Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Pittsburgh with Holly Jolly Hunt

Celebrate the Season with the Holly Jolly Hunt in Pittsburgh

If you’re looking to add a touch of festive fun to your Pittsburgh trip, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers an engaging way to experience the city during the holiday season. For just $20 per group (up to 10 people), this app-based scavenger hunt lasts around an hour, giving you a flexible, interactive way to explore Pittsburgh’s holiday charm. The activity starts at 21 Market Square and ends back there, perfect for those wanting a quick yet memorable experience.

What makes this adventure stand out? First, it’s perfect for families, friends, or co-workers looking for a shared holiday activity that’s both playful and meaningful. Second, the mobile app approach means you can play anywhere, whether downtown, in a park, or even in a neighborhood filled with holiday decorations. A great feature is the leaderboard, which allows you to see how your team stacks up against others — adding a friendly competitive edge.

One potential consideration is that use of your own smartphone is necessary, so if you’re not typically plugged into your device, keep that in mind. Also, transportation isn’t included, so this is best suited for those comfortable walking or using local transit. This experience excels for those wanting a light-hearted, interactive holiday activity that fits into a busy schedule and turns exploring into a game.

If you enjoy urban adventures with a festive twist, or are looking for a unique way to celebrate with a group, the Holly Jolly Hunt could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Flexible Location: Play anywhere you want within Pittsburgh’s downtown area or nearby neighborhoods.
• Inexpensive Fun: At $20 per group, it offers great value for a quick, engaging activity.
• Interactive & Social: Perfect for groups wanting to compete and share laughs.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: No hidden fees; all scavenger activities and taxes are covered.
• Requires Smartphone Use: You’ll need your own device to participate.
• Booking in Advance: Popular during the holidays, so plan to reserve around 38 days ahead.

A Closer Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience

When we first heard about the Holly Jolly Hunt, we were curious how a digital scavenger hunt could capture the true spirit of Pittsburgh’s holiday season. It turns out this activity combines urban exploration with holiday cheer in a way that’s accessible and surprisingly versatile.

What the Tour Includes and How It Works

For just $20 per group, up to 10 people, you get access to the mobile app, which serves as the game board. The activity includes all scavenger hunt tasks and challenges, as well as a chat feature allowing you to connect with a remote guide if needed. The all fees and taxes are covered, so no surprises when it’s time to pay.

The start point is at 21 Market Square, a lively hub in downtown Pittsburgh, making it easy to find and well served by public transit. The hunt itself lasts approximately one hour, making it a perfect quick activity, especially if you’re pressed for time or want a break from more traditional sightseeing.

What to Expect During the Hunt

Once you begin, your team will hunt for holiday-themed items scattered around the city or hidden in plain sight. These aren’t always the usual decorations — some items might be traditional, like ornaments or wreaths, but others could be more quirky or unexpected, encouraging you to look at familiar places with fresh eyes.

To score points, you’ll take photos of these items through the app. The challenges are designed to be fun and light-hearted, often involving humor or creativity, which helps keep everyone engaged. For example, you might be asked to find a holiday item and perform a silly task involving it, like singing a carol or creating a holiday-themed pose.

Why We Think This Is a Great Holiday Activity

One aspect we particularly appreciated is how the activity encourages teamwork and laughter, making it suitable for a wide range of groups. As one reviewer noted, “It’s guaranteed to bring laughter to your team,” which is a big plus during the often hectic holiday season.

The leaderboard feature adds a friendly competitive edge. Seeing your score compared to others from all over Pittsburgh pushes teams to be a bit more creative and quick on their feet. Plus, the flexibility to play anywhere means you can tailor your experience—perhaps blending it with a holiday stroll or a quick lunch break.

Challenges and Considerations

While the activity is generally praised, some travelers might find the use of a smartphone a minor barrier. If your group isn’t accustomed to using apps or prefers traditional tours, this might require a bit of patience.

Plus, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to plan how to get to and from the starting point, especially if you’re coming from outside downtown or staying in suburbs. Walking is straightforward in the area, and public transportation is nearby, but be prepared for some light strolling.

Who Will Love the Holly Jolly Hunt?

This activity suits families with kids, groups of friends, or even co-workers looking for a fun team-building exercise. If you’re seeking a lighthearted holiday activity that’s quick and easy, this could be your perfect choice. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy interactive games, urban exploration, and holiday cheer.

Why the Holly Jolly Hunt Offers Good Value

Compared to traditional tours that might last several hours or cost significantly more, this scavenger hunt provides entertainment that is both affordable and flexible. For $20, your group gets a customizable, memorable experience with minimal hassle. Plus, since it’s booked online in advance, you can plan ahead during the busy holiday season.

The all-inclusive pricing and the option to play anywhere make it a practical choice for travelers who want to maximize fun without stretching their budget. It’s not a guided tour in the classic sense but offers personalized interaction via the chat feature and the chance to document your adventure with photos — both adding to the experience’s authenticity.

Final Thoughts: Is the Holly Jolly Hunt Right for You?

If you’re visiting Pittsburgh during the holiday months and want to add a playful, interactive activity to your itinerary, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s especially suited for groups who enjoy light competitive fun, urban adventures, and holiday-themed challenges. Whether you’re with family, friends, or colleagues, it promises lasting memories and plenty of laughs.

However, if you prefer guided tours with more historical narration or require transportation included, this activity might feel a bit too casual or independent. Still, for those looking to get outside, explore in a fun way, and embrace the holiday spirit, it’s a delightful option that won’t break the bank.

This scavenger hunt balances cost, convenience, and entertainment—a clever way to see Pittsburgh through a festive lens while creating stories you’ll talk about long after the season ends.

FAQ

Can I do the Holly Jolly Hunt at any time?
Yes, the activity is available from November 29, 2025, through December 31, 2025, during regular hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.

How far in advance should I book?
Most groups book about 38 days ahead, especially during the busy holiday season, to ensure availability.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s family-friendly, making it a fun activity for kids and adults alike.

Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need to use your own device to access the app, take photos, and follow challenges.

Are there any extra costs?
No, all fees and taxes are included in the $20 per group price. Your only expense is your own transportation and food if you choose.

What if I want to cancel?
Cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours before the scheduled time. Closer cancellations are non-refundable.

This holiday scavenger hunt in Pittsburgh offers a cheerful, interactive way to explore the city’s festive atmosphere. Perfect for small groups seeking a memorable, affordable, and fun-filled experience, it transforms sightseeing into a playful adventure that will surely bring smiles and stories long after the holiday season.