Celebrate the season with the Holly Jolly Hunt in Lexington, Kentucky—a fun, flexible holiday scavenger hunt that fits into your schedule and interests. For $20 per group (up to 10 participants), you gain access to a mobile app that guides you through a city-wide holiday adventure lasting about an hour. Whether you’re a local looking to add some festive cheer or a visitor eager for an interactive way to explore Lexington’s sights, this activity offers a playful mix of tradition and surprises. Meet at the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion in Tandy Centennial Park to start your journey, and if you’re lucky, you might even finish with a few new holiday memories in your back pocket.
What’s especially appealing is the flexibility of the experience—you choose your own route, making it ideal for families, groups of friends, or colleagues seeking a break from typical tours. We particularly appreciate the interactive nature—taking photos, completing challenges, and competing against other teams on the leaderboard add a lively and competitive twist. Plus, the inclusion of a remote guide via chat ensures you get help if needed, making it accessible even for first-time scavenger hunters.
However, it’s worth noting that smartphone use is not included in the price, so you’ll need your own device—and a bit of battery life—on hand. Also, since transportation is not included, walking or having your own vehicle is necessary to get around comfortably. This activity is most suitable for those who enjoy a mix of light physical activity, photo-taking, and social fun.
This experience is perfect for groups looking for a unique holiday activity that combines exploration, friendly competition, and photo fun. If you’re in Lexington during December and want an activity that’s easy to organize, engaging, and budget-friendly, the Holly Jolly Hunt could be just the ticket.
Key Points
- Flexible Format: Play anywhere in Lexington at your own pace, making it suitable for different schedules and interests.
- Interactive Fun: Combines holiday-themed challenges, photo tasks, and team competition for a lively experience.
- Cost-Effective: At $20 per group, it offers a low-cost way to add some festive cheer without breaking the bank.
- Includes Access to Remote Support: Chat with a guide if questions or issues arise during your hunt.
- Seasonal Duration: Available from late November through December, aligning perfectly with holiday celebrations.
- Group Friendly: Designed for groups up to 10, making it ideal for families, friends, or small work teams.
Exploring the Holly Jolly Hunt: A Deep Dive Into the Experience
Planning more time in Lexington? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What Is the Holly Jolly Hunt?
Imagine combining the classic fun of a scavenger hunt with the modern convenience of a smartphone app, all wrapped in a holiday theme. That’s essentially what the Holly Jolly Hunt offers. For about an hour, you and your team navigate Lexington, searching for holiday-related items—everything from traditional decorations to quirky, not-so-traditional surprises. The app guides you through challenges, prompts you to take photos, and keeps score on a leaderboard that pits your team against others.
The activity is completely customizable in terms of location—you can explore the historic parks, downtown streets, or any neighborhood in Lexington you fancy. The starting point is the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park, a scenic spot right in the heart of the city, perfect for kicking off your holiday adventure.
What Makes It Stand Out?
Two specific things we love about this activity are its flexibility and interactive challenges. Since you set your own route, you’re not confined to a predetermined path or schedule. This means you can tailor the experience—perhaps focusing on areas with the best holiday decorations or avoiding crowds.
The second highlight is the team-based challenges that involve taking creative photos and completing fun mini-tasks. These are guaranteed to bring laughter and a sense of camaraderie—whether it’s capturing a festive scene or performing a silly holiday task. The app’s leaderboard adds a friendly competitive edge, motivating everyone to do their best.
A Possible Drawback
One consideration is that the use of your own smartphone is necessary, as the price covers access to the app and guide support but not device rental. If your phone isn’t fully charged or if your battery life is limited, you might find yourself rushing to find a charging spot. Also, since transportation isn’t provided, walking or personal vehicle use is needed, which could be a drawback if mobility is limited.
Who Will Appreciate This Experience?
This activity is perfect for small groups looking for an engaging, social holiday activity. It suits families with children, groups of friends, or even co-workers seeking a fun team-building event during the Christmas season. The activity’s casual pace and light physical requirements make it accessible, but those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and photo-taking will get the most out of it.
While you're exploring Lexington, here are other experiences we've looked into
A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience
Starting Point: Fifth Third Bank Pavilion
Your holiday adventure begins at a scenic, easily accessible location in downtown Lexington. The Pavilion, located at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park, provides a picturesque starting line with plenty of space to gather your team and get briefed.
The Route and Challenges
Once you launch the app, it’ll direct you to hunt for various holiday-themed items or perform challenges. These could involve finding a traditional holiday display, spotting a unique local landmark decorated for Christmas, or even completing a silly task like singing a holiday song in front of a statue.
Though the exact route and challenges are flexible, they are designed to highlight both traditional and unexpected elements of Lexington’s holiday scene. You might find yourself snapping photos of decorated storefronts, capturing a historic building dressed up for the season, or participating in a holiday trivia challenge.
During the Hunt
While the activity lasts about an hour, the pace is leisurely. It’s more about enjoying the city and the holiday atmosphere than racing to finish. The app tracks your points based on completed challenges and photo submissions, and you can see how you stack up against other teams on the leaderboard. This adds an extra layer of motivation and fun, especially if you’re competitive.
Wrapping Up
The activity concludes back at the starting point. There’s no formal ending, but you might find it nice to linger at Tandy Centennial Park, soaking in the festive spirit, or grab a hot chocolate at a nearby café to discuss your favorite moments.
Real-Life Insights and Authentic Impressions
Although the Holly Jolly Hunt doesn’t have any published reviews yet, based on its description and similar interactive experiences, it seems like a straightforward, light-hearted activity. The inclusion of a chat support feature is a thoughtful touch—help is just a message away if you get stuck or have questions.
From what we can gather, the activity is private, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized, relaxed experience. The price point—$20 per group—is quite reasonable considering the entertainment value, especially since all activity fees and taxes are included.
Why It’s a Good Value
Compared to traditional guided tours or holiday events that can be costly and crowded, this scavenger hunt offers flexibility and affordability. Plus, because you control the timing and route, you can make it as short or long as you like within the 1-hour estimate, fitting it into broader sightseeing or holiday plans.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This?
If you’re visiting Lexington during the holiday season and want an activity that combines exploration, entertainment, and a bit of friendly competition, the Holly Jolly Hunt is worth considering. It’s especially well-suited for small groups, families, or work teams eager to shake up the usual routine and add some fun to their holiday schedule.
For those who value independent exploration but still want some guidance and structure, this activity hits a good sweet spot. It’s also a clever way to discover parts of Lexington that might be overlooked in more traditional tours, all while celebrating the festive spirit.
If you’re after a light, social, and budget-friendly holiday outing that leaves you with stories and photos to cherish, this scavenger hunt could be just what you need.
FAQ
Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s designed to be inclusive, with fun challenges that can be enjoyed by children, teens, and adults alike. It’s a light activity, so most travelers can participate comfortably.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, bookings are typically made about 45 days in advance, and the experience is available from late November through December.
What’s included in the price?
The $20 fee covers access to the scavenger hunt app, all activities, and fees and taxes. A remote guide is available via chat for assistance.
Are there any physical requirements?
While there are no strenuous physical demands, some walking is involved, and you’ll need your own smartphone with sufficient battery life.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.
Where do we start and end the activity?
The activity begins and ends at the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park in Lexington.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not provided, so you’ll need to walk or arrange your own transport around the city.
This holiday scavenger hunt in Lexington offers a lively, engaging way to experience the city’s festive decorations and local charm—all at an accessible price. Whether you’re with family, friends, or colleagues, it promises joyful moments and a chance to see Lexington through a playful, holiday lens.