Imagine exploring Pasadena’s charming streets during the holiday season, but instead of just strolling aimlessly, you’re part of a lively, interactive scavenger hunt. For just $20 per group (up to 10 people), Holly Jolly Hunt offers a fun-filled, one-hour adventure that turns your holiday sightseeing into a playful contest. The activity begins at 100 Garfield Ave and can be played anywhere of your choosing — whether that’s downtown Pasadena, around the historic districts, or even during a casual walk through local parks. Led by a friendly app-guided experience, you’ll hunt for traditional holiday items and unexpected surprises, snapping photos and completing festive challenges along the way.
What we really appreciate about this experience is how flexible it is. No need to stick to a rigid schedule or a preset route — you control the timing and locations, making it perfect for families, friends, or co-workers looking to add some holiday cheer to their day. Another highlight is the interactive leaderboard, adding a competitive edge that keeps everyone motivated and giggling as you compare scores with teams from all over. Plus, with all activities included and a remote chat guide available, it’s a straightforward, stress-free way to enjoy the season.
One possible consideration? Since it’s an app-based activity, you’ll need to have a smartphone handy (and be comfortable using it for photos and challenges). Also, it’s a short, hour-long activity, so if you’re looking for a deep dive into Pasadena’s holiday traditions or a full-day outing, this might be just one piece of a larger holiday itinerary.
This experience is ideal for groups wanting an engaging, lighthearted way to celebrate, whether with family, friends, or colleagues. If you enjoy interactive adventures that combine local exploration with some friendly competition, Holly Jolly Hunt might just become a new holiday tradition.
Key Points

- Flexible Locations: Play anywhere in Pasadena, making it adaptable to your plans.
- Affordable Fun: At $20 per group, it offers a budget-friendly, memorable activity.
- Interactive Challenges: Expect holiday-related items to find and fun challenges to perform.
- Team Competition: See your score on a live leaderboard, adding a playful rivalry.
- All-Inclusive: The price covers all activities, fees, and access to a remote guide.
- Duration: About 1 hour, perfect for a quick holiday outing.
An In-Depth Look at Holly Jolly Hunt in Pasadena
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What Is the Holly Jolly Hunt?
This is not your average holiday walk. Holly Jolly Hunt is an app-based scavenger hunt designed to make festive exploring lively and interactive. For a flat fee of $20, your group (up to 10 people) receives access to the app, which guides you through a series of holiday-themed challenges and scavenger items. It’s a self-guided experience, but with the support of a remote guide via chat, so you’re never left guessing. The activity runs from late November through the end of December, giving you plenty of time to plan around your holiday schedule.
The Route and Activities
While the specific route is flexible — you choose where to start and end — the activity is designed to incorporate traditional holiday items like ornaments and Christmas trees, as well as less typical surprises that might include festive decorations or quirky seasonal symbols. As you hunt, you’ll take photos through the app — a fun way to document your adventure and earn points. The challenges are designed to induce laughter and camaraderie, making it suitable for groups of friends, families, or even work teams looking for a festive team-building activity.
What Makes It Special?
One of the charms of Holly Jolly Hunt is that it turns holiday exploration into a friendly competition. The leaderboard allows teams to compare scores with others, fueling some good-natured rivalry. Plus, the task of completing holiday challenges — such as snapping certain photos or performing silly tasks — adds a layer of entertainment that pure sightseeing can’t match.
Value for Price
At $20 per group, this activity offers exceptional value. For the cost of a few drinks or a quick meal, you get a tailored, engaging experience that creates lasting memories. The price covers all activities and fees, plus access to a guide, so there are no hidden costs. It’s especially suited for those wanting a holiday activity that’s both affordable and memorable.
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Accessibility and Convenience
Meeting at 100 Garfield Ave in Pasadena, the activity is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors. The tour is designed for most travelers, including service animals, and does not require private transportation. The hour-long duration means you can easily slot this into a busy holiday schedule, perhaps before or after other festivities.
What You Might Not Love
If you prefer a more structured or in-depth tour, the flexible, self-guided nature of Holly Jolly Hunt might feel a little casual. Also, since it’s app-based, you’ll need a smartphone with sufficient battery life and data, which could be a concern if you’re not cautious. For those who love long, immersive tours, this might be more of a quick holiday fix than a full-day adventure.
Authenticity and Experience
Unlike cookie-cutter tours, this activity encourages you to engage with Pasadena’s holiday atmosphere at your own pace. The challenges might include spotting traditional decorations or finding quirky local ornaments, making it a delightful way to see the city through a festive lens. Plus, the ability to perform challenges with friends or family adds a layer of shared fun that often leaves participants smiling long after.
Who Will Love This?
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This activity is perfect for small groups wanting a lighthearted holiday outing. Families with children, groups of friends, or co-workers seeking a festive team activity will find it engaging and affordable. It suits those who enjoy interactive experiences and a bit of friendly competition. If you want a quick, cheerful way to explore Pasadena during the holidays without committing to a long tour or needing extensive planning, Holly Jolly Hunt is a great choice.
The Sum Up
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The Holly Jolly Hunt in Pasadena offers a simple, fun, and affordable way to celebrate the holiday season. Its flexible, app-based format means you can tailor your experience and set your pace while enjoying the city’s festive spirit. The inclusion of challenges, photos, and a leaderboard injects playful energy into your holiday outing, making it more memorable than a standard walk or sightseeing tour. Whether you’re a family looking for a shared activity, a group of friends wanting to add some laughter to the season, or colleagues seeking holiday bonding, this scavenger hunt provides a perfect mix of exploration and entertainment.
While it’s not a deep dive into Pasadena’s history or culture, it’s a perfect icebreaker for the holiday period that’s quick, engaging, and guaranteed to leave smiles on everyone’s faces. The activity’s simplicity and affordability mean it’s a smart pick for those who want a cheerful, interactive experience without fuss or fussiness. Even if you’re only in Pasadena for a short stay or have a tight schedule, Holly Jolly Hunt makes sure you’ll leave with a little extra holiday cheer and some fun stories to tell.
FAQ
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Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is family-friendly and involves fun challenges and photos that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need your own smartphone to access the app, take photos, and participate in the challenges.
Can I play the game anywhere in Pasadena?
Yes, the activity is designed to be flexible — you can choose your own route and location within Pasadena.
What’s included in the price?
The $20 fee covers all scavenger hunt activities, fees, taxes, and access to a remote guide via chat.
Is the activity limited to a certain time of day?
The Holly Jolly Hunt is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, from late November through December 31.
How long does the activity last?
It takes approximately 1 hour, making it easy to fit into a busy holiday itinerary.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the maximum group size is 10 people, making it ideal for small gatherings.
This festive, flexible, and fun activity is sure to add a sparkle to your holiday season in Pasadena. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or co-workers, Holly Jolly Hunt provides a lively way to explore, laugh, and make memorable moments amidst the holiday decorations and cheerful spirit.
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