This review introduces you to the Holly Jolly Hunt, a festive scavenger hunt designed to bring holiday cheer to Columbus, Ohio. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the concept looks like a lively, interactive way to enjoy the city’s holiday spirit, especially if you love playful challenges and unique ways of exploring.
What makes this experience appealing? First, it’s family-friendly and suitable for groups up to 10, making it ideal for friends or relatives wanting to share some holiday fun. Second, it combines technology and tradition with an app guiding you through city sights and holiday-themed items, adding a modern twist to a classic game.
One consideration to keep in mind is the cost per group—$20 isn’t steep, but it’s based on group size, so if you’re traveling solo or with fewer than 10, you might feel it’s a bit pricy just for one person. Also, it requires a smartphone and the use of the app, so travelers without a compatible device or those unfamiliar with such apps should be prepared.
This tour suits those who enjoy active, family-oriented experiences and want to see Columbus from a fun, less conventional perspective. It’s perfect for holiday travelers, local residents looking for a new way to explore, or anyone wanting to make their holiday visit a little more memorable.
- Key Points
- An in-depth look at the Holly Jolly Hunt in Columbus
- The start point: Capitol Square
- The hunt mechanics: find, snap, perform
- The scoring and leaderboard
- The remote guide support
- Flexibility and duration
- Cost and value
- What travelers might love about Holly Jolly Hunt
- Accessibility and convenience
- Potential drawbacks
- Overall impressions
- The Sum Up
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Best Of Columbus!
- More Tour Reviews in Columbus
Key Points
- Affordable group price of $20 for up to 10 people makes it accessible for families and small groups.
- Flexible location allows you to play anywhere in Columbus, not just a fixed route or venue.
- App-based format offers a modern, interactive way to hunt for holiday items and complete fun challenges.
- Includes remote guide support via text, ensuring you’re never truly alone during the activity.
- Timing is flexible; it runs from late November through December, with hours from 9 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Sunday.
- Lasting memories are guaranteed, whether you’re with family, friends, or colleagues.
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An in-depth look at the Holly Jolly Hunt in Columbus
The Holly Jolly Hunt is designed as a one-hour adventure that brings out everyone’s playful side. You and your group download an app onto your smartphone, which serves as your guide and scoring tool. Once you start at the designated meeting point—Capitol Square in downtown Columbus—you’re set for a holiday-themed scavenger adventure that encourages both sight-seeing and laughter.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Columbus.
The start point: Capitol Square
Meeting at Capitol Square, the activity begins within a lively, accessible part of Columbus. The square itself offers a scenic backdrop of historic architecture and city life, setting a festive tone for your hunt. From here, the app takes over, prompting you to seek out a mixture of traditional holiday icons and some unexpected surprises**.
The hunt mechanics: find, snap, perform
The core of this experience is simple but engaging. Participants are tasked with finding items that represent holiday cheer—think ornaments, Christmas trees, or menorahs—and taking photos through the app to score points. What’s more, you’ll be asked to perform humorous holiday-themed challenges that could be anything from singing a carol to acting out a holiday scene. These challenges promise to generate laughter and memorable moments.
The scoring and leaderboard
As you progress, your team accumulates points, which are visible on a live leaderboard. This adds a friendly competition element that can motivate everyone to be a little more creative or quick on their feet. Even if you’re not overly competitive, the real goal is to create joy and plenty of photo memories.
The remote guide support
Participants receive support via text message from a remote guide, which is a thoughtful feature. This means you’re not just left to figure out the game on your own; help is available if you need hints or encouragement, especially useful if you hit a snag or want to maximize your points.
Flexibility and duration
With a duration of approximately one hour, it’s a perfect activity to fit into a busy holiday schedule. The flexible hours allow you to play during the day or early evening, when the city is bustling with holiday lights and decorations.
Cost and value
At $20 per group—up to 10 people—the cost is quite reasonable. Considering that you’re getting an interactive experience, the ability to explore Columbus in a playful way, and the inclusion of a remote guide, the value is solid. Most reviews highlight how it’s a fun, lighthearted activity that can turn an ordinary day into a special memory.
What travelers might love about Holly Jolly Hunt

Many reviewers mention how the activity is easy to arrange—bookings are often made well in advance, and the process is straightforward. The app-guided format appeals to tech-savvy families or groups who want to avoid rigid tourist routes and prefer a personalized experience.
The silly challenges are a highlight for many, as they bring out everyone’s playful side. “We loved the way it brought laughter and smiles,” one reviewer said, emphasizing the activity’s ability to lift spirits during the holiday season.
Accessibility and convenience
Since the activity is near public transportation and designed to be inclusive (service animals are allowed), it’s accessible for most travelers. The only consideration is whether your group has access to a smartphone compatible with the app.
Potential drawbacks
While the activity is designed for fun and inclusiveness, some might find the $20 fee per group slightly steep if they are only two or three people. Also, since it’s not a guided tour with a physical guide, some people might prefer more structured experiences; however, the remote support mitigates this concern.
Overall impressions
Participants seem to find the Holly Jolly Hunt a superb way to enjoy Columbus’s holiday vibe without spending a fortune or committing to a long tour. It’s especially suited for families with kids, groups of friends, or co-workers who want a non-traditional, social activity that’s easy to fit into a day.
The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to celebrate the holidays in Columbus, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a memorable, light-hearted experience that combines technology, city exploration, and holiday cheer. It’s ideal for small groups wanting to create shared memories and see parts of the city in a playful new way.
The activity’s reasonably priced and flexible schedule makes it accessible and practical, while the emphasis on laughter and team spirit guarantees a good time. It’s especially well-suited for families, friends, or groups of co-workers looking for a festive activity that isn’t just about sightseeing but about making holiday memories.
Just keep in mind that it’s a quick activity—about an hour—and requires a smartphone with the app. For those who enjoy energetic, social experiences and want to add a dash of holiday fun to their visit, Holly Jolly Hunt could be the highlight of your trip.
Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be fun for all ages, with silly challenges and holiday-themed items that appeal to children and adults alike.
Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need a compatible smartphone with the app installed to participate in the scavenger hunt.
How long does the activity last?
The activity lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick, manageable fun break during your day.
Can I play in any location in Columbus?
Yes, the activity is flexible and can be played anywhere in Columbus, starting from the designated meeting point.
Is there a guide physically present during the hunt?
No, the support is via text message from a remote guide. There’s no physical guide accompanying you.
What is included in the price?
You get 1 hour of scavenger hunt activities, remote guide support, and all fees and taxes.
Are there any additional costs?
Apart from your own transportation and using your own smartphone, there are no extra costs listed.
What are the opening hours?
The activity runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, from late November through December.
Is the activity suitable for groups of fewer than 10?
It is priced per group up to 10 people. If your group is smaller, you may still book, but the price remains the same.
Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed to accompany participants.
This festive scavenger hunt offers a lively, playful way to enjoy Columbus during the holiday season. Whether you’re a local wanting a new twist on seasonal traditions or a visitor seeking fun and memorable experiences, Holly Jolly Hunt provides a cheerful, engaging outing that’s worth considering.



















