Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Cincinnati by Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re looking for a playful way to celebrate the holiday season in Cincinnati, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers just that—a cheerful, family-friendly scavenger hunt that’s easy to join and packed with holiday spirit. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, reviews and details suggest it’s a fun activity that turns the city into a lively, interactive holiday playground. What immediately appeals to us are the cost-effectiveness—at just $20 per group of up to ten people—and the flexibility of playing anytime between late November and the end of December, making it easy to fit into your holiday plans.

One thing we really appreciate is how accessible and inclusive this activity is—anyone with a smartphone can join in, and it’s designed to bring people together through silly tasks and friendly competition. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that since it’s a walk-and-play activity, you’ll need to be prepared for some outdoor wandering and, potentially, public transportation if you’re not nearby the start point. This makes it a good fit for those who enjoy casual strolls and outdoor fun. This scavenger hunt seems perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting to add a little extra holiday cheer to their Cincinnati visit.

Key Points

• Affordable and group-friendly: Only $20 for up to ten people, making it great for families or small groups.
• Interactive and fun: Includes traditional and non-traditional holiday items plus silly tasks to keep everyone smiling.
• Easy to access: Smartphone app with a remote guide via chat, no need for additional tickets or complicated booking.
• Flexible timing: Runs from late November through December, Tuesday to Sunday.
• Location and start/end points: Begins at Procter and Gamble Plaza and ends back there, simplifying logistics.
• A memorable holiday activity: Designed to create lasting memories—ideal for those looking for a relaxed yet engaging holiday experience.

What Is Holly Jolly Hunt All About?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is a playful, holiday-themed scavenger hunt designed for groups of friends or families. Using your phone, you’ll be given a list of items to find around Cincinnati, from classic holiday symbols like Christmas trees and ornaments to quirky, non-traditional items that add a humorous twist. The app encourages friendly competition—your goal is to find as many items as possible and rack up points to climb the leaderboard. Along the way, you’ll be prompted to perform holiday-themed tasks, which are meant to stir up laughter and shared joy.

What makes this experience stand out is its simplicity and inclusivity. It’s designed for everyone—young and old—who enjoys a bit of light-hearted fun during the festive season. The activity is only about an hour long, making it easy to slot into a busy holiday schedule or combine with other Cincinnati sightseeing. Plus, the app offers access to a remote guide via chat, which can help if you get stuck or need hints.

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

Starting at Procter and Gamble Plaza, a central, recognizable location in Cincinnati, the hunt kicks off with participants gathering their group and logging into the app. From there, the game prompts you to hunt for holiday items scattered throughout the city. The list can include anything from traditional Christmas decorations to quirky, non-traditional objects that fit the holiday theme.

The points system adds a competitive element—finding an item quickly, or performing a task well, earns you more points. The tasks are designed to generate giggles, like singing a holiday song at a landmark or taking a goofy photo with a Christmas ornament. These activities aren’t just about finding things—they’re about creating joyous moments that everyone will remember.

As you explore, the app keeps track of your points and leaderboard rankings. It’s a friendly competition, but the real reward is the shared laughter and holiday spirit you’ll enjoy with your group. The activity ends back at the starting point, so you won’t have to worry about complicated transportation or long walks afterwards.

The Value of This Experience

At $20 per group, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a budget-friendly holiday activity with a lot of bang for your buck. Compared to more traditional tours or activities, it’s straightforward, inexpensive, and flexible. Plus, it’s a private experience—only your group participates—which makes it more personalized.

While some may see it as a light, casual activity, it can be surprisingly engaging and enjoyable, especially if you love outdoor adventures or competitive fun. The inclusion of a chat feature with a remote guide can be reassuring, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Cincinnati or new to scavenger hunts in general.

However, keep in mind that you’ll need to use your own smartphone for the activity, and it doesn’t include private transportation. If you’re staying in a central Cincinnati location or planning to walk around the city, this won’t be an issue. Just be prepared for some outdoor walking, possibly in winter weather, and suitable footwear.

Highlights and Potential Drawbacks

Some reviews have mentioned how the activity “brings lots of laughter” and is “a fun twist on holiday traditions.” Participants appreciate the silly tasks and holiday cheer, which elevate a simple scavenger hunt into a memorable experience. The fact that it can be played in any city makes it versatile, so it’s also a good idea if you’re traveling and want a fun local activity.

On the downside, since the experience is about an hour long, it’s a relatively quick activity—great for a midday break but perhaps not enough on its own if you’re looking for a full day of sightseeing. Also, since the activity is outdoors and involves walking, it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues or very young children who can’t walk long distances.

Who Would Love This?

This activity is best suited for small groups of friends or families who enjoy light-hearted competition and outdoor fun. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, flexible activity that captures the holiday spirit without a lot of fuss. It also works well if you’re in Cincinnati during the holiday season and want a memorable way to explore the city’s festive sights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a simple, engaging holiday activity that brings people together for some laughs and festive cheer, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Cincinnati might be just what you need. It offers a straightforward way to explore the city’s holiday sights while indulging in some silly tasks that are guaranteed to brighten everyone’s mood.

While it’s not a deep cultural tour or a grand adventure, it’s a fun, casual experience that delivers holiday memories in just an hour. The price is reasonable, the activity is flexible, and the emphasis on laughter and shared moments makes it a worthwhile choice for those wanting to add a touch of holiday magic to their Cincinnati visit.

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be enjoyable for all ages, with silly tasks and a fun scavenger hunt format that families can enjoy together.

Do I need to have my own smartphone to participate?
Yes, the activity uses a mobile app, so you’ll need your own smartphone to access the scavenger hunt and communicate with the remote guide.

Are there any additional costs besides the $20 fee?
No, all fees and taxes are included, but you’ll need to cover your own transportation if you don’t plan to walk.

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

What are the starting and ending locations?
The activity begins and ends at Procter and Gamble Plaza, simplifying logistics.

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

How long does the scavenger hunt last?
It’s approximately one hour, making it a perfect quick holiday activity or a fun break during a day of sightseeing.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, cheerful way to enjoy Cincinnati’s holiday season, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a cozy, interactive experience that’s as much about laughter as it is about exploring the city. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a small group, it’s a festive activity that promises good times and memorable moments.