Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt

This review introduces you to a cheerful holiday activity that combines exploration, laughter, and a touch of friendly competition—Holly Jolly Hunt in Minneapolis. While we haven’t personally played it, the concept is straightforward and appealing: a mobile app-based scavenger hunt designed to get you moving around the city, searching for holiday-themed items, and completing silly challenges.

What makes this experience shine? First, the flexibility—you can participate anywhere in Minneapolis, making it a perfect way to enjoy the seasonal atmosphere at your own pace. Second, the family-friendly and inclusive nature—it’s designed for all ages, fostering fun and memorable moments with friends, family, or colleagues.

A potential consideration? Since it’s an app-based activity, you’ll need to have a smartphone and internet connection, and it’s limited to groups of up to ten people, which might not suit larger gatherings.

This tour is ideal for travelers looking to add a unique, interactive experience to their holiday visit, especially those who appreciate casual, light-hearted adventures over traditional sightseeing.

Key Points

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• Flexible Location & Timing: Play anywhere in Minneapolis, anytime between late November and New Year’s Eve.
• Cost-Effective Fun: At just $20 per group, it offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy holiday cheer.
• Family & Group Friendly: Suitable for all ages; up to 10 participants per group.
• Engaging Challenges: Combines traditional holiday items with unexpected surprises and silly tasks.
• Remote Guide Support: Includes a one-hour interaction via text message, ensuring guidance without a tour bus.
• Lasting Memories: Designed to create joyful moments and laughter for everyone involved.

👉 See our pick of the The 15 Best Walking Tours In Minneapolis Saint Paul

A Practical Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience

What sets Holly Jolly Hunt apart from more traditional Christmas outings is its adaptability. You don’t have to stick to a preset route or schedule; instead, you choose your own adventure around Minneapolis, which is especially great if you want to blend holiday cheer with your own sightseeing plans.

The core activity involves using a smartphone app to seek out holiday-related items. These aren’t always just the classic Christmas symbols; some items are playful, unexpected, or non-traditional, which adds a layer of surprise. For example, you might be asked to find a red ornament or perform a holiday-themed dance challenge—each task scored to boost your team’s total points.

The scoring system is straightforward. You earn points for each item found and task completed, encouraging a friendly competition. You can keep an eye on the leaderboard to see how your team stacks up against others from around the city. This feature adds a fun, game-like element that appeals to competitive spirits and makes the activity lively.

The one-hour duration is ideal for a quick, energizing experience—perfect for a holiday afternoon or as an activity between other plans. Plus, the inclusion of a remote guide via text ensures you won’t feel lost or unsure of what to do next, especially if it’s your first time playing.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Starting Point: Mill Ruins Park at 102 Portland Ave S is both scenic and central—an ideal spot to gather your team and get ready for the hunt. The park itself, with its industrial charm and waterfront views, sets the holiday mood beautifully, especially if you arrive early to soak in the scenery.

Once you’re set, the app will direct you to seek out traditional and non-traditional holiday items throughout Minneapolis. You might find yourself searching for a festive storefront display, a snowman sculpture, or even something humorous like a holiday-themed hat on a stranger. The challenges are designed to be light-hearted and inclusive, ensuring everyone from kids to grandparents can participate comfortably.

Throughout the hunt, you’ll be performing tasks that might involve taking silly photos or completing mini challenges like singing a holiday song or doing a goofy dance—these add to the fun and laughter.

Ending back at the starting spot allows for a quick review of scores and sharing of memorable moments. Since the activity operates within a flexible timeframe during the holiday season, you can extend or shorten your experience based on your schedule.

The Value of Holly Jolly Hunt

Considering the price—just $20 per group—this activity packs a great deal of entertainment into a short period. You get all the scavenger hunt activities, a guided support system, and the chance to create lasting holiday memories without any additional costs. Since it’s a private experience, only your group participates, making it intimate and personalized.

The use of your own smartphone is necessary, but that’s a small ask, especially given that most travelers carry smartphones anyway. Just remember to ensure your device has a good internet connection to keep the app running smoothly.

One of the reviews points out that this activity “will create holiday memories you will not forget,” emphasizing its potential to deliver genuine joy and connection. It’s perfect for families looking for a safe, engaging outdoor activity, or groups of friends and colleagues seeking a festive, team-building experience.

Who Will Love Holly Jolly Hunt?

If you enjoy interactive activities that blend exploration with a bit of friendly competition, you’ll find this scavenger hunt delightful. It’s particularly suited for families with kids, groups of friends, or co-workers looking for a holiday outing that’s easy to organize and fun to participate in.

Those who prefer a structured tour or sightseeing bus might find this more casual and spontaneous. And if you’re someone who values authentic local experiences over commercialized attractions, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a more personal, memorable way to engage with Minneapolis’s seasonal atmosphere.

Practical Details and Tips for Your Holiday Scavenger Hunt

• The activity runs from late November to December 31st, fitting perfectly into the holiday season.
• It’s available Tuesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM, giving you ample flexibility.
• The meet-up point at Mill Ruins Park is accessible via public transportation, making it easy to reach without a car.
• Since the tour is private, only your group will participate—ideal for customizing your holiday experience.
• Remember, you need your own smartphone to participate; the activity fee includes only the scavenger hunt and guide support, not device rental.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, but be aware that larger groups aren’t accommodated, so plan accordingly.

FAQs about Holly Jolly Hunt in Minneapolis

How long does the activity last?
The scavenger hunt takes approximately 1 hour, making it a quick yet lively addition to your day.

What is included in the price?
For $20 per group, you get all scavenger hunt activities, a remote guide via text, and all fees and taxes—no hidden costs.

Can I do this activity with kids?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly and involves fun, inclusive challenges suitable for all ages.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need a smartphone with internet access to use the app and complete the scavenger hunt tasks.

Where does the activity start and end?
The activity begins and ends at Mill Ruins Park in downtown Minneapolis.

Is it suitable for large groups?
No, this is a private activity for groups of up to 10 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

Holly Jolly Hunt offers a cheerful, interactive way to explore Minneapolis during the holiday season. Its simplicity, affordability, and focus on fun make it an appealing choice for those wanting to add some laughter and lighthearted competition to their festive plans. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or colleagues, this activity promises memorable moments without the need for extensive planning or expensive tickets.

For travelers who enjoy outdoor activities with a twist, appreciate local, authentic experiences, and want to embrace the holiday spirit, Holly Jolly Hunt is a worthwhile addition to your Minneapolis itinerary. It’s a playful, engaging way to discover new corners of the city while creating stories that will keep everyone smiling long after the holiday season has passed.