Celebrate the holiday spirit in Hartford with the Holly Jolly Hunt—a lively, app-based scavenger hunt designed for groups up to 10 people. Priced at just $20 per group, this hour-long activity offers a festive way to explore the city, find holiday-related items, and enjoy some friendly competition. Guided remotely with a text-based guide, it’s perfect for families, friends, or even co-workers looking for a cheerful holiday outing.
What we love about this experience is first, its flexibility—you can play it anywhere in Hartford, making it ideal whether you’re a visitor or a local wanting a fun break. Second, the combination of traditional holiday items with quirky, unexpected challenges keeps the energy light and laughter flowing. It’s a unique way to see the city and make lasting memories in just an hour. One potential consideration is that it’s a mobile app activity, so you’ll need a smartphone and data, which can be a limitation if connectivity is spotty.
This tour is best suited for groups wanting a playful, interactive activity that’s easy to organize and doesn’t require much planning. Whether you’re traveling as a family, celebrating with friends, or doing a team-building event, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to embrace Hartford’s holiday vibe.
Key Points

- Flexible Location: Play anywhere in Hartford, no fixed route required.
- Affordable Price: At $20 for up to 10 people, it’s great value for a shared experience.
- Interactive Fun: Find holiday items, complete silly challenges, and compete on a leaderboard.
- Remote Guide Support: Receive guidance via text, keeping the activity simple and stress-free.
- All-Inclusive Price: No extra fees or taxes—just book, download, and start.
- Suitable for All Ages: Perfect for families, friends, coworkers, or anyone who enjoys holiday cheer.
Exploring the Holly Jolly Hunt in Hartford: A Practical, Fun-Filled Christmas Activity
If you’re looking for a way to inject some holiday energy into your Hartford visit, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a cheerful, interactive experience that can fit into even the busiest schedules. For just $20 a group, this app-based scavenger hunt promises about an hour of laughter, discovery, and friendly competition. It’s designed to be played anywhere in Hartford, making it a versatile choice whether you’re exploring the city on a winter weekend or celebrating a special holiday outing.
We’re always fans of activities that combine local charm with a bit of playful challenge. The Holly Jolly Hunt achieves that by inviting participants to track down both traditional holiday items—like ornaments or snowmen—and some quirky, unexpected objects or tasks that add a humorous twist. The fact that it’s guided remotely via text means you don’t need a physical guide or need to stay on a strict schedule, offering flexibility for your group.
Two things we really appreciate: First, how it encourages everyone to participate, regardless of age. It’s suitable for families with kids, groups of friends, or colleagues looking to break the ice. Second, the instant leaderboard feedback adds a competitive edge that motivates everyone to keep searching and performing the goofy challenges.
A potential downside? Since it relies on your mobile device and internet connection, connectivity issues could interfere with your progress. Also, the activity is quite short—about an hour—so if you’re craving a more in-depth tour or sightseeing experience, this is more of a lighthearted distraction than a comprehensive exploration.
In terms of who this tour suits best, we’d say it’s perfect for those who want a simple, fun activity that doesn’t require much planning or physical exertion. It’s ideal for groups that enjoy games, family outings, or holiday team-building events.
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What To Expect During the Holly Jolly Hunt

The activity kicks off at the historic Connecticut’s Old State House at 800 Main St, where you’ll meet your virtual guide and receive instructions. From there, the fun begins as you use your phone to locate a series of holiday-themed items scattered around the city or in your chosen location. This could be anything from classic holiday symbols to more unconventional objects that fit the season’s spirit.
The scavenger hunt itself is designed to be accessible and engaging. You’ll be searching for items and performing silly challenges—think singing a holiday carol or striking a goofy pose—that are meant to elicit smiles all around. Each item you find earns you points, which are displayed on a real-time leaderboard, giving your team a sense of progress and friendly rivalry.
What makes this scavenger hunt particularly appealing is that it’s not confined to a specific route. You can adapt it to your preferred neighborhood, park, or shopping district, making it perfect for the area’s festive streets or even indoors if the weather’s chilly.
Highlights of the Itinerary
- Start at Old State House: The historic starting point provides a sense of local pride and is easy to access via public transportation. It’s a nice touch that the activity begins here, as it ties your holiday adventure to Hartford’s core.
- Search for Traditional and Non-Traditional Items: You might find classic decorations or quirky objects like a Santa hat on a street performer.
- Perform Holiday Challenges: From silly poses to mini dance-offs, these tasks are designed to create laughter and camaraderie.
- Keep score and climb the leaderboard: The real-time ranking adds excitement, especially if you’re competing against other teams in Hartford or your own group.
- End back at the meeting point: After roughly an hour, everyone returns to the starting location, where the activity concludes and you can compare scores.
Authenticity and Local Flavor
We loved the way the hunt encourages you to look at Hartford through a festive lens. It’s not just about ticking items off a list but appreciating the city’s holiday spirit—whether that’s spotting the twinkling lights downtown or noticing a creative display in a shop window. The activity taps into local sights and seasonal decor, making your experience more authentic.
The Value of the Holly Jolly Hunt

For $20, you’re getting more than just a scavenger hunt—you’re gaining a shared experience that unites your group through fun and laughter. The activity includes all fees and taxes, with the only extra costs being your own smartphone and data plan. Considering how much entertainment and holiday cheer this activity delivers in a short time, it’s a solid value.
While some reviews highlight the activity’s simplicity, they also praise its lightheartedness and the way it creates lasting holiday memories. As one reviewer put it, “We promise you will create holiday memories that you will not forget!” It’s a straightforward, stress-free way to add some sparkle to your holiday itinerary without the hassle of complicated bookings or long commitments.
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Who Should Consider This?
This activity is perfect if you’re a traveler or local wanting a low-key, entertaining holiday activity. It’s especially good for families with kids, groups of friends, or colleagues looking to bond outside of traditional dinner plans. Since it’s private and only your group participates, it’s flexible enough to fit into your holiday schedule and preferences.
FAQ
Do I need to download anything before the hunt?
You’ll need the Holly Jolly Hunt app installed on your smartphone to participate. The activity is app-based and uses your device to locate items and perform challenges.
Can I play this activity indoors?
Yes, since it’s played anywhere you choose in Hartford, you can adapt your hunt for indoor locations if weather or other factors make outdoor play less desirable.
What is included in the price?
The $20 fee covers the entire activity for up to 10 people, including a remote guide via text, all scavenger hunt activities, and taxes.
How long does the activity last?
The activity takes approximately one hour from start to finish, making it a quick but memorable holiday outing.
Is this activity suitable for children?
Absolutely. The challenges and search items are designed to be fun for all ages, and it’s a great way to involve kids in holiday cheer.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, receiving a full refund. Less than 24 hours’ notice means no refund.
To sum it up, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Hartford offers a delightful way to explore the city with a festive twist. It’s ideal for groups wanting a lighthearted, engaging activity that encourages creativity, laughter, and holiday spirit. With its affordability, flexibility, and inclusive nature, it’s a smart choice for making some memorable seasonal moments—whether you’re visiting Hartford or a local looking for a unique holiday tradition.
More Tour Reviews in Hartford
- Hartford Bradley Airport (BDL) to Hartford City – Arrival Private Transfer
- Hartford Bradley Airport (BDL) to Springfield City – RoundTrip Private Transfer
- Lower Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting above Ages 3
- The Best Family Float Trip
- Hartford Airport (BDL) to Hatfield Arrival Private Transfer
- Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Hartford by Operation City Quest
More Hartford experiences we've covered
- Hartford Bradley Airport (BDL) to Hartford City – Arrival Private Transfer
- Hartford Bradley Airport (BDL) to Springfield City – RoundTrip Private Transfer
- Lower Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting above Ages 3
- The Best Family Float Trip
- Hartford Airport (BDL) to Hatfield Arrival Private Transfer
- Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Hartford by Operation City Quest
