Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in St. Louis

A festive adventure for all ages in St. Louis, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a cheerful way to experience the city’s holiday spirit through a smartphone scavenger hunt. While it’s not an in-depth sightseeing tour, it’s a playful, interactive experience perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to add a touch of holiday whimsy to their visit.

We especially appreciate its affordability and inclusive nature, making holiday fun accessible without breaking the bank.

On the flip side, those seeking a more structured or traditional tour may find it a bit casual, and it relies on smartphone familiarity and availability.

This experience suits families, friends, or small groups eager for a relaxed, laughter-filled holiday activity that’s both interactive and memorable.

Key Points

• Affordable and Family-Friendly: At just $20 per group, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy holiday cheer.
• Flexible and Accessible: Can be played in any city, making it a versatile activity for holiday travel.
• Interactive and Fun: Combines scavenger hunting with silly tasks to generate laughter and create lasting memories.
• Convenient Format: Hosted via a smartphone app with easy chat support, no need for physical guides.
• Time-Efficient: Lasts about an hour, perfect for fitting into a busy holiday schedule.
• Booking in Advance: Usually booked 51 days ahead, so plan early for the holiday season.

An Engaging, Family-Oriented Holiday Activity in St. Louis

If you’re searching for a lively, participatory way to celebrate the holidays in St. Louis, the Holly Jolly Hunt might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a scavenger hunt played via a smartphone app that invites families and friends to explore the city, find festive items, and complete amusing holiday-themed tasks—all in good fun. Unlike traditional tours that focus on history or architecture, this experience emphasizes laughter, team spirit, and holiday cheer.

One of the biggest advantages of Holly Jolly Hunt is its price point—only $20 per group, accommodating up to ten participants. This makes it a cost-effective activity for families, small groups, or even couples looking to add a playful twist to their holiday visit. The app-based format offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to play anytime between late November and December 31st, during hours from 9 AM to 5 PM. The activity’s remote guide chat feature provides support along the way, ensuring you don’t get stuck or confused.

A potential drawback is that the experience hinges on your device’s smartphone capabilities and familiarity with app navigation. It’s not a guided tour with a person, so those less comfortable with apps might find it a bit challenging. Also, since private transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own way to the starting point at the Old Courthouse, which is near public transit.

This activity is best suited for families with children, groups of friends, or anyone looking for a lighthearted, interactive holiday activity. If you’re after a straightforward, fun way to see some of St. Louis’ holiday sights while enjoying silly challenges, Holly Jolly Hunt makes a great choice.

What to Expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt

The experience begins at the historic Old Courthouse, a striking landmark in downtown St. Louis, setting a festive tone from the start. Once you check in, you’ll access the scavenger hunt through the app, which guides you through a series of locations and challenges. The goal? Collect as many holiday-themed items as possible, score points, and climb the leaderboard.

The scavenger hunt covers both traditional and non-traditional holiday items. Expect to find classic decorations like Christmas trees, Santa figures, or wreaths. But the hunt also invites you to seek out unexpected or humorous items—maybe a quirky holiday display or a local shop’s seasonal window. It’s a playful way to take a closer look at the city’s festive decorations and spot hidden surprises.

Each item you find earns you points, and the app prompts you to perform silly, holiday-inspired tasks—think singing a Christmas carol to a stranger or taking a goofy selfie with a holiday statue. These tasks are designed to spark laughter and smiles, making the activity more than just a scavenger hunt—they’re moments of shared joy and holiday cheer.

The pace is relaxed enough for all ages, and since it’s self-guided, you can take as much or as little time as you like. Some groups might spend a full hour racing to find everything, while others may spread the fun over a leisurely afternoon.

The Itinerary Breakdown

While the tour isn’t a traditional itinerary with stops and guided commentary, the flow is straightforward. It begins at the Old Courthouse, where you check in and receive the instructions via your app. The hunt then unfolds through various parts of downtown St. Louis, with the app guiding you from one location to the next.

What makes this experience appealing is that each participant or group can personalize their journey—you can choose which items to seek out, how many silly tasks to perform, and how quickly to complete the hunt. After about an hour, you’ll return to the starting point, where your points are tallied, and the leaderboard determines your ranking.

The focus is on discovery and fun rather than a predetermined route, which allows for spontaneity and a sense of adventure. Plus, the app’s chat feature means you can ask for hints or support if needed, adding to the sense of security and engagement.

Value and Practical Considerations

For $20, this activity offers great value. Included in the price are all scavenger hunt activities, access to a remote guide via chat, and all taxes and fees. There’s no extra charge unless you decide to extend your time or add extras.

It’s worth noting that use of your own smartphone is necessary, so make sure your device is charged and functioning well. As the activity ends back at the starting point, it’s easy to combine this scavenger hunt with other holiday outings or meals nearby.

Since most travelers can participate, the experience is quite inclusive, and service animals are permitted, which is helpful for travelers with pets. The activity is also near public transportation, easing access for visitors staying in central St. Louis.

What Others Are Saying

While there are no official reviews yet, the available feedback from similar experiences suggests that participants find the activity lighthearted and family-oriented. The fact that it can be booked 51 days in advance indicates its popularity and the planning needed for holiday busy seasons.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love Holly Jolly Hunt?

This scavenger hunt is best for families with children, groups of friends, or couples eager for a fun, interactive way to enjoy the holiday season without the hassle of guided tours. If you’re looking for a cost-effective activity that combines city exploration with silly challenges, it offers a good balance of entertainment and practicality.

Travelers who want to see some parts of downtown St. Louis in a relaxed manner while indulging in holiday fun will appreciate the flexibility. It’s an activity that promotes laughter, shared memories, and a touch of friendly competition—perfect for creating holiday stories to tell.

However, those seeking an in-depth cultural or historical tour might prefer more traditional guided experiences. But if your priority is holiday cheer, lightheartedness, and a memorable team activity, Holly Jolly Hunt provides a cheerful and engaging option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be fun for all ages. The silly tasks and festive items make it especially engaging for children and families.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, the scavenger hunt is played via your own device, so ensure your smartphone is charged and capable of running the app.

How long does the activity last?
It takes approximately one hour, making it easy to fit into your holiday schedule.

What is included in the price?
All scavenger hunt activities, access to the remote guide chat, and all applicable fees and taxes are included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts, allowing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Where does the activity start and end?
It begins and ends at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis.

Is transportation included?
No, private transportation is not included; you’ll need to arrange your own way to the starting point.

When can I play the hunt?
The activity runs from late November through December 31st, Tuesday through Sunday, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Are there any restrictions for participation?
Most travelers can participate; service animals are allowed, and the activity is designed to be accessible and inclusive.

In summary, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a lively, budget-friendly way to celebrate the holidays in St. Louis. It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy playful adventures, want to explore the city with a smile, and are looking for a memorable, laughter-filled activity that can be enjoyed any time during the holiday season.