Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Omaha with Holly Jolly Hunt
Imagine exploring Omaha through a fun, lively scavenger hunt that turns your smartphone into a holiday treasure map. For just $20 per group of up to 10 people, you can spend about an hour searching for traditional and not-so-traditional holiday items across the city. During this adventure, you’ll be guided remotely via text, seeking out festive objects, snapping photos, and completing silly challenges—all designed to spark laughter and create lasting memories.
Two aspects truly stand out about this experience: First, the flexibility to play anywhere in Omaha, which makes it ideal whether you’re a local or visiting. Second, the interactive leaderboard adds a friendly competitive edge, pushing everyone to find more items and perform more fun, holiday-themed tasks. The only real consideration is that you’ll need your own smartphone, plus transportation to get from one location to another if you’re playing outdoors.
This activity is best suited for groups looking for a relaxed, lighthearted way to enjoy Omaha’s holiday atmosphere—perfect for families, friends, or even co-workers seeking a cheerful team-building outing during the festive season. It’s a good fit for those who enjoy interactive experiences and want to turn holiday sightseeing into a playful challenge.
Key Points
- Affordable fun: At $20 per group, it offers great value for a memorable hour of holiday cheer.
- Flexibility: Play anywhere in Omaha, fitting into your schedule and preferences.
- All ages welcome: The scavenger hunt’s playful tasks are designed for everyone from kids to adults.
- Competitive spirit: See how your team stacks up on the leaderboard, adding a fun, social element.
- Remote guidance: A text-based guide keeps the experience smooth and stress-free.
- Inclusive: Service animals are allowed, and the activity is suitable for most travelers.
Exploring Omaha’s Holiday Spirit with Holly Jolly Hunt
When we first learned about Holly Jolly Hunt, we appreciated how it offers a fresh twist on holiday sightseeing. Instead of just wandering around with a guidebook, you’re actively engaged—scavenging through the city for Christmas ornaments, seasonal symbols, or even unconventional holiday items. What makes this experience special is its adaptability; you choose your own route and pace, making it suitable for both busy schedules and leisurely afternoons.
The price point of $20 per group is quite reasonable, especially considering that it includes all activities, taxes, and a remote guide via text message. This means no hidden costs or extra fees—just straightforward holiday fun. We also like that the activity is private and exclusive to your group, ensuring social distancing and a tailored experience.
From the start point at The Arch, 1110 Farnam St, you’ll be briefed and ready to begin your adventure. The entire experience lasts about an hour, which makes it easy to fit into a busy day or combine with other sightseeing. The fact that it runs from November 29 through December 31 gives plenty of time to plan around your holiday itinerary.
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The Itinerary: What to Expect

While the Holly Jolly Hunt isn’t a guided tour with fixed stops, it has a built-in structure that makes it easy to follow. You start at the Arch, a central Omaha landmark, and from there, your mobile app guides you on what to look for. The game is designed to be play-anywhere, so you can choose to explore downtown Omaha, the historic districts, or even your neighborhood if you prefer.
You’ll receive prompts for finding both traditional holiday items like ornaments or candy canes, and non-traditional objects that might make you laugh—think quirky decorations or unusual holiday signs. Each item you photograph scores points, and the goal is to maximize your haul before time runs out.
The fun challenges—such as performing holiday-themed tasks or silly photo poses—are intended to keep the mood light and lively. These challenges often elicit plenty of laughs and are suitable for all ages. For example, you might be asked to mimic Santa’s laugh or find an unusual holiday decoration.
The leaderboard adds an exciting competitive element. While most groups focus on having fun, there’s a natural urge to outscore others, which can be especially motivating for families or teams. You’ll see your score in real time, and at the end, you’ll know how you ranked against other Omaha teams.
What Makes Holly Jolly Hunt Stand Out

We loved the way this activity combines technology, outdoor exploration, and holiday cheer. It’s a perfect way to make holiday sightseeing less passive and more interactive. We also appreciate that it’s suitable for all ages, meaning kids, parents, and grandparents can enjoy it together. The simple setup—just your smartphone and a bit of curiosity—means there’s no need for complicated planning or transportation.
Another highlight is the flexibility of the experience. Whether you’re a local looking to add some holiday sparkle to your routine or a visitor wanting a fun activity outside of traditional sightseeing, this scavenger hunt fits seamlessly into your plans.
While the one-hour duration keeps it manageable, some reviewers noted that it’s just enough time for a quick holiday romp without feeling rushed. The fact that it can be played anywhere in Omaha means you can customize your route based on your interests and schedule.
Possible Drawbacks or Considerations
One potential limitation is that you’ll need to bring your own smartphone for the scavenger hunt, and the activity does not include transportation. If you’re planning on covering a lot of ground, you’ll want to consider how you’ll get from one location to another—whether by walking, biking, or car.
Another point to keep in mind is that since the activity is app-based and remote-guided, you might want to ensure your phone’s battery is fully charged, especially if playing outdoors for the full hour. Also, while the activity is suitable for most travelers, those with mobility issues might need to plan accordingly.
Some reviews mention that booking in advance is recommended—on average, the activity is booked about 69 days ahead—so if you’re set on a specific date, plan early to secure your preferred time.
Who Should Try Holly Jolly Hunt?
This activity is perfect for groups who enjoy interactive, social experiences during the holidays. Families with children will find it a delightful way to explore Omaha’s holiday sights without the need for a rigid schedule. Friends or co-workers looking for a light-hearted team-building activity will also enjoy the friendly competition and shared laughs.
If you’re someone who appreciates authentic local experiences that combine technology with outdoor exploration, Holly Jolly Hunt will add a joyful twist to your holiday visit. It’s also a good option if you’re traveling with a group that prefers a flexible schedule—you can start and stop as you like within the opening period.
Final Thoughts
Holly Jolly Hunt offers a creative, affordable way to enjoy Omaha’s holiday season. It combines local exploration, digital interaction, and fun challenges to create a memorable experience for all ages. The activity’s flexibility and inclusive nature make it a smart choice for families, friends, and colleagues alike.
While it’s not a guided tour with fixed stops, the sense of discovery and playful competition deliver a rich, engaging holiday experience. You’ll love the way it turns a simple walk through the city into a lively game, full of surprises and laughs. If you’re seeking something different from traditional sightseeing—yet still want to enjoy Omaha’s festive spirit—this scavenger hunt is worth considering.
Overall, for the price and the level of fun it offers, Holly Jolly Hunt stands out as a unique way to create holiday memories that will last well beyond the season.
FAQs
Do I need a special app to participate?
Yes, the Holly Jolly Hunt is operated through an app on your smartphone, which guides you through the scavenger hunt and tracks your progress.
How many people can join?
Up to 10 people can participate in each group, making it ideal for small family or friend groups.
What if I don’t have a smartphone?
The experience requires a smartphone with internet access to use the app. If you don’t have one, you might find it challenging to participate fully.
Is the activity suitable for children?
Yes, the scavenger hunt’s challenges and items are designed to be fun for all ages, making it a family-friendly activity.
Can I play the game in any part of Omaha?
Absolutely, the activity is designed to be playable anywhere in Omaha—you decide your route and explore at your own pace.
What’s included in the price?
Your fee of $20 covers all scavenger hunt activities, a remote guide via text message, and all applicable taxes and fees.
Are there any physical requirements?
You should be able to walk around Omaha’s streets to find items, but no special physical activity is required.
What’s the best time to play?
The activity is available from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, from late November through December 31.
How long does the activity last?
The scavenger hunt lasts approximately one hour, making it a quick yet engaging holiday outing.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
This holiday season, turn Omaha into your festive playground with Holly Jolly Hunt—an activity that guarantees smiles, laughs, and a little friendly competition.
