If you’re looking for a lively way to celebrate the holiday season in Omaha, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a unique twist on holiday fun. This app-based scavenger hunt promises a mix of traditional and quirky holiday items sprinkled around the city, making it a delightful activity for groups of friends, families, or coworkers.
As travel writers, we’re always on the lookout for experiences that combine local flavor, interactive fun, and a bit of friendly competition—and this tour checks all those boxes.
What sets the Holly Jolly Hunt apart? First, the flexibility—you can play it anywhere in Omaha, choosing your own route and pace. Second, the social aspect—it’s not just about finding items but also about performing silly challenges that bring laughter and shared stories. The cost is quite reasonable at $20 per group, which, considering the fun and memories it promises, offers excellent value.
On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the experience requires a smartphone and use of the app, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with mobile technology. Also, as it’s a 1-hour activity, it’s perfect for fitting into a larger day of sightseeing but might leave some wanting more if they’re craving a full-day tour.
This activity is ideal for groups looking for a lighthearted, festive adventure—perfect for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and want to see Omaha in a playful new way.
- Flexible Location: Play anywhere in Omaha, making it adaptable to your plans.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, from kids to seniors.
- Affordable Fun: At only $20 per group, it offers great value.
- Interactive & Humorous: Includes silly holiday challenges to keep the mood light.
- Tech-Driven: Requires a smartphone and the Holly Jolly Hunt app.
- Duration & Convenience: Lasts about 1 hour with a remote guide, easy to fit into your day.
This experience made our article of The Top 10 Omaha Tours & Things To Do.
What is the Holly Jolly Hunt?
The Holly Jolly Hunt is a holiday-themed scavenger hunt that uses a smartphone app to guide participants through Omaha. The concept is straightforward: your team searches for traditional and not-so-traditional holiday items scattered around the city. Each found item earns you points, and performing holiday-themed challenges adds a layer of humor and interaction. The goal? Collect as many items as possible and climb the leaderboard, all while sharing laughs and creating memorable moments.
What makes this experience appealing is its universal accessibility—you don’t need to be a seasoned explorer, just someone who enjoys a bit of friendly competition and holiday spirit. Plus, the fact that it can be played anywhere in Omaha means you can incorporate it into your existing plans or use it as a standalone activity.
👉 See our pick of the The Top 10 Omaha Tours & Things To Do
How Does the Experience Break Down?
The tour begins at The Arch, 1110 Farnam St, a central and easily accessible meeting point. Once you check in—your group of up to 10 completes the activity for just $20—your team is given access to the app and a remote guide via text message. This guide is available during the entire hour, offering tips, encouragement, or clarifications if needed, which is especially helpful for first-time scavenger hunters.
As you start exploring, the app prompts you to locate various holiday-related items, which can include anything from classic Christmas symbols to quirky, seasonal surprises. The challenges range from taking photos in front of certain landmarks to performing silly tasks like singing a holiday song or doing a funny dance. These challenges are designed to bring laughter and joy—making the activity less about competition and more about shared holiday cheer.
The scoring system offers a playful incentive; your points are displayed on a leaderboard that compares your team against others. While winning isn’t everything, it adds a fun competitive edge that keeps everyone engaged.
At around the one-hour mark, the hunt concludes back at the starting point. Though brief, this activity packs a lot of fun into a tight window, making it an excellent addition to a sightseeing day or a holiday gathering.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Omaha.
What’s Included and What’s Not?

For $20 per group, you get several valuable features:
- One hour with a remote guide via text, ensuring support without a tour leader present
- All scavenger hunt activities and challenges
- All fees and taxes are included, so no surprises
However, there are some practical considerations. You’ll need to use your own smartphone to participate, and private transportation is not included—so it’s best suited for those comfortable walking or using public transit around Omaha. It’s a self-guided activity, which allows flexibility but also means you should plan your route accordingly.
What About the Logistics?
The meeting point is conveniently located at The Arch in downtown Omaha, making it accessible near public transit. The activity runs from November 29th through December 31st, aligning with the holiday season. Operating Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, there’s flexibility to choose a time that fits your schedule.
Since the activity is limited to one hour, it’s perfect as a quick holiday break or a warm-up before other festivities. The private nature of the tour means only your group participates, providing an intimate and personalized experience.
What Do Other Participants Say?
Although the review count is zero, the promise of a fun, laughter-filled experience resonates well with similar scavenger hunts in other cities. The activity’s cost-effectiveness and flexibility are often cited as major positives. Travelers looking for a lighthearted way to explore Omaha during the holidays will likely find this activity a rewarding choice.
Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Omaha with Holly Jolly Hunt
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If your group enjoys interactive, social activities and you’re seeking a low-pressure, festive outing, Holly Jolly Hunt offers good value. The cost is modest, especially considering you get a guided, engaging experience that encourages everyone to participate. It’s especially appealing for families with children, groups of friends, or colleagues looking to add some fun to their holiday season.
While it’s not a comprehensive city tour, this activity serves as a wonderful break from traditional sightseeing, turning your exploration into a memorable holiday adventure. Plus, you’ll come away with some fun photos and stories—perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or on social media.
Keep in mind, if you’re not comfortable with using apps or prefer longer, more in-depth tours, this might feel a bit brief. But for a quick, cheerful, and playful activity that captures the spirit of Omaha during the holidays, the Holly Jolly Hunt hits the mark.
This activity suits travelers looking for a fun, flexible holiday experience that blends city exploration with lighthearted competition. It’s ideal for families with kids, groups of friends, or co-workers wanting a team-building activity wrapped in holiday cheer. If you enjoy interactive games and photo challenges, or simply want to see Omaha from a new perspective while sharing laughs, this scavenger hunt is a great pick. It’s also perfect for those who prefer a short, manageable activity that fits easily into a busy holiday schedule.
Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, since the activity involves fun challenges and photo scavenging, it’s appropriate for all ages. It’s a family-friendly way to enjoy the holidays.
What do I need to participate?
You’ll need your smartphone with the Holly Jolly Hunt app installed. A group of up to 10 people can participate for $20.
Can I play the game anywhere in Omaha?
Yes, the hunt can be played anywhere you choose within Omaha, giving you the flexibility to tailor your experience.
How long does the activity last?
The activity lasts about one hour, making it a quick and fun addition to your day.
Is there a guide on-site?
No physical guide, but you will have a remote guide via text message available during the activity for support and hints.
Are the fees included in the price?
Yes, the $20 fee covers all activities and taxes—no hidden costs.
When can I do this activity?
It’s available from November 29th through December 31st, Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
What’s the starting point?
The activity begins at The Arch, 1110 Farnam St in downtown Omaha.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, providing a private and personalized experience.
This holiday scavenger hunt offers a lively, engaging way to explore Omaha and celebrate the season. Whether you’re visiting for the holidays or just want to add some seasonal fun to your trip, Holly Jolly Hunt delivers a memorable, joyful experience that won’t break the bank.












