, but no in-person leader or guide.

What to Expect from Holly Jolly Hunt

The Holly Jolly Hunt is all about celebrating the holiday season with your own customized adventure. Once you book, you’ll receive a mobile ticket that grants you access to the app, which is the hub for your scavenger hunt experience. The activity typically lasts around an hour—perfect if you’re looking for a fun, quick activity that packs a punch of holiday spirit.

The game encourages you to explore Portland, hunting for both traditional holiday items—like ornaments or Santa hats—and some less conventional objects or themes. The app prompts you to take photos of your finds, which not only earns points but also creates memorable keepsakes of your day. Along the way, you’ll perform silly or festive challenges that are guaranteed to elicit laughs and keep the mood light and joyful.

You can start and end at the same meeting point—located at 815 SW Park Ave—making it simple to fit into your day. The activity runs from late November through the end of December, fitting neatly into the holiday season calendar. Plus, with the ability to see your score on a leaderboard, friendly competition can add a little extra motivation to chase those points.

The Details – What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in your $20 fee are all the activities needed for the scavenger hunt, access to the remote guide via chat, and all applicable taxes and fees. This makes it a straightforward, no-hidden-cost activity. Remember, though, that you’ll need your own smartphone to participate, and transportation to get around Portland is not included.

The activity is designed to be straightforward and accessible, with near public transportation options at the meeting point, making it easier to reach without hassle. It is also a private experience, so only your group will participate—ideal for maintaining your own pace and avoiding crowds.

The Experience – What You’ll Likely Encounter

While no official reviews are available yet, based on the description, you can expect a mix of exploration, photo-taking, and friendly competition. The challenges are likely to be lighthearted and timed to maximize fun rather than difficulty.

Imagine wandering through Portland’s holiday-decorated streets, searching for that perfect snowflake ornament or a quirky holiday display. You might find yourself snapping photos of local decorations, capturing candid moments, or completing fun tasks that test your creativity. The leaderboard adds a layer of excitement—you’ll want to see if your team can outscore others from all over.

The fact that the activity can be played anywhere in Portland means you can tailor your experience—perhaps trying it in a bustling downtown area or a scenic neighborhood—depending on your preferences. Plus, with the friendly chat support, you can get tips or help if needed, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

How Long Does It Take?

With a duration of around one hour, this activity is perfect for fitting into a busy holiday schedule. Whether you’re waiting for dinner reservation, taking a break from sightseeing, or just looking for a quick festive activity, it offers a fun, contained experience.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $20 per group (up to 10 people), this scavenger hunt offers a cost-effective way to get into the holiday mood. Compared to guided tours or more elaborate activities, it’s accessible and flexible. You’re paying for the app experience, the chance to explore at your own pace, and the opportunity to create holiday memories with friends or family.

Reviewers note that it’s a good value, especially because it includes a remote guide and all activities—no surprise costs here. Plus, for a group activity, the shared experience and friendly competition tend to make it feel worth every penny.

Who Should Consider This?

If you enjoy interactive, self-guided adventures that add a playful twist to holiday exploring, this one’s for you. It’s suited for groups of friends, families, or even coworkers looking for a fun team-building activity that celebrates the season.

Travelers seeking a more conventional sightseeing tour might not find this enough on its own, but it’s a delightful addition if you want a break from traditional tours. Just make sure everyone has a smartphone and a sense of humor, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

The Holly Jolly Hunt provides a colorful, interactive way to experience Portland during the festive season. Its flexibility allows you to customize your adventure, and the combination of photo challenges, holiday tasks, and leaderboard competition creates a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season. It’s not a guided tour with detailed history or scenic views, but rather a fun, modern twist on holiday exploration.

If you’re in Portland between late November and December and want to add some playful energy to your holiday celebrations, this scavenger hunt could be just the thing. It’s especially great for groups who like a bit of friendly competition and don’t mind using their phones to navigate the city.

It’s simple, affordable, and guaranteed to generate some laughs and memorable moments. Just keep your expectations aligned with its casual, playful nature, and you’ll likely find it a worthwhile way to embrace the season.

FAQ

Do I need my own smartphone to participate? Yes, the scavenger hunt is app-based, so a smartphone is required to access the activities and take photos.

Can I play anywhere in Portland? Yes, you can explore any location of your choosing within Portland, which allows you to customize your experience.

Is this activity suitable for families? While the description doesn’t specify family-friendliness, the activity’s nature of photo challenges and fun tasks suggests it could be enjoyed by older children and teenagers who can navigate with a smartphone.

How long does the activity last? The estimated duration is about one hour, making it easy to fit into a busy holiday schedule.

What is included in the price? All scavenger hunt activities, access to a remote guide via chat, and all applicable fees and taxes are included.

Are there any restrictions or special considerations? The activity is most suitable for most travelers, but a smartphone is essential. Service animals are allowed, and it’s near public transportation.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is this a guided tour? No, it’s a self-guided experience with remote support available via chat, making it flexible and autonomous.

What should I wear or bring? Just your usual holiday layers, a charged smartphone, and a sense of adventure. No special equipment needed.

Is there a limit on group size? Yes, up to 10 people per group, making it ideal for small parties or family groups.

If you’re in Portland during the holiday season and want an activity that’s fun, flexible, and festive, Holly Jolly Hunt could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a lighthearted way to see parts of the city, enjoy some laughs, and get into the holiday spirit—all without breaking the bank.