Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt

Imagine wandering through Tampa’s lively downtown, the holiday spirit all around, armed with just your smartphone and a sense of adventure. For $20 per group (up to 10 players), you can join Holly Jolly Hunt, a festive, app-based scavenger hunt that promises to turn your usual city walk into a holiday treasure hunt.

This activity lasts around one hour, making it a quick yet engaging way to soak in some seasonal cheer. From traditional Christmas symbols to quirky, unexpected items, the hunt is designed to get you moving and smiling. We love how it’s flexible—play it anywhere in Tampa you choose—and how it’s suitable for friends, families, or even co-workers looking for a quick holiday break.

One thing to keep in mind is that some participants have found the hunt a bit “light on finds,” especially downtown, so it’s best for those who enjoy a relaxed, playful experience rather than a highly competitive or exhaustive challenge. If you’re after a lively, lighthearted activity that guarantees some laughs and memorable moments, this could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a bit of holiday cheer mixed with modern tech fun.

Key Points

• Flexible location: Play anywhere in Tampa, making it easy to tailor your experience.
• Accessible for most: Suitable for all ages, with service animals allowed and minimal physical demands.
• Value for price: At $20 for a group, it’s a budget-friendly way to add some holiday fun.
• Includes remote guidance: Access to a chat-based guide for questions or support.
• Limited traditional finds: Some reviews mention that there isn’t much to discover downtown, so expectations should be set accordingly.
• Short and sweet: One-hour duration makes it ideal for a quick holiday activity or break.

An in-depth look at the Holly Jolly Hunt in Tampa

What is Holly Jolly Hunt?

At its core, Holly Jolly Hunt is a mobile app-based scavenger hunt designed to bring out your holiday spirit. You download the app, book your spot, and then explore the city at your own pace. The goal? Find holiday-related items—both the familiar and the quirky—and complete fun challenges along the way.

The activity offers remote chat support from a guide, which is a thoughtful touch, especially when you’re navigating a new city or unfamiliar areas. It’s designed for groups of up to 10 people, making it perfect for family outings, friends’ get-togethers, or even small work parties looking for a quick, cheerful team-building activity.

What makes it appealing?

Two aspects stand out. First, the flexibility of the location. You choose where to start and end, which means you can integrate it into your existing plans—perhaps starting at Lykes Gaslight Square Park or exploring nearby downtown spots. Second, the lighthearted challenge—taking photos, completing holiday tasks—promises plenty of laughs and laughter, which is often what holiday activities are missing.

The experience in practice

The activity runs from November 29 through December 31, giving you ample time for a Winter holiday adventure. You’ll begin at the Lykes Gaslight Square Park, a picturesque spot full of historic charm and a lively atmosphere. From there, the hunt takes you through parts of downtown Tampa, where you’re on the lookout for Christmas symbols and unusual items.

What you’ll love is the interactive element—taking photos and performing challenges through the app. This keeps everyone engaged and creates a shared sense of accomplishment. The leaderboard feature adds a playful competitive edge, letting your team see how you stack up against others.

The reality of the hunt

Based on one review, “There wasn’t much to find” in downtown Tampa’s Lystia Park, which suggests that the variety might be somewhat limited, especially if you’re expecting a treasure trove of holiday ornaments or decorations. The reviewer noted that “it was a lot to read during the hunt,” implying that some parts may feel a bit cumbersome or overly text-heavy, possibly detracting from the fun.

However, they also said, “It was fun trying to find Christmas downtown,” which indicates that even with some limitations, the activity can still deliver a cheerful experience. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a casual, not overly competitive holiday outing.

Pricing and value

At $20 for a group of up to 10, you’re paying less than $2 per person—a very reasonable price for a fun, interactive activity in the city. Since all scavenger hunt activities and taxes are included, there are no hidden costs. The inclusion of a remote guide via chat provides extra reassurance and support, adding a layer of convenience.

While it’s not a full tour with sights and commentary, the activity’s value lies in its customizable, social nature—it’s about creating moments and laughs, not just ticking off items.

Who is this best for?

Given the review feedback, this experience is best suited for groups looking for a light-hearted, flexible holiday activity rather than a comprehensive sightseeing tour. It’s ideal for families with children, friends wanting a quick seasonal outing, or co-workers seeking a fun team-building break during the busy season.

Practical details

• Meeting Point: Lykes Gaslight Square Park, 400 N Franklin St, Tampa
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Schedule: Open from November 29 to December 31, Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Included: All activities, taxes, and access to a remote guide
• Not Included: Use of your own smartphone, transportation
• Accessibility: Service animals allowed, near public transportation
• Booking: Usually booked 66 days in advance, so plan early during the holiday season

Tips for the best experience

• Read the instructions carefully before starting to avoid missing key details.
• Use a fully charged smartphone since the hunt relies on the app.
• Arrive at the starting point early to get comfortable with the app and ask the guide if needed.
• Keep expectations realistic—if you’re hoping for a scavenger hunt packed with surprises, you might find it a bit light, especially downtown.
• Coordinate your team beforehand so everyone knows their role—photos, challenges, or collecting items.

The Sum Up

Holly Jolly Hunt offers a fun, low-key way to embrace Tampa’s holiday spirit. It’s relaxed, affordable, and flexible—perfect if you’re after a quick, interactive activity that involves some fresh air, laughs, and holiday cheer. While it may not be a treasure-filled adventure, it’s a good option for families, friends, or co-workers wanting to share a lighthearted seasonal moment.

If you’re in Tampa during the holiday season and want a simple, engaging activity without the fuss of a full tour, this scavenger hunt could be your ticket to some festive fun. Just be prepared for a laid-back experience that’s more about the smiles than the surprises.

FAQ

How long does the Holly Jolly Hunt last?
It lasts about one hour, making it a quick but enjoyable activity suitable for a holiday break or a short outing.

Can I play this activity anywhere in Tampa?
Yes, you can choose your own location. The start point is Lykes Gaslight Square Park, but the hunt is designed to be played wherever you prefer.

Is there a guide during the activity?
Yes, you get access to a remote guide via chat to help answer questions or offer support during the hunt.

What’s included in the price?
All scavenger hunt activities, taxes, and guide support are included. You need to supply your own smartphone.

Are there any extra costs?
No, the $20 fee covers everything except optional transportation or additional personal expenses.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s a family-friendly activity, especially since it involves fun photo challenges and holiday themes.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

Is the activity accessible to people with disabilities?
Service animals are allowed, and the activity is generally accessible, but consider your group’s mobility needs.

What should I bring?
A fully charged smartphone, a sense of humor, and holiday cheer. No special equipment is needed.

Will I see traditional holiday decorations?
You might, but some reviewers found there wasn’t much to find downtown, so don’t expect an exhaustive holiday display.

In the end, this holiday scavenger hunt is best viewed as a lighthearted, social experience—perfect for spreading some seasonal smiles without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re visiting Tampa or local and looking for a different way to celebrate, it’s worth considering if you want a quick, cheerful, and reasonably priced activity.