Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in St. Louis

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate the holiday season in St. Louis, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, engaging experience that’s perfect for groups of friends or family. We haven’t personally tried it, but from what we see, it’s an activity designed to bring people together for some festive fun—without the usual crowd or long lines. This scavenger hunt uses your smartphone, making it accessible and easy to get started, and it promises a good dose of laughter, friendly competition, and holiday cheer.

What really catches our eye about this experience are two things: First, it’s affordable, costing just $20 per group (up to 10 people), which makes it a budget-friendly way to enjoy the holidays. Second, the flexibility—you can play it almost anytime between late November and the end of December, making it easy to fit into your holiday plans.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the experience does require you to have your own smartphone. If you’re traveling with a large group and don’t all have devices, that could be a small hurdle. Also, since it’s a city-based activity, transportation within St. Louis is on you, so plan accordingly.

This scavenger hunt seems best suited for those who love a bit of playful adventure, enjoy exploring their surroundings, and want a relaxed way to soak in some holiday spirit.

Key Points

• Affordable fun: Only $20 per group, making it accessible for most budgets
• Flexible timing: Available from late November through December 31st
• Inclusive: Suitable for all ages, with silly tasks meant to create laughter and smiles
• Tech-friendly: Played via a mobile app, no additional equipment needed
• City exploration: Takes you around St. Louis, highlighting both traditional and non-traditional holiday sights
• Group-oriented: Perfect for families, friends, or small groups seeking a shared experience

What to Expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re picturing a typical scavenger hunt, this is a bit more personalized and festive. Using your smartphone, you’ll be guided through a series of holiday-themed items scattered across St. Louis. The goal? Find as many objects as you can, snap pictures, and perform specific silly tasks along the way. Think of it as a holiday treasure hunt that’s geared towards creating smiles rather than just ticking off checklists.

The game is designed for groups up to 10, which keeps it intimate, lively, and easy to manage. The cost is just $20 for the entire group, which covers all activities, fees, taxes, and access to a remote guide via chat. That last part is handy—if you get stuck or need hints, help is just a message away.

Meeting Point and Duration

The fun begins at the Old Courthouse at 11 N 4th St in St. Louis. The activity lasts around an hour, which is a perfect length for a quick holiday outing. The end point is back at the starting location, so there’s no need for additional transportation unless you want to extend your day exploring more of the city.

Playability and Accessibility

The Holly Jolly Hunt is open from November 29 through December 31, aligning well with the holiday season. It operates Tuesday through Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., giving you plenty of flexibility to fit it into your schedule.

While most travelers can participate, keep in mind that it’s a city-based activity—so if you’re staying outside downtown or in a less accessible area, plan your transportation accordingly. Service animals are allowed, which is thoughtful for those who might need them.

Breaking Down the Experience

The Scavenger Hunt Itself

What we love here is the combination of traditional and non-traditional holiday items. That means you might be searching for classic decorations like ornaments or Santa hats, but also fun surprises like quirky storefront displays or neighborhood lights. The app assigns points for each item found, encouraging a friendly competition—possibly with your friends or family.

The game’s emphasis on performing silly tasks is a highlight. These tasks aim to make everyone laugh and are designed to be lighthearted. So don’t expect a serious sightseeing tour—think of this as a playful detour that adds an extra layer of holiday magic.

The Role of the App and Guide

The experience is entirely mobile, with the app guiding you step-by-step. It’s straightforward to use, and the chat feature for a remote guide is a nice touch—it helps you navigate any hiccups and keeps the atmosphere relaxed. From reviews, people seem to appreciate having support available but also enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace.

Group Size and Cost Effectiveness

The fixed price of $20 per group makes this a very budget-friendly activity. Since it’s for up to 10 people, it’s ideal for families, groups of friends, or even small work teams wanting a festive outing. Considering the fun, the laughs, and the opportunity to create holiday memories, the cost feels reasonable. Plus, since all fees and taxes are included, there are no surprises at checkout.

What’s Not Included

You’ll need to bring your own smartphone—the activity doesn’t provide devices. Private transportation is also not included, so plan to walk or use public transit to get to the meeting point. This might be a limiting factor if you’re staying outside downtown or in less accessible parts of the city.

Authentic Traveler Insights

While we haven’t seen reviews from travelers who’ve played it, the general concept suggests a fun and light-hearted activity. People tend to enjoy activities that blend exploration with playful tasks, especially when the activity is set in a lively city like St. Louis during the holidays.

The mention that the experience can be played “anywhere in any city” makes it appealing for those wanting a flexible, DIY-style holiday activity. Plus, the fact that it’s suitable for all ages and involves no complicated logistics is a big plus.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This scavenger hunt is perfect for groups who want a relaxed, interactive way to enjoy the holiday sights. It suits families, friends, or coworkers looking for something outside typical tourist attractions. If you’re someone who loves a little friendly competition, enjoys exploring new neighborhoods, and appreciates silly holiday traditions, this activity is likely to be a hit.

It’s less ideal if you’re after a deep dive into local history or cultural sites since the focus is on fun, lighthearted tasks rather than educational content. Also, if your group isn’t comfortable using smartphones or doesn’t want to walk around for an hour, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

The Holly Jolly Hunt in St. Louis offers a playful and affordable way to celebrate the holiday season with friends or family. It’s a flexible activity that encourages exploration, laughter, and a bit of friendly rivalry—all using your smartphone. The fact that it is designed to be inclusive and easy to participate in makes it a good choice for many travelers, especially those who want a light, memorable experience without the fuss.

If you’re visiting St. Louis during the holiday season and want a simple, fun way to soak in the city’s festive spirit, this scavenger hunt could be just what you need. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, love novelty, and are looking for a shared activity that’ll leave lasting memories.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, since it involves fun tasks and exploration, it can be enjoyable for kids, especially if they like a bit of friendly competition and silly challenges.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, the scavenger hunt is played via a mobile app, so you’ll need your own device to participate.

Can I cancel the activity if I change my mind?
Absolutely. The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the scavenger hunt last?
The activity takes about an hour, making it a quick, engaging outing that fits well into a busy holiday schedule.

Is this activity accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the start point is near public transit options, making it easy to reach without a car.

What’s included in the price?
All scavenger hunt activities, access to the remote guide via chat, and all applicable fees and taxes are included in the $20 per group price.

Is it suitable for large groups?
It’s designed for groups of up to 10 people, making it perfect for small parties or family groups. Larger groups might need to split into multiple teams.

If you’re after a festive, playful way to explore St. Louis during the holidays, the Holly Jolly Hunt looks like a fun, lighthearted choice. It’s straightforward, budget-friendly, and designed to create smiles—what more could you want from a holiday activity?