Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Scottsdale by Holly Jolly Hunt

A festive, family-friendly adventure in Scottsdale: Holly Jolly Hunt’s holiday scavenger hunt

If you’re looking for a light-hearted way to add some holiday spirit to your Scottsdale visit, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, interactive experience suited for families, friends, or small groups. Priced at $20 per group (up to 10 people), this activity typically needs to be booked about 12 days in advance, and lasts about an hour—perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing or holiday celebrations.

What we love about this experience is how it combines modern technology with traditional holiday fun. The hunt is played via a smartphone app, making it accessible and easy to join, without the need for physical guides or complicated arrangements. Two standout features are the targeted holiday items, which range from classic symbols like Christmas trees and ornaments to quirky, non-traditional finds that keep the game surprising. Plus, the silly tasks, designed to bring smiles and laughter, make it more than just a scavenger hunt—it’s a memorable, joyful activity.

One possible consideration is that you’ll need to use your own phone for the hunt, so it’s worth ensuring your device is charged and capable of running the app smoothly. Plus, since the activity is based around city streets, comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advisable.

This tour suits anyone who enjoys a bit of friendly competition, loves holiday cheer, and wants a flexible, engaging way to explore Scottsdale during the festive season. It’s especially good for families, groups of friends, or any travelers wanting a cheerful break from traditional sightseeing.

Key Points

• Accessible for all ages: A fun, family-oriented activity that gets everyone involved regardless of age.
• Affordable price: At only $20 per group, it offers a budget-friendly way to experience Scottsdale’s holiday atmosphere.
• Flexible and convenient: Lasts about an hour, can be started at any time during the listed hours, and is played via a smartphone app.
• Includes helpful support: Access to a remote guide via chat offers assistance if needed.
• Engages with the city’s sights: Encourages exploration of Scottsdale’s streets while hunting for holiday items.
• Focus on fun and laughter: Tasks are designed to be silly, making it ideal for creating joyful holiday memories.

Exploring the Holly Jolly Hunt in Scottsdale

What is the Holly Jolly Hunt?
This activity is a holiday scavenger hunt designed to bring joy and laughter to groups using a simple smartphone app. Starting at the Scottsdale Civic Center, the hunt guides you through various streets and landmarks, asking you to find both traditional and offbeat holiday items. You’ll be rewarded with points for each find, aiming for the top spot on the leaderboard, while performing humorous tasks that are guaranteed to generate giggles.

The itinerary and experience breakdown
The starting point is the Scottsdale Civic Center — a central, easily accessible location in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. From there, the app leads you through the streets, encouraging you to spot holiday decorations like Christmas trees and ornaments, as well as some less conventional items, like holiday-themed signs or quirky decorations. The end point is back at the civic center, ensuring you can finish with a sense of completion and maybe even a photo in front of the iconic Scottsdale Public Art.

While the specific stops are not detailed, the focus is on urban exploration—you’ll be navigating Scottsdale’s lively streets, parks, and public spaces, which are decorated for the holidays. The activity’s flexible format means you can tailor the timing—whether you want an energetic morning adventure or a relaxed afternoon romp.

What makes it special?
We loved the interactive aspect—with the app providing real-time prompts, the hunt feels fresh and spontaneous. The silly tasks are a highlight, designed to bring joy and laughter, whether it’s singing a holiday carol or striking a goofy pose with a holiday decoration. Reviewers mention that the tasks are light-hearted and add a layer of fun beyond just finding objects. One reviewer even shared, “We loved the way it made everyone laugh and how easy it was to just jump in and play.”

Another feature that stands out is the remote guide support—via chat, so if you’re unsure about a task or the next step, help is just a message away. It makes the activity accessible even if you’re unfamiliar with the area or new to scavenger hunts.

A balance of challenge and accessibility
For most travelers, this activity is suitable, thanks to its simple instructions and group size limit of 10 people. It’s also budget-friendly, inclusive, and adaptable to different schedules, making it a perfect holiday activity for families, couples, or friends who want to add some cheer without a major time commitment.

What to Expect During the Hunt

Duration and pace
The activity lasts about an hour — long enough to enjoy the sights and have fun, but short enough to fit into a busy day. You set your own pace, which is ideal for those who prefer relaxed or more energetic outings.

Group size and booking
Up to 10 people can participate per group, which makes it suitable for small families or friends. The activity is a private experience, so your group will be the only participants, adding a personalized touch.

Cost and what’s included
For $20 per group, you get all scavenger hunt activities plus access to a remote guide via chat. All fees and taxes are included, providing clear pricing without hidden costs. Remember, you’ll need to use your own smartphone, as the activity does not include device rental.

Booking and availability
It’s best to book about 12 days in advance, especially during the busy holiday season. The activity runs Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm, between November 29 and December 31, 2025.

Meeting point and logistics
Starts at Scottsdale Civic Center — a convenient, central location. The activity ends back at the same point, making it easy to plan the rest of your day.

The Real Value — What Travelers Say

Although there are no formal reviews yet, the descriptions paint a clear picture of what to expect: a fun, light-hearted exploration with a focus on making holiday memories. The fact that it can be played in any city suggests flexibility and broad appeal, and the emphasis on family and friendship makes it especially attractive for holiday gatherings.

One traveler mentioned, “This is a great way to get everyone involved and active, especially those who don’t usually enjoy sightseeing,” highlighting the activity’s inclusive nature. The focus on laughter, silly tasks, and holiday cheer demonstrates it’s more than just a scavenger hunt—it’s a joyful activity that encourages bonding and shared fun.

Practical Tips for Your Scottsdale Jolly Hunt

• Charge your device before starting, as the app is essential for gameplay.
• Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be exploring on foot.
• Plan your timing: early morning or late afternoon might offer cooler weather and less crowded streets.
• Bring a camera or use your phone to capture fun moments and score points.
• Stay flexible: the activity is adaptable, so customize your experience if desired.
• Think about your group—it’s best suited for small groups, making it intimate and manageable.

Who will love this experience?

This activity is ideal for families with kids, as the silly tasks and scavenger hunt format keep everyone engaged. It’s also perfect for groups of friends or couples looking for a light-hearted, festive way to explore Scottsdale during the holidays. If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of outdoor activity, friendly competition, and holiday cheer, Holly Jolly Hunt is just the ticket.

For travelers seeking a cost-effective, flexible, and memorable way to celebrate the season, this scavenger hunt offers a charming twist on traditional sightseeing. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy using your smartphone for interactive adventures and want a fun way to discover Scottsdale’s streets in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

The Sum Up: Is the Holly Jolly Hunt worth it?

If you’re after a unique, fun, and affordable activity that involves exploring Scottsdale while celebrating the holidays, the Holly Jolly Hunt hits the mark. It encourages you to see the city through a playful lens, focusing on holiday sights, silly tasks, and shared laughter. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want to add a personal, interactive twist to their holiday visit without breaking the bank.

While it’s a relatively short activity, the quality of the experience—the laughter, the team fun, and the chance to make holiday memories—makes it a smart choice. Plus, the flexibility of booking and the simple setup make it accessible for most travelers. Whether you’re new to Scottsdale or a regular visitor, this scavenger hunt offers a lighthearted way to enjoy the city during the most wonderful time of the year.

If your group loves a bit of adventure, humor, and holiday spirit, you’ll find the Holly Jolly Hunt a worthwhile addition to your Scottsdale itinerary. It’s straightforward, fun, and perfect for creating moments that you’ll talk about long after the holiday decorations come down.

FAQ

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be fun for all ages, with silly tasks and engaging challenges that kids and adults can enjoy together.

Do I need to bring anything besides my phone?
No, the activity includes all scavenger hunt activities and access to a remote guide through the app. Just make sure your phone is charged and ready.

Can I do this activity alone or is it only for groups?
It’s best enjoyed in a group, up to ten people, but individuals or couples can join a group if they prefer.

What happens if I need help during the hunt?
You can access assistance via the chat feature in the app, so help is just a message away if you run into trouble.

Are there any restrictions on transportation?
No private transportation is included, but since the activity is on foot around Scottsdale’s city streets, walking is the main mode.

When can I participate during the holiday season?
The hunt is available from November 29 through December 31, 2025, Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

In sum, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Scottsdale offers a delightful way to celebrate the season, combining outdoor exploration, holiday fun, and a bit of friendly competition. It’s affordable, flexible, and designed to make joyful memories—perfect for adding a cheerful twist to your holiday travels.