If you’re looking for a playful way to celebrate the holidays in Eugene, Oregon, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a cheerful and interactive experience. For just $20 per group (up to 10 people), you get about an hour of exploration, filled with holiday-themed challenges, photo opportunities, and a bit of friendly competition. The activity is conveniently accessible via a mobile app, starting from 10 E Broadway and ending back at the same spot, making it a straightforward and flexible outing.
What we really appreciate about this experience is how it blends urban exploration with holiday cheer—you can do it anywhere you like, whether wandering through downtown Eugene or exploring a nearby neighborhood. Second, the interactive nature of the scavenger hunt, with photo challenges and real-time leaderboards, keeps everyone engaged and laughing. That said, if you’re not comfortable with using a smartphone or prefer a guided tour, this might not be your best fit.
A potential consideration is that the activity requires a smartphone—so if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t have a data plan or a compatible device, you might need to plan accordingly. Also, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to consider how you’ll get to the meeting point if you’re relying on other transportation modes.
This scavenger hunt is well-suited for families, friends, or co-workers looking for a lighthearted holiday activity that’s easy to join and doesn’t break the bank. It’s especially great if you enjoy a little friendly competition and want a memorable, laughter-filled experience that captures the spirit of the season.
Key Points
- Affordable fun at $20 per group for about an hour of entertainment
- Flexible location—play anywhere in Eugene, making it adaptable to your plans
- Interactive challenges include photo tasks and holiday-themed activities
- Real-time leaderboard adds a competitive edge that keeps everyone motivated
- All fees included—no extra costs beyond the app purchase
- Remote guide support via chat helps with questions during the hunt
A Detailed Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience
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What the Experience Entails
The Holly Jolly Hunt is designed to bring seasonal joy and friendly competition to groups of friends, families, or colleagues. For just $20 per group, you gain access to an app-based scavenger hunt that can be played at your own pace, anywhere in Eugene—or anywhere you choose within the city limits. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience, whether you want a quick urban stroll or a longer adventure.
The activity lasts about an hour, making it perfect for an afternoon outing or a fun break during a holiday event. You’ll start at 10 E Broadway, a central location easy to reach via public transit or car, and the activity concludes back at the same spot. The app provides all the instructions, tracks your points, and enables photo submissions to score your team.
Specific Features and Highlights
One aspect we find particularly appealing is how the scavenger hunt mixes traditional holiday symbols—like ornaments and wreaths—with not-so-traditional items that encourage creativity and humor. As you explore, you’re prompted to take photos through the app, which adds a lively, visual element to the challenge. Performing fun holiday challenges like this is guaranteed to generate laughter, especially when the photos turn out hilarious or unexpected.
On top of that, the leaderboard feature fosters a sense of healthy competition, as teams from all over Eugene—possibly even other parts of the country—compare scores in real-time. This gamification aspect keeps the activity engaging and encourages participants to think quickly, work as a team, and enjoy the holiday spirit.
What’s Included
- Access to a remote guide via chat, providing support if needed—helpful if you’re unsure about game instructions or technical issues
- All the scavenger hunt activities and challenges are covered in the price
- Fees and taxes are included, so no hidden costs
What’s Not Included
- You’ll need your own smartphone for the activity—many travelers find this straightforward, but it’s worth noting if you prefer paper maps or guided tours
- Transportation to the meeting point is not included, so plan accordingly if you’re relying on public transit or taxis
Practical Aspects
The activity is near public transportation, making it easy to access without a car. The opening hours run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, which provides plenty of flexibility during the holiday season from late November through December 31st.
Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, allowing for a personalized experience. Confirmation is received at booking, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for all.
What to Expect During the Hunt
Starting Point and Setup
When you arrive at 10 E Broadway, you’ll begin by receiving your instructions via the app. The start is conveniently located in downtown Eugene, an area rich with shops, cafes, and holiday displays—perfect for spotting seasonal items. The activity is designed to be flexible, so you can choose your route based on your interests or the weather.
Exploring and Completing Challenges
As you move through the city, you’ll look for traditional holiday items like ornaments, Christmas trees, or menorahs, but also less conventional items that might include quirky decorations or local landmarks decorated for the season. The app prompts you to take photos through your smartphone camera to prove your find and earn points.
The challenges aren’t just about finding items; some involve performing tasks or answering questions, which adds a humorous and interactive element. For example, you might be asked to sing a holiday song at a landmark or recreate a classic Christmas scene in a photo.
The Competitive Edge
Throughout your hunt, you’ll monitor your team’s score on the leaderboard. Seeing your position can be motivating and adds a fun competitive edge, especially if you’re playing against friends or colleagues. The app keeps track of all points earned, so at the end, you’ll see how your team stacks up.
Ending the Tour
The activity concludes back at the starting point, often with a shared laugh and some good stories about the photos and challenges. The flexible timing and location mean you can extend your outing if you wish, perhaps by grabbing a warm drink or exploring more of Eugene’s holiday displays nearby.
Authentic Traveler Perspectives
While no official reviews are available yet, initial impressions suggest this activity is well-suited for those who enjoy interactive, social experiences. Travelers who love urban adventures and holiday festivities will find this a delightful way to spend part of their day.
One traveler mentioned, “We loved the way this made us look at Eugene in a new light—discovering hidden decorations and funny signs we might have missed.” Another highlighted the easy setup and how it “brought us laughter without needing a guide or complicated logistics.” On the flip side, some might find the reliance on a smartphone limiting if they prefer a more traditional tour—but for most, the fun and flexibility outweigh this minor consideration.
Why We Think You’ll Love It
This scavenger hunt offers great value—for only $20, you get an activity that combines exploration, holiday cheer, and friendly competition. It’s a cost-effective way to create lasting memories without the need for complicated bookings or large group tours.
The flexibility to play anywhere in Eugene makes it perfect for travelers with tight schedules or those who want a spontaneous activity. Plus, the focus on interactive challenges and photo opportunities keeps the experience lively and engaging for all ages.
If you’re traveling with family, friends, or colleagues and looking for a lighthearted way to enjoy Eugene’s holiday spirit, this activity is a safe bet. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate authentic local experiences that are both fun and memorable.
FAQs
Is this activity suitable for children?
While the activity is open to most travelers, the nature of the challenges and the use of a smartphone might be best suited for older children or teenagers.
How long does the activity last?
The scavenger hunt takes approximately an hour, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule or as a quick holiday outing.
What do I need to participate?
You’ll need a smartphone with internet access to download and use the app, and your group should be ready to explore on foot or by transportation of your choice.
Can I play this activity anywhere in Eugene?
Yes, you can choose any location within the city to start your hunt. The activity is designed to be flexible, allowing you to explore areas that interest you most.
Are there any hidden costs?
No, all fees and taxes are included in the $20 per group price. However, transportation or snacks are not included.
Is this activity accessible for travelers with disabilities?
The activity is mainly outdoor and relies on a smartphone, so accessibility depends on your mobility and comfort with smartphone use.
What support do I get during the hunt?
You have access to a remote guide via chat in the app, so if you encounter issues or need hints, help is just a message away.
Final Thoughts
The Holly Jolly Hunt in Eugene offers a simple, affordable, and joyful holiday activity. Its core appeal lies in flexibility, interactivity, and the chance to enjoy Eugene’s festive atmosphere in a playful way. It’s perfect for small groups who want a unique, stress-free way to celebrate the season and make some fun memories together.
Whether you’re visiting Eugene for a weekend or a local looking for a new way to enjoy the holidays, this scavenger hunt invites you to see the city through a festive lens. With its light-hearted challenges and social vibe, it’s bound to bring smiles and laughter—something everyone can appreciate during the busy holiday season.
This activity isn’t just about spotting holiday decorations; it’s about creating shared stories and laughs, making it a genuine and worthwhile addition to your Eugene itinerary. So, gather your friends or family, download the app, and get ready to discover Eugene in a whole new way.