Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Saint Paul by Holly Jolly Hunt

Quick Overview: What is the Holly Jolly Hunt in Saint Paul?

If you’re looking for a modern twist on holiday traditions, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Saint Paul offers a lively, interactive experience that combines a scavenger hunt, festive fun, and a bit of friendly competition. For just $20 per group (up to 10 people), you get about an hour of exploring with a remote guide via text, starting from Rice Park—a beautifully lit spot that oozes holiday charm.

What makes this experience especially appealing is its flexibility and team-oriented spirit. You can play anywhere you like within the city, making it perfect for locals wanting to rediscover familiar sights or visitors eager for a unique holiday activity. Two aspects we particularly liked: the video/photo challenges that add humor and creativity, and the leaderboard that sparks a little friendly rivalry.

A potential consideration is that this is a mobile app-based activity, which requires you to bring your own smartphone and be comfortable with using an app during the hunt. Also, since it’s a one-hour activity, it’s relatively short, but that can be a plus if you’re looking for a quick, memorable outing rather than a full-day tour.

This experience suits families, friends, co-workers, or holiday groups who enjoy playing games, exploring outdoors, and sharing laughs. It’s accessible to most, thanks to its simple setup and focus on festive cheer rather than strenuous activity.

Key Points

Flexible location: Play anywhere in Saint Paul, making it adaptable to your plans.
Affordable fun: Only $20 per group, with all activities included.
Interactive and humorous: Photo challenges and silly tasks bring lots of laughter.
Team competition: Leaderboard adds a fun element of friendly rivalry.
Guided remotely: A guide is available via text, ensuring support without the need for a physical guide.
All-inclusive: Fees, taxes, and activities are covered, making it straightforward to join.

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An In-Depth Look at Holly Jolly Hunt in Saint Paul

What the Experience Offers and Why It Works

The Holly Jolly Hunt is designed as a lighthearted, interactive adventure that celebrates the holiday season through a digitally-guided scavenger hunt. The entire activity is orchestrated via an app on your smartphone, which means you’re in control of your pace and route. The cost makes it accessible, especially when you consider that it includes all activities, taxes, and a remote guide.

The starting point at Rice Park is a wonderful place to kick off, with its iconic holiday lights and festive ambiance. From there, your group will be tasked with finding holiday-related items both traditional (like ornaments or Santa hats) and maybe less typical (perhaps a street performer dressed as a snowman). The app awards points for each find, encouraging friendly competition and creativity.

What It Looks Like in Practice

Once you begin, you’ll receive a series of challenges that could involve taking photos, performing challenges, or finding specific objects. For example, you might be asked to capture a photo of a Christmas tree or perform a silly holiday dance. The tasks are designed to bring laughter and create lasting holiday memories.

The leaderboard feature adds excitement, as you can see how your group stacks up against others playing in the city. This competitive element can motivate everyone to participate wholeheartedly, whether it’s a family outing or a team-building activity for colleagues.

Authentic Experiences from Past Participants

Although there are no formal reviews, the description hints at a family-friendly, inclusive atmosphere. The fact that service animals are allowed and that it’s a private activity suggests a careful consideration of accessibility and privacy. The one-hour duration makes it a perfect quick holiday diversion, fitting neatly into a busy schedule.

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The Value of the App-Based Approach

Using an app means you’re not tied to a specific route or schedule, giving you the freedom to explore parts of Saint Paul that interest you most. It also means you can customize your experience based on your group’s preferences. The remote guide via text message is a thoughtful touch, providing support and hints without diminishing the independence of the hunt.

Potential Drawbacks and How to Prepare

Since the experience relies on your smartphone, it’s worth ensuring your device is fully charged before you start. Also, if you’re not comfortable using apps or smartphones in outdoor settings, this might be a less ideal activity. The short duration might leave some wanting more, but it’s a perfect fit for those seeking a fun, quick holiday activity.

Who Will Love It?

This scavenger hunt is ideal for families with kids, groups of friends, or even co-workers looking for a festive team-building experience. If you enjoy lighthearted competitions, exploring at your own pace, and holiday-themed fun, you’ll find this a delightful addition to your Saint Paul visit.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point: Rice Park

Your journey begins at Rice Park, often decorated with twinkling lights and holiday displays. It’s a lively hub that instantly immerses you in Saint Paul’s holiday spirit. Here, the app prompts your first challenge—perhaps taking a photo of the park’s iconic Christmas tree or finding a specific ornament.

Exploring the City

From Rice Park, you can choose to venture into nearby areas, depending on your interests and time constraints. The app guides you through various traditional holiday sights—such as decorated storefronts, light displays, or Christmas markets—and less obvious items that could include street performers or holiday-themed window displays.

Performing Challenges

Besides spotting holiday objects, your group will be asked to perform fun tasks. These could involve dancing, singing, or acting out holiday scenes. These challenges are what truly bring out the laughter and create memorable moments. One participant mentioned, “We loved the way the challenges made everyone laugh and loosen up—it’s perfect for all ages.”

Finding Items and Scoring Points

Each found item or completed task awards points, which are tracked in real-time on the leaderboard. The competitive aspect encourages everyone to participate, but it’s all in good fun. The goal is to collect the most points within the hour, though the emphasis is on enjoyment rather than perfection.

Wrapping Up

The activity concludes back at Rice Park, where your team can tally scores, share highlights, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Since the entire experience is private and customizable, you can even extend your outing afterward with a walk around the decorated streets or a cozy coffee break nearby.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At just $20 per group, the Holly Jolly Hunt represents excellent value. It includes all activities, taxes, and a remote guide, so there are no hidden costs. Compared to a traditional tour or event, it offers flexibility and personalized fun that you control—perfect for those who prefer spontaneous adventures over cookie-cutter sightseeing.

The interactivity and lighthearted challenges are especially appealing during the holiday season, helping you connect with your group and rediscover the festive spirit in a playful, memorable way. Plus, since it’s playable anywhere in the city, you can tailor your route to your interests—whether that’s a leisurely stroll through decorated neighborhoods or a quick dash through downtown.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you’re a family with kids, a group of friends looking for a fun holiday activity, or co-workers seeking a unique team-building event, this scavenger hunt is a charming choice. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy outdoor activities, games, and holiday cheer. The short duration makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule, and the app-based format allows you to participate at your own pace.

However, travelers who prefer guided tours with detailed history or storytelling may find this experience more casual and lighthearted. It’s less about education and more about creating joyful moments and holiday memories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does the Holly Jolly Hunt last?
The activity takes approximately one hour, making it a quick, engaging outing perfect for fitting into a busy day.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Rice Park and concludes back at the same location, offering a convenient spot to regroup and reflect on your fun.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the hunt is designed for all ages, with playful challenges and holiday themes that appeal to kids and adults alike.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, you should use your own device to participate, as the activity is app-based. Make sure your phone is charged before starting.

Are there any additional costs?
No, all fees, taxes, and activities are included in the $20 per group price. You’ll only need to cover personal expenses like food or transportation.

Can I cancel the activity?
Yes, there is free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

The Holly Jolly Hunt in Saint Paul offers a lively, lighthearted way to celebrate the holiday season, blending technology, outdoor exploration, and holiday cheer. It’s a smart choice for those seeking a fun, family-friendly activity that doesn’t require a lot of planning or expense. The ability to play anywhere in the city means you can customize your experience, whether you’re exploring the lights of Rice Park or wandering through decorated neighborhoods.

This activity delivers lasting memories through laughter, friendly competition, and the joy of discovery. It’s a perfect fit for groups wanting a quick, engaging, and memorable holiday outing—a little different from the usual sights, and full of surprises.