Exploring the Holly Jolly Hunt in Albuquerque: A Practical Review

Thinking about adding some holiday cheer to your Albuquerque visit? The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, interactive way to explore the city during the festive season. Designed as a mobile app-led scavenger hunt, it promises laughs, light-hearted competition, and a chance to make holiday memories—all in about an hour. We’re here to give you a thorough look so you can decide if this experience fits your holiday plans.
What we really like about this hunt is how accessible it is—you don’t need to be an experienced traveler or outdoor adventurer to enjoy it. Plus, the cost of $20 per group makes it an affordable outing that can include up to 10 people. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that you’ll need your own smartphone and transportation, which might add some logistics if you’re traveling with young kids or in a big group. Overall, it’s an experience best suited for those wanting a relaxed, interactive way to see Albuquerque’s holiday spirit.
If you’re someone who loves a bit of friendly competition, enjoys holiday-themed activities, and wants to explore at your own pace, this hunt could be just the ticket. It’s particularly ideal for families, groups of friends, or even coworkers looking for something different to do during the festive season. Let’s break down what makes this experience worth considering—and what you should keep in mind before booking.
Key Points

- Accessible fun for groups up to 10 with a straightforward mobile app.
- Cost-effective at $20 per group, offering a short but engaging activity.
- Customizable experience that can be played in any city, making it flexible for travelers.
- Includes a remote guide via chat, so you’re never truly on your own.
- Requires your own smartphone and local transport, which could be a consideration for some.
- Suitable for all ages, especially those who enjoy holiday activities with a playful twist.
Planning more time in Albuquerque? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What is the Holly Jolly Hunt in Albuquerque?

This holiday scavenger hunt in Albuquerque is a pretty clever way to explore the city’s festive sights and sounds. Using an app on your smartphone, you’ll be navigating to various locations where you search for both traditional and non-traditional holiday items. Think carolers, Christmas trees, or maybe even Santa hats—plus some quirky surprises along the way.
The goal is to collect as many items as possible, earning points for each find. The more creative or quick you are at capturing those items with your phone, the higher your score. There’s a competitive edge too—aiming for first place on the leaderboard adds a fun, game-like element. Along your route, you’ll also be tasked with performing silly, holiday-themed challenges designed to bring giggles and foster camaraderie.
What’s really neat is how flexible this activity is. The experience can be played in any city, making this a handy and portable idea if you’re traveling elsewhere and want a fun, interactive city tour.
How the Tour Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Starting Point and Duration
The adventure kicks off at 2005 N Plaza St NW, Albuquerque. It’s a convenient location near public transportation, so if you’re already in town, it’s easy to reach. The entire activity lasts about an hour, making it perfect for a quick holiday break or as part of a bigger day of sightseeing.
Gameplay and Tasks
Once you start, the app guides you through the hunt, prompting you to seek out certain holiday items. These could be anything from classic symbols like ornaments and wreaths to less traditional, more playful items. You’ll earn points for each successful find, with bonus points awarded for completing silly tasks—think singing a holiday tune or performing a funny dance.
Group Size and Cost
The activity costs $20 per group, with a maximum of 10 participants. This makes it quite budget-friendly for families or friends sharing the experience. It’s a private activity, so only your group will participate—no strangers included.
Support and Flexibility
During the hunt, you’re connected with a remote guide via chat through the app. If you get stuck or need guidance, help is just a message away, which is reassuring if you’re new to scavenger hunts or unfamiliar with the area.
Ending the Adventure
The hunt concludes back at the starting point, so you can easily wrap up and reflect on your achievements. Whether you finish in first place or just enjoy the laughs, you’ll leave with a fun, shared experience.
What Makes It Worth Your While?

Price and Value
For just $20, you get a guided, interactive activity that’s both fun and relatively quick. The inclusion of a remote guide adds value, ensuring you won’t be lost or frustrated if you’re unfamiliar with the city or app.
Family-Friendly and Flexible
While not explicitly marketed solely as a family activity, the nature of the scavenger hunt—silly tasks, holiday theme—makes it suitable for all ages. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a smartphone and some patience, especially if you’re with younger kids or less tech-savvy travelers.
A Unique Way to Explore
Instead of the usual walking tour or museum visit, this scavenger hunt offers an active, playful approach to sightseeing. It encourages interaction with the city’s holiday displays, local shops, and public spaces, making it more memorable.
Timing and Convenience
Operating during the busy holiday months from late November through December, the activity is available Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—perfect for fitting into a holiday itinerary.
The Experience: What You Can Expect

Imagine wandering through Albuquerque’s festive streets, snapping photos of decorated storefronts, and performing goofy tasks to earn extra points. The app guides you from one spot to the next, with prompts that might involve taking selfies with holiday decorations or spotting specific items in the local scenery.
The experience is designed to be light-hearted and inclusive. As one reviewer noted, “Come play with us. Young or old, this is a scavenger hunt for everyone that enjoys this time of year.” It’s a low-pressure activity—no strict time limits or complicated rules—just a good old-fashioned hunt with a holiday twist.
The value of these kinds of activities becomes clear when you realize how much fun everyone has. The silly challenges create laughter and a relaxed atmosphere, making it more than just a race to find things. It’s about enjoying the moment and creating holiday memories.
Considering the Downsides

While this experience is fun and straightforward, it does have some limitations. First, it relies heavily on your own smartphone and internet connection, meaning you might need to ensure your device is charged and working well. If you’re traveling with children or a larger group, coordinating everyone’s devices could be a bit tricky.
Plus, since it’s a short activity—roughly an hour—it’s more of a fun, quick outing than a comprehensive tour. If you’re looking for an in-depth exploration of Albuquerque’s history or culture, this isn’t the right fit. It’s more about festive fun than educational content.
Pricing is reasonable, but keep in mind that it doesn’t include transportation or any other expenses you might incur during your day. So, plan accordingly if you’re combining this with other activities.
Who Will Love This?

This scavenger hunt is ideal for families, friends, or workgroups wanting a casual, memorable holiday activity. It’s particularly good if you’re looking for something lighter than a formal tour but still want to see a healthy chunk of the city’s holiday sights. It’s also perfect for travelers who enjoy interactive experiences and don’t mind a bit of silliness.
If you’re traveling solo or with a large group, it can still be fun, but the activity is most engaging with a small team up to 10 participants. It’s a flexible, low-pressure way to enjoy Albuquerque’s festive atmosphere without committing to a long, expensive tour.
Final Thoughts

The Holly Jolly Hunt in Albuquerque offers a charming, accessible way to explore the city during the holiday season. For a modest price, you get a playful scavenger hunt that combines sightseeing with silly challenges, fostering laughter and holiday spirit. The inclusion of a remote guide ensures you won’t feel lost, and the flexible format makes it suitable for various group sizes and ages.
While it’s not a substitute for more in-depth tours or cultural experiences, it’s a wonderful option for those wanting a festive, lighthearted outing that leaves you with shared memories and good stories. Overall, if you seek a fun, casual way to celebrate the holidays in Albuquerque, this scavenger hunt could be just the right pick.
Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Albuquerque by Holly Jolly Hunt
FAQs
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the scavenger hunt is designed for all ages. The silly tasks and holiday theme make it especially fun for kids, but they’ll need an adult’s help with smartphones and navigation.
What do I need to bring?
You’ll need your own smartphone with a working internet connection. The activity fee covers the scavenger hunt itself, but transportation and any other expenses are on you.
How long does the activity last?
The hunt takes approximately one hour to complete, making it a great quick activity to fit into your day.
Can I play in any city?
Yes, the Holly Jolly Hunt is designed to be flexible and can be played in any city, including Albuquerque.
Is there any extra cost involved?
No, all fees and taxes are included in the $20 per group price. However, private transportation or additional activities are not included.
What if I need help during the hunt?
You can access a remote guide via chat through the app, so help is just a message away if you need guidance or hints.
What are the operating hours?
The activity is available from late November through December, Tuesday to Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
If you’re after a relaxed, fun way to enjoy Albuquerque’s holiday sights and sounds, this scavenger hunt offers a memorable, affordable experience. It’s perfect for those who want to get into the festive spirit without the fuss—just bring your enthusiasm, a smartphone, and a sense of humor.
More Tour Reviews in Albuquerque
- Albuquerque: 12pm Old Town History, Legends & Lore Tour
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Albuquerque by Zombie Scavengers
- Albuquerque Family Adventure: A Private Discovery Tour
- Albuquerque’s Timeless Wonders: From Plazas to Museums
- Duke City Pedaler: Beverage Tour to Old Town/Sawmill Albuquerque
- Quirky Burque Scavenger Hunt
More Albuquerque experiences we've covered
- Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Albuquerque by Holly Jolly Hunt
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Albuquerque by Zombie Scavengers
- Albuquerque Family Adventure: A Private Discovery Tour
- Albuquerque’s Timeless Wonders: From Plazas to Museums
- Duke City Pedaler: Beverage Tour to Old Town/Sawmill Albuquerque
- Quirky Burque Scavenger Hunt
- Guided Bicycle Nature Tour of Albuquerque – Daily
- 8pm Private Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque
- PRIVATE History, Legends and Lore Guided Old Town Stroll – 10am or 2pm
- Historic Old Town Albuquerque smart phone App/Audio Walking Tour
- Old Town Albuquerque Ghost Tour
- Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show – Albuquerque, NM
