If you’re searching for a holiday activity that combines a bit of lighthearted competition with festive fun, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Lakeland might just be worth considering. This mobile-based scavenger hunt is designed to bring friends, families, or even a group of coworkers together to explore the city’s holiday sights and create some laughs along the way. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but based on what’s offered, it looks like a cheerful way to enjoy Lakeland’s holiday spirit without the need for a fancy tour or a hefty price tag.
What we really like about this experience is its flexibility and focus on fun. First, the fact that it’s played via a smartphone makes it accessible to most people—you don’t need any special gear or transportation. Second, the inclusion of silly, holiday-themed tasks promises guaranteed laughs and memorable moments. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the reliance on a smartphone and app, which means your experience can be affected if your device isn’t fully charged or if the app has glitches. This scavenger hunt seems best suited for those who enjoy playful, casual activities that get you moving around the city and sharing some holiday cheer.
Key Points

- Affordable Price: Just $20 per group, making it a budget-friendly way to celebrate the season.
- Family-friendly and Inclusive: Suitable for all ages; a fun activity for groups or families.
- Flexible Duration: About an hour, perfect for fitting into a busy holiday schedule.
- City Exploration: It takes you through Lakeland’s streets, spotting holiday-themed items and performing silly tasks.
- Remote Guide Support: Access to help via chat adds a layer of reassurance.
- Play Anywhere: While starting in Lakeland, the hunt is adaptable to any city, which broadens its appeal.
What to Expect During the Holly Jolly Hunt

This activity kicks off at the Lemon Street Promenade, a central spot in Lakeland, and is designed to be played entirely on your smartphone. Once you start, you’ll receive a list of holiday items—think traditional Christmas symbols like ornaments or Santa hats alongside non-traditional fun items—scattered around the city streets. The goal? Capture as many of these items as possible, earning points for each find.
What sets this apart is the emphasis on participating in silly, holiday-themed tasks. These could range from singing a Christmas carol to taking a goofy photo at a specific location. The blend of scavenging and performing tasks ensures everyone stays engaged and has a good laugh. Plus, with a leaderboard system, you can see how your group stacks up against others, adding a playful competitive edge.
The entire experience is roughly an hour long, making it easy to fit into a day full of holiday activities. At the end, the hunt concludes back at the starting point, so you can discuss your favorite moments and enjoy a little friendly rivalry. Access to a remote guide via chat is included, which can be helpful if you run into questions or need some hints along the way.
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The Details: What’s Included and What’s Not
For just $20, your group gets all the scavenger hunt activities and access to the app’s features—a good deal considering the entertainment value. The fee also covers all taxes and any activity-specific costs. What’s not included is your own smartphone and transportation, so if you’re not bringing your own device or planning to explore by Uber or walking, you’ll need to arrange that separately.
The meeting point at Lemon Street Promenade is centrally located and near public transportation, so getting there shouldn’t be a hassle. The activity runs from late November through the end of December, making it perfect for holiday season planning.
How Well Does It Fit Different Travelers?

While the experience isn’t explicitly labeled as family-specific, its playful nature and short duration make it accessible across age groups. It’s a low-pressure activity suited to groups looking to add a little holiday spirit to their day without committing to a long tour or expensive outing. It’s especially favorable for those who enjoy interactive activities and don’t mind using their smartphone to guide their adventure.
Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Holly Jolly Hunt

- Charge your phone well before starting since you’ll be relying on the app throughout.
- Team up with a group of close friends or family—more fun, more points, more laughs.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking around, possibly for an hour or more.
- Bring a sense of humor—the silly tasks are meant to be lighthearted and fun.
- Plan to start early in the day if you want to avoid crowds or fit it around other holiday activities.
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This hunt works well for families, groups of friends, or coworkers looking for an informal, fun activity during the holiday season. It’s great for people who enjoy a little friendly competition and are comfortable using their smartphones for navigation. If you’re visiting Lakeland for a short time and want a quick, cheerful activity that gets you moving and laughing, this is a solid choice.
However, if you’re seeking a more in-depth or scenic tour, or if you prefer guided experiences with detailed commentary, this scavenger hunt might feel a bit light. It’s definitely more about the fun of discovery and silly tasks than about learning history or culture.
The Sum Up

The Holly Jolly Hunt in Lakeland offers a budget-friendly, light-hearted way to experience the city during the holiday season. With its focus on fun, easy accessibility, and interactive tasks, it makes for a memorable outing that suits a wide range of ages and group sizes. The combination of traditional holiday sights and non-traditional activities ensures everyone can participate, making it an inclusive activity for those who enjoy festive fun.
While it’s not a deep dive into Lakeland’s history or culture, it’s perfect for adding some laughs and holiday spirit to your day. Whether you’re a family with kids, a group of friends, or coworkers looking for a break from the usual holiday gatherings, this scavenger hunt could be just the cheerful outing you need.
Just remember to bring your fully charged phone and a playful attitude. It’s simple, affordable, and guarantees some holiday smiles—what more could you ask for during the season?
Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Lakeland by Holly Jolly Hunt
FAQ

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be fun for all ages, with silly holiday tasks that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Just keep in mind it’s a one-hour activity, so younger children should be comfortable walking and participating in the tasks.
Do I need my own smartphone for the hunt?
Yes, the activity is played via a mobile app, so you’ll need your own device. The price covers the activity itself, but not your phone.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. The tour has a free cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Where does the activity start and end?
It begins at Lemon Street Promenade and finishes back at the same spot. The meeting point is centrally located and near public transportation.
Is this activity available year-round?
It runs from late November through December 31, making it a perfect seasonal activity for the holiday period.
What if I need help during the hunt?
A remote guide is available via chat through the app, so if you get stuck or need hints, assistance is just a message away.
If you’re after a cheerful, budget-friendly way to explore Lakeland and add some holiday cheer to your day, the Holly Jolly Hunt could definitely be worth a try. Just go with an open mind and a sense of fun—you’re bound to make some memorable holiday moments.
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