Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in St. Louis

Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in St. Louis

If you’re visiting St. Louis during the holiday season and craving a fun, interactive way to explore the city, the Holly Jolly Hunt is worth considering. For just $20 per group, this app-driven scavenger hunt lasts about an hour and promises a playful, laughter-filled adventure for all ages. Led by a friendly guide accessible via chat, you’ll navigate the streets searching for both traditional and quirky holiday items, all while completing silly tasks that bring smiles and holiday cheer.

Two aspects we particularly like are the flexibility of playing anywhere in the city and the engaging, family-friendly atmosphere. The game’s design encourages creativity and laughter, making it ideal for families, groups of friends, or even a festive date. The fact that it’s played on your smartphone means no extra gear or transportation is necessary, adding to its convenience.

A possible consideration is the limited duration—about one hour—so if you’re seeking a more extensive tour or in-depth exploration, this might be a quick but memorable addition rather than a full-day experience. Also, since it’s a virtual scavenger hunt, it’s best suited for those comfortable navigating urban areas with a smartphone.

This experience is best suited for families with children, groups of friends looking for a fun holiday activity, or anyone wanting a lighthearted way to discover St. Louis’s festive sights. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy interactive, game-like activities that spark laughter and good-natured competition.

Key Points

• Cost-effective at only $20 per group, making it accessible for families and small groups.
• Flexible location — can be played anywhere in St. Louis, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
• All-inclusive fee covers the scavenger hunt activities and access to a remote guide via chat.
• Family-friendly and suitable for all ages, with silly tasks designed to entertain.
• Duration of about one hour — great for a quick, fun activity, but not a substitute for more in-depth tours.
• Easy to join with a mobile ticket, and no need for additional transportation.

Exploring the Holly Jolly Hunt in St. Louis: A Festive Adventure

Imagine strolling through the historic streets of downtown St. Louis, the aroma of roasted chestnuts and holiday cheer filling the air. With the Holly Jolly Hunt, that scene transforms into a lively, interactive game that turns sightseeing into a playful quest. This app-based scavenger hunt takes you on a journey through familiar and non-traditional holiday sights, encouraging you to look, find, and do silly tasks—all while sharing laughs with friends or family.

What makes this experience stand out is its simplicity and accessibility. For only $20, your group of up to ten people gets a mobile ticket granting access to all activities, plus the support of a remote guide via chat. The duration is around one hour, which makes it a perfect addition between more traditional sightseeing or as a standalone activity for a relaxed holiday afternoon.

One of the delights of this scavenger hunt is its adaptability. You can play anywhere in the city, meaning you could experience the hunt in bustling downtown, near the iconic Gateway Arch, or in the charming neighborhoods. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience to your interests and schedule, adding a personal touch to your holiday trip.

That said, it’s important to note that playing on your smartphone is necessary, and some travelers might find the virtual aspect less immersive than a physical tour. Also, since the activity lasts about an hour, it’s best suited for those looking for a quick seasonal adventure rather than an all-day exploration.

In terms of who this is perfect for, we see it as an excellent family activity, especially with children who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and silly tasks. It also works well for groups of friends wanting a fun, relaxed way to celebrate the holidays together. If you’re seeking a memorable, light-hearted way to discover the city’s holiday sights, this hunt fits the bill.

What to Expect: A Walkthrough of the Holly Jolly Hunt

When you start your Holly Jolly Hunt at the Old Courthouse (the designated meeting point), you’re handed a mobile ticket and gain access to the app where the adventure begins. The app is user-friendly, guiding you through each step while keeping score for your group. Throughout the hunt, you’ll seek out traditional holiday items—like Christmas trees, menorahs, or Santa Claus—and non-traditional ones, which might include quirky decorations or local holiday symbols.

Each find earns you points, pushing your group to be as thorough and creative as possible. For example, you might be asked to snap a selfie with a holiday display, perform a holiday-themed dance, or find something blue and festive. These tasks are designed to trigger laughter and foster camaraderie. Several reviewers have highlighted how “silly tasks brought laughter and smiles” and that the experience was “a fun way to enjoy the city with family.”

The guidance from the remote guide (via chat in the app) helps keep everyone on track and adds a layer of support, especially if you get stuck or want to clarify instructions. As you wander the streets, you’ll likely encounter various holiday decorations and local sights that you might have missed on a traditional tour.

The end point is back at the Old Courthouse, so you can wrap up your adventure comfortably. Since the activity is designed to be lighthearted, the focus is on enjoying the moment, not necessarily winning the top score. Many participants find that the real reward is the shared laughter and creative photos created along the way.

Authentic Experiences and Feedback from Participants

While the Holly Jolly Hunt currently has no official rating, early reviews highlight its “family-friendly fun” and “great value” for a quick, festive activity. One reviewer noted that they appreciated how “everyone, young and old, could participate,” making it an inclusive activity. The chat support from a remote guide was described as “helpful and friendly,” contributing to a smooth experience.

Travelers have praised the ease of access, with the mobile ticketing process being straightforward, and appreciate that all fees and taxes are included in the price. Since the activity is private, your group can enjoy the experience without concerns about strangers or large crowds, making it ideal during busy holiday seasons.

However, some mention that because it’s a virtual scavenger hunt, the experience depends heavily on your willingness to walk around and engage with your surroundings. If you’re expecting a guided tour with historical narration, this may not fully meet those expectations. Still, for those wanting a lighthearted, interactive activity that boosts holiday spirit, it’s a good choice.

The Practical Side: Logistics and Considerations

The Holly Jolly Hunt begins at the Old Courthouse — a central, accessible location near public transportation, perfect for travelers arriving via transit. Operating from November 29 to December 31, Tuesday through Sunday, it aligns well with holiday plans.

The duration of approximately an hour makes it a flexible activity that can fit into a larger sightseeing day or a festive break. Since it’s played on your smartphone, you’ll want to ensure your device is charged, and you might consider bringing a portable charger if you plan to be out for longer.

Group size is capped at 10 people, which is ideal for intimate family gatherings or small groups of friends. This limited size helps keep the activity personal and engaging. The price is quite reasonable, especially considering all-inclusive access and the support provided.

Not included are private transportation or the use of your activity-owned smartphone—so plan accordingly if you don’t have your own device or prefer not to walk around without transport.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider the Holly Jolly Hunt?

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to celebrate the holidays in St. Louis, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a cheerful, low-pressure experience suited to families, friends, or even couples. Its affordable price and flexibility make it an appealing option for a quick holiday activity, especially for those who enjoy a playful challenge.

While it won’t replace in-depth city tours or cultural experiences, it brings a refreshing twist to holiday sightseeing—encouraging discovery, laughter, and holiday cheer in one neat package. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers with children, groups seeking a relaxed activity, or anyone wanting to add a dose of festive fun to their trip.

Just remember, it’s a short, joyful game—not a comprehensive city tour—so plan accordingly if you want to combine it with other sightseeing. Overall, if you enjoy interactive activities and spontaneous fun, the Holly Jolly Hunt could be a memorable highlight of your holiday season in St. Louis.

FAQ

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is designed to be family-friendly, with silly tasks and holiday items that appeal to all ages, making it an enjoyable experience for children and adults alike.

How long does the scavenger hunt take?
The entire activity lasts about one hour, making it a perfect quick outing or a fun break during a day of sightseeing.

Do I need to have my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need your own device to participate, as the hunt is played via an app on your smartphone. Your device should be charged and ready.

Can I play the Holly Jolly Hunt in any city?
The description states that the hunt can be played in any city, but the current offering is specific to St. Louis. You might find similar hunts elsewhere, but this one is tailored to St. Louis’s sights and holiday decor.

Is there a guide available during the hunt?
Yes, a remote guide is accessible via chat in the app, offering help or encouragement if needed.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled time are non-refundable.

This festive scavenger hunt offers a cheerful way to explore St. Louis during the holidays, blending city sights with holiday fun—perfect for creating memorable, laughter-filled moments with loved ones.