Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by Holly Jolly Hunt

A Friendly Take on the Holly Jolly Hunt in Indianapolis

If you’re looking for a playful way to get into the holiday spirit in Indianapolis, the Holly Jolly Hunt might just be worth considering. As a smartphone-based scavenger hunt, it promises a mix of traditional and quirky holiday items scattered around the city, along with silly tasks designed to bring smiles and laughter. While I haven’t been on this specific adventure myself, I’ve gathered enough details to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your holiday plans.

What I really appreciate about this experience is its simplicity and accessibility. It’s easy to book (just a quick app download), and at around $20 per group, it’s a budget-friendly way to add some fun to your holiday outing. Plus, it’s designed for groups of up to 10 people, making it a nice option for families, friends, or small holiday celebrations. On the flip side, it’s quite short—about an hour—and some may find it a bit light on depth or challenge, especially if you’re expecting something more immersive or elaborate.

This scavenger hunt is best suited for those who enjoy light-hearted competitions, creative thinking, and a casual stroll around the city. If you’re in Indianapolis during the holiday season and want a simple, engaging activity that can bring everyone together, this could be a good pick. Just keep in mind that it’s not a full-tour experience or a guided tour—more of a fun jaunt that adds some holiday cheer to your day.

Key Points

• Accessible and affordable: At $20 per group, it offers a budget-friendly, family-friendly activity.
• Flexible timing: Play anytime between November 29 and December 31, 2025, during opening hours from 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Easy to join: You only need a smartphone and a booking in advance, with all activities included in the price.
• Light-hearted fun: The hunt incorporates silly holiday challenges and creative item searches.
• Remote support: Includes access to a chat-based guide, so you’re never truly on your own.
• Limited duration: About an hour, so it’s perfect as a quick activity or part of a larger day.

The Experience in Detail

Starting at 205 W Washington St, the Holly Jolly Hunt kicks off at a central location easy to reach via public transportation, which is a plus. Once you’re ready, you’ll open the app and begin your festive exploration. The goal is straightforward: find and capture images of both traditional and non-traditional holiday items around Indianapolis. Think of snowmen, ornaments, or even humorous non-traditional items like a street performer dressed as Santa or a creative holiday display.

What makes this experience appealing is its emphasis on creativity and humor. Participants are encouraged to perform silly tasks, such as turning buckets into drums or engaging with street performers—activities that naturally spark joy and camaraderie. The app awards points for each item you find, and the competitive element of climbing the leaderboard adds a little extra motivation.

The inclusion of a chat feature with a remote guide means you can ask questions or get hints if you’re stuck. That’s a nice touch, especially for those unfamiliar with the city. You’ll enjoy wandering around, spotting quirky displays, and perhaps even making new holiday memories with your group.

From the reviews, one participant, Sarah, noted that the hunt was fun because it encouraged creativity and humor, like “getting creative with our findings,” which shows that the activity doesn’t take itself too seriously. She also reminisced about street performers, which hints at an authentic city experience that combines the holiday theme with local color.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $20, you get access to all the scavenger hunt activities, the chat support, and all fees and taxes covered. It’s a straightforward package that doesn’t include any additional costs—unless you need to use your own smartphone or arrange private transportation.

On the flip side, you’ll need your own smartphone to participate, and transportation around the city isn’t included, so plan your route accordingly. If you’re not local or unfamiliar with downtown Indianapolis, you might want to consider transportation options ahead of time.

The Practicalities

The activity is designed for most travelers and is suitable for nearly everyone who can navigate a smartphone app. Service animals are allowed, which is a thoughtful touch, especially for visitors with disabilities. The activity is private, so only your group will be participating, making it more personalized and relaxed.

Timing-wise, it’s a flexible activity that you can squeeze in during a morning or afternoon, as it only takes about an hour. It’s perfect for a quick festive break, or as part of a larger day exploring Indianapolis’ holiday sights.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the activity itself is light and easy, don’t expect it to be very deep or physically demanding. If you’re after a more immersive tour or a guided experience, this might not meet your expectations. Also, the experience is somewhat dependent on what’s happening around the city at that time—if there’s limited holiday displays or unusual sights, the hunt might feel less eventful.

Some reviewers have noted that their expectations didn’t quite align with the experience, especially in a new city. Being flexible and prepared for a casual, fun scavenger hunt will ensure you get the most enjoyment out of it.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This activity is perfect if you’re looking for a light, casual holiday activity that’s easy to organize and fun for a small group. Families with older kids, groups of friends, or couples can all enjoy the silly challenges and city wandering. It’s also suitable if you’re on a tight schedule, as it can easily be completed in about an hour.

But if you’re expecting an elaborate tour or a more physically engaging experience, you might want to look elsewhere. It’s more about celebrating the season with a few laughs and some city sights, rather than a deep dive into Indianapolis’ history or culture.

The Sum Up

The Holly Jolly Hunt in Indianapolis offers a simple, cheerful way to add some holiday fun to your trip. Its app-based format makes it easy to join in and offers flexibility for different schedules and group sizes. The activity’s emphasis on humor and creativity fosters a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for families, friends, or even solo travelers looking to enjoy the season in a lighthearted way.

While it’s not a comprehensive city tour, and the short duration might leave some craving more substance, the price point and ease of access make it a good value for a quick, memorable holiday activity. If you’re after a festive challenge that’s more about laughs than logistics, this could be a charming addition to your holiday plans.

However, if you’re expecting a highly detailed or more physically involved experience, you might find it a bit underwhelming. Just remember, the goal here is fun, not perfection. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy Indianapolis’ holiday sights and create some shared memories.

FAQ

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
While the experience is generally accessible to most travelers, it’s not explicitly marketed as a family activity. However, children who enjoy light games and outdoor walks could find it enjoyable, especially with adult supervision.

What equipment do I need?
All you need is your own smartphone with internet access. The activity is played through an app, so no additional gear is necessary.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

What is the duration of the activity?
It takes approximately 1 hour to complete, making it a quick activity that fits easily into a day’s schedule.

Where does the activity start and end?
It begins at 205 W Washington St and finishes back at the same point, so you don’t have to worry about transportation for the conclusion.

Is it suitable for non-urban areas?
No, the hunt is designed for city streets and urban sights, so it’s best enjoyed in Indianapolis or other cities where it’s available.

Are there any additional costs?
No, all fees and taxes are included in the $20 group price, aside from your own smartphone and transportation.

Is it available outside the holiday season?
No, the activity runs specifically from late November through the end of December, aligning with the holiday theme.

Can I play with a larger group?
The activity is designed for up to 10 people per group, so larger parties would need to split into smaller groups or select other options.

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and easy activity to spice up your holiday in Indianapolis, Holly Jolly Hunt might just be what you need. Just keep expectations in check, bring your sense of humor, and enjoy the city’s holiday vibe.