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

Planning a festive outing in Tampa? The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a different way to enjoy the holiday season, blending city exploration with a playful scavenger hunt. While it might not be the most intricate holiday activity out there, it’s an easygoing option that can bring some laughs and a little competition to your holiday plans.

What we like about this experience is the flexibility it offers—you can play anywhere in the city that suits your group’s mood. Plus, for just $20 per group, it’s pretty accessible. On the flip side, some might find the hunt a bit underwhelming if they’re expecting elaborate decorations or extensive sites—based on reviews, there’s not always a lot to find, especially downtown.

This activity seems best suited for those who enjoy lighthearted, casual outings with friends, family, or co-workers. If you’re after a relaxed, holiday-themed challenge that doesn’t require much planning, Holly Jolly Hunt might be just the ticket. However, if you’re looking for a deeply immersive experience or a more scenic tour, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Flexible Location: Play anywhere in Tampa that you choose—urban, parks, or holiday lights.
• Affordable Fun: Cost is $20 per group (up to 10 people), making it a budget-friendly activity.
• Short & Sweet: Lasts around 1 hour—great for fitting into busy holiday schedules.
• Interactive & Social: Features photo challenges, holiday tasks, and a live leaderboard.
• Online Convenience: App-based scavenger hunt with a remote chat guide.
• Variable Experience: Some reviews note that there’s not always much to find, so expectations should be tempered.

What is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is a mobile app-based scavenger hunt designed for the holiday season. You and your group can participate anywhere you like within Tampa, making it adaptable whether you prefer to stay downtown, explore a park, or wander through holiday-decorated streets. This flexibility is a significant plus because it allows you to tailor the experience to your group’s interests and schedule.

Once you start, the app guides you through finding traditional and not-so-traditional holiday items. You will take photos through the app, earning points for your team as you go. Alongside photo challenges, you’ll perform fun holiday tasks that aim to keep things lively and bring a few laughs. The real-time leaderboard adds a competitive edge, letting you see how your team stacks up against others from all over.

What does the experience include?

For the $20 fee, you get full access to all scavenger hunt activities, plus a remote guide via chat in the app. This means you don’t need to worry about getting lost or stuck—help is just a message away. The activity fee also covers all taxes and any other included features.

However, bear in mind that you’ll need your own smartphone to participate, as the hunt is entirely app-based. Also, transportation to and from the starting point (Lykes Gaslight Square Park) is not included, so plan to get there on your own.

The itinerary and how it plays out

The activity begins at Lykes Gaslight Square Park, a lively downtown spot that makes for a good meeting point. From there, the hunt can be tailored to your chosen location. The app will direct you to look for specific items—some traditional, like ornaments or Santa hats, and others more unusual.

The challenges are designed to be fun and approachable. For instance, you might be asked to take a creative photo with downtown Christmas decorations or perform a quick holiday-themed task. Since the activity lasts roughly an hour, it’s ideal for fitting into a busy day or evening.

One thing to keep in mind based on user reviews: there may not be much to find in certain downtown areas. Bonnie_N mentioned that “there wasn’t much to find,” and that the hunt involved a lot of reading and searching through the downtown scene. So, if your group enjoys a scavenger hunt with a lot of physical items or detailed scenery, this might feel a bit limited.

What is the value of this activity?

At $20 per group, it’s a pretty cheap way to get into the holiday spirit with some lighthearted fun. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with a small group or in a tight budget, as it offers a quick, engaging activity without the need for a big commitment or complex planning.

However, the subjective nature of the hunt means that some may find it less rewarding if the items are sparse or the downtown area doesn’t offer enough festive sights. It’s not about grand attractions but rather about sharing a playful experience with your group.

How accessible is the experience?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is designed for most travelers—confirmation is received immediately, and it’s available during the holiday season from late November through December 31st. It’s suitable for people who can use a smartphone and are comfortable with app-based activities.

It’s also worth noting that service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation, making it accessible for many visitors to Tampa. The duration is just about an hour, so it doesn’t require a big time investment.

Final thoughts: Is it worth it?

If you’re after a simple, fun way to add some holiday cheer into your Tampa visit, the Holly Jolly Hunt could be a good fit—especially if you enjoy interactive challenges and don’t mind a bit of a casual, sometimes minimal scavenger hunt. Its affordability and flexibility are definite perks, making it accessible for small groups or quick outings.

That said, this isn’t a deep or highly elaborate experience. If you’re expecting a highly scenic, decorated route or intricate tasks, you might find the activity a little underwhelming. The review from Bonnie_N captures this well: “There wasn’t much to find,” but still admits that “it was fun trying to find Christmas downtown.”

Overall, it’s a lighthearted, low-stakes activity best suited for those who want a fun, casual holiday outing without too much fuss. It’s a great way to enjoy some city wandering, share some laughs, and earn some holiday points—just keep your expectations realistic.

FAQs

How much does the Holly Jolly Hunt cost?
It costs $20 per group, accommodating up to 10 people, so it’s quite budget-friendly for small teams.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need your own smartphone to access the app, which hosts the scavenger hunt activities. The app also offers a chat feature for remote guidance.

Where does the activity start?
The meeting point is Lykes Gaslight Square Park at 400 N Franklin St, Tampa.

How long does the hunt last?
It takes approximately 1 hour to complete, making it a quick and easy activity to fit into your day.

Is this activity suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the activity involves photo-taking and simple challenges, so it could be suitable for families with older children who enjoy light scavenger hunts.

Can I participate in this activity alone?
The activity is designed for groups, but solo travelers can join, provided they form or join a team of up to 10 people.

Are private transportation arrangements needed?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.

Is the activity available during the holiday season?
Yes, it runs from November 29, 2025, through December 31, 2025, Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Is there a guarantee of a festive experience?
While the app includes holiday-themed items and challenges, some reviews suggest the downtown area may not always be packed with holiday sights, so the festive atmosphere could vary depending on your location and expectations.

If you’re looking for an easy, inexpensive way to sprinkle some holiday fun into your Tampa trip, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, laid-back option. Just keep your expectations in check, and you might end up with some funny stories and a few holiday photos to look back on.