Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Boston

If you’re looking for a lively way to celebrate the holiday season in Boston, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a cheerful, interactive experience that’s perfect for groups of friends or family. This scavenger hunt, played via a smartphone app, guides you through some of Boston’s most iconic spots while adding a festive twist. While it’s a short activity—around an hour—it promises a fun-filled, laughter-inducing adventure that can brighten any winter day.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the cost-effectiveness at just $20 per group—up to 10 people—and the accessibility since everything is managed through your phone. Second, the inclusive nature of the hunt — designed for all ages — means everyone from kids to grandparents can take part. That said, if you’re hoping for a deep dive into Boston’s history or a more structured tour, this might feel a bit light. Still, if you’re after a relaxed, holiday-themed activity that sparks joy and competition, the Holly Jolly Hunt could be just what you need.

This experience suits friends, families, or anyone wanting a casual, memorable way to explore Boston during the holidays. It’s especially ideal if you’re on a budget or want something different from the typical sightseeing route. Keep in mind, it’s about fun and festive cheer rather than historical depth, so it’s best for those looking for a lighthearted outing.

Key Points

• Affordable price with a group rate of $20, making it accessible for most travelers
• Flexible timing from late November through December, fitting easily into holiday plans
• All activities included with no extra fees, plus access to a remote guide via chat
• Easy to participate in using your own smartphone, no additional transportation needed
• Family-friendly and suitable for all ages, with silly tasks designed to bring smiles
• Leisurely duration of about an hour, perfect for a quick holiday activity

An Honest Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience

If you’ve ever enjoyed a scavenger hunt, you’ll recognize the charm this one offers—especially when it’s infused with holiday cheer. The Holly Jolly Hunt is designed to bring people together, encouraging friendly competition and lots of laughs along the way. The entire experience takes place in Boston, starting at the iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a lively hub that’s perfect for holiday vibes.

The main concept is simple: using the app on your phone, you’ll search for both traditional and non-traditional holiday items scattered around Boston. Think ornaments, lights, or perhaps something quirky like a Santa hat on a street performer. Each item you find earns you points, and the goal is to maximize your score to climb the leaderboard. Along the way, the app also tasks you with holiday-themed challenges—things like singing a Christmas carol or striking a silly pose—which help to keep the mood light and fun.

What adds to the appeal is the interactive element: you’re not just wandering aimlessly. The app guides you to specific locations, making it feel like a treasure hunt with a holiday twist. Plus, the inclusion of a remote guide via chat provides a layer of support if you get stuck or need a little encouragement, ensuring the experience remains smooth and enjoyable.

Of course, one aspect to keep in mind is that this is not a comprehensive tour of Boston’s history or major landmarks. It’s more about the playful, festive experience. If you’re expecting a detailed cultural exploration, this might not satisfy that craving. Instead, think of it as a cheerful break from traditional sightseeing—something that adds a little sparkle to your day.

What to Expect During the Hunt

The Holly Jolly Hunt kicks off at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a spot filled with holiday decorations, street performers, and bustling crowds. From here, you’ll open the app and receive your first set of clues and challenges. The activity is designed to last around an hour, so it’s manageable even on a busy sightseeing day.

Once underway, the hunt involves seeking out holiday items that are both classic—like Christmas trees or Santa figurines—and non-traditional, such as unique holiday-themed street art or local decorations. These items are scattered across various parts of Boston, giving you a mini-tour of the city’s lively streets during this festive season.

You’ll earn points for each item found and perform silly tasks that could include anything from taking a goofy photo to singing a holiday tune, aimed at creating smiles and shared laughs. These tasks are what make the experience memorable and lighthearted. You might find yourself giggling at some of the dares, especially those involving strangers or street performers.

The app also keeps score and updates you on your standing relative to other groups, adding a friendly competitive element. When the hunt concludes, you’ll return to the starting point, feeling like you’ve had a delightful, laughter-filled adventure amid Boston’s holiday glow.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Group Size

At just $20 per group (up to 10 people), this scavenger hunt offers good value for a quick, festive activity. The price covers all the scavenger hunt activities and access to the remote guide—no hidden fees or extra charges. It’s a cost-effective way to add some holiday cheer to your trip without breaking the bank.

The entire experience lasts about an hour, which makes it easy to slot into a day packed with sightseeing or shopping. Plus, since it’s played using your own smartphone, there’s no need to rent or use additional equipment, simplifying logistics—just download the app and go.

Group size is flexible up to 10 participants, which makes it ideal for small groups, families, or even a couple of friends. If you have a larger group, you can split into multiple teams for a fun competition. The activity is private, so you won’t be sharing the experience with other groups, giving you exclusive holiday fun.

Starting and Ending Points, Accessibility, and Timing

The hunt begins and ends at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a central and easily accessible location near public transportation—convenient for most visitors. The activity runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan around your other Boston activities.

Since the app and the activity are designed to be simple to access and use, most travelers should find participation straightforward. Service animals are allowed, which is a considerate touch for those who need them.

What the Reviews Say (Based on Available Data)

Though there are no published reviews yet, the clear structure of the experience suggests it’s geared towards those who enjoy lighthearted, interactive outings. The mention of laughter and smiles, along with the promise of creating holiday memories, indicates the overall tone is cheerful and inclusive.

While some may find the activity a bit on the casual side—lacking in historical or cultural depth—it excels at providing a fun, festive break during the busy holiday season. It’s not about serious sightseeing but about celebrating the season in a playful way.

The Value for Travelers

For those who want a cost-effective, family-friendly activity that gets you outdoors and moving during the holidays, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a straightforward but enjoyable experience. It’s especially suitable for groups who enjoy friendly competition, silly challenges, and a relaxed pace. If you’re hoping for a meaningful cultural or historical tour, you might want to explore other options. But if a light-hearted, laughter-filled hour sounds like your idea of holiday fun, this activity hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is best suited for families, friends, or couples looking for a cheerful way to explore Boston during the Christmas season. It’s perfect if you want a low-pressure, budget-friendly activity that fosters fun and laughter amidst holiday decorations. The simplicity of use and flexible timing make it an easy add-on if you’re already planning to visit Faneuil Hall or nearby spots during the festive season.

Keep in mind, as a quick activity, it’s best for those wanting a little holiday cheer rather than a deep dive into Boston’s sights. It’s a great way to break up other sightseeing, especially if you’re traveling with children or groups that appreciate a playful, interactive experience.

The Holly Jolly Hunt seems like a charming, straightforward way to make your holiday in Boston memorable—light, fun, and inexpensive. Just make sure your group is ready to embrace silly challenges and enjoy some holiday cheer along the way.

FAQ

Is this scavenger hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed for all ages, with silly holiday tasks meant to bring smiles to everyone. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the playful challenges.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need your own smartphone with the app downloaded. The activity is played entirely through your device, so no extra equipment is necessary.

Where does the activity start and end?
It begins and concludes at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a central location in Boston that’s easy to reach via public transportation.

How long does the hunt last?
The entire experience takes about an hour—perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing day or as a quick holiday break.

Is the activity private?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a personalized holiday experience.

Are there any additional costs?
All fees and taxes are included in the $20 per group price. You won’t need to pay extra unless you choose to extend your experience or purchase add-ons.

When can I do the Holly Jolly Hunt?
The activity is available from November 29 to December 31, 2025, Tuesday through Sunday, during daytime hours.

If you’re after a fun, affordable way to add some holiday flair to your Boston visit, the Holly Jolly Hunt looks like a joyful choice. It combines a bit of outdoor exploring with playful challenges, making it an easy and cheerful activity to share with loved ones during the festive season.