Celebrate the Season with Holly Jolly Hunt in Dallas

Looking for a light-hearted way to celebrate the holidays in Dallas? The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a simple, app-based scavenger hunt that lets you explore the city’s festive spirit at your own pace. Costing just $20 per group, with up to 10 people, this activity lasts about an hour, making it perfect for a quick holiday outing. Starting at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, you’ll hunt for holiday-related items—both traditional and unexpected—and complete funny challenges along the way.
What we love about this experience is how flexible it is. You can choose your own route, exploring the city’s sights or cozy neighborhoods, making it adaptable whether you’re with friends, family, or colleagues. Plus, the app’s leaderboard adds a friendly competitive edge that keeps everyone engaged. The second highlight is the interactive element, where taking photos and performing challenges brings a lot of laughter—especially in a cheerful holiday setting.
However, a possible drawback is the variable quality of the scavenger hunt content. One reviewer described it as just “OK” and “unexplainable,” suggesting that not everyone will find the clues or challenges equally engaging. Also, since you need your own smartphone and there’s no included transportation, it’s best suited for those comfortable navigating the city on their own.
This activity is ideal if you’re after a cost-effective, flexible, and interactive way to add some holiday fun to your itinerary. It’s especially suited for groups who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and aren’t overly concerned about meticulously curated clues.
Key Points

- Flexible Location: Play anywhere in Dallas that suits your schedule, making it perfect for spontaneous plans.
- Cost-Effective: At $20 per group, it offers a fun activity without breaking the bank.
- Interactive Fun: Photos and challenges promote laughter and team bonding.
- Self-Guided: No transportation included, so you explore at your own pace.
- Online Support: Access to a remote guide via chat can help if you get stuck.
- Mixed Reviews: One reviewer found it just “OK,” so expectations should be realistic.
Planning more time in Dallas? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
An In-Depth Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience in Dallas

If you’re considering this holiday-themed activity, it helps to understand what the experience really entails. The Holly Jolly Hunt is a mobile app-based scavenger hunt that you can tailor to your preferred Dallas neighborhood or landmark. Starting at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, a central and accessible location, your group will receive clues and challenges through the app, prompting you to find or do specific holiday-related tasks.
Itinerary and Key Stops
The itinerary isn’t fixed—since it’s a choose your own adventure, the real value lies in your own route. You could opt to explore downtown Dallas, taking in the beautiful Reunion Tower or Klyde Warren Park, all while hunting for holiday items. The app guides you through various challenges, which may include taking photos of Christmas decorations, finding quirky holiday items, or performing silly tasks.
What Makes It Special
One aspect we appreciate is how the photo challenges encourage creativity. For example, you might be asked to snap a picture of a Christmas tree or a holiday-themed storefront. The scoring system adds a playful competitive element, with your team’s points visible on the leaderboard, making it fun to see how you compare against others in real-time.
Challenges and Activities
The challenges are meant to bring laughter and joy, like performing a holiday dance or singing carols, depending on the group’s mood. The app also provides a chat support, which might come in handy if you’re unsure about a clue or need hints. All activities and fees are included—so no extra costs here—and the entire experience lasts about an hour.
What Travelers Say
The reviews are mixed. One reviewer in December 2024 described the hunt as “just OK,” saying, “these are just things that are unexplainable,” which indicates that not everyone finds the clues particularly engaging or memorable. It’s worth noting that one reviewer gave it a very low rating, calling it a “Terrible Scavenger hunt,” which suggests that the experience might depend heavily on personal expectations and group dynamics.
Practical Considerations
Since use of your own smartphone is required, make sure your device is charged. The activity does not include private transportation, so you’ll want to be comfortable walking or using public transit between stops. The duration is approximately an hour, making it a good choice for a quick holiday outing or as a break between other activities.
Suitability
This experience works best for groups who enjoy lighthearted competition and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to add some interactive fun without needing a tour guide or fixed itinerary. Also, groups that enjoy taking photos or performing silly challenges will find it particularly entertaining.
The Sum Up: Who Will Love the Holly Jolly Hunt?
If you’re after a low-cost, flexible, and interactive holiday activity in Dallas, the Holly Jolly Hunt can provide a few hours of light-hearted fun. It’s perfect for families, friends, or coworkers looking for a casual way to explore Dallas’s festive spirit. The app-based format allows you to choose your own route, making it adaptable to various interests and energy levels.
That said, if you prefer curated clues or more immersive experiences, this scavenger hunt might fall short. Some reviews suggest that the content can seem unexplained or unengaging, so it’s best for groups who enjoy spontaneous activities rather than meticulously planned adventures.
This is a great value for a quick holiday escape, especially if you enjoy challenges, photos, and a bit of friendly competition. Just remember to keep your expectations realistic, and be prepared to navigate Dallas on your own.
FAQ
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, since it involves fun challenges and photo tasks, it can be suitable for kids, especially if they enjoy scavenger hunts and silly tasks.
Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need your own device to access the app, take photos, and receive clues.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included, so you should plan to walk, use public transit, or have your own vehicle.
What are the start and end points?
The activity begins and ends at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza in Dallas.
What if I get lost or need help?
You have access to a remote guide via chat in the app, which can assist if you’re unsure about clues or challenges.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. Full refund if canceled in time.
In essence, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a relaxed, fun way to celebrate the holiday season in Dallas. While it may not be a meticulously curated tour, its flexibility and affordability make it worth considering for anyone looking to add a playful twist to their holiday sightseeing.
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