Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Hartford with Holly Jolly Hunt

Imagine wandering through Hartford’s charming streets, hunting for holiday-themed items, and completing silly challenges, all while soaking up the festive spirit. That’s exactly what you get with the Holly Jolly Hunt, an app-based scavenger hunt that promises to sprinkle a little holiday magic into your day. Whether you’re a local or visiting, this activity offers an engaging way to enjoy the season, with the bonus of creating memorable moments with friends, family, or colleagues.

One thing we love about this experience is how it blends technology and tradition — using an easy-to-navigate app to guide you through a citywide search that’s fun for all ages. It’s also a flexible activity, playable anywhere in Hartford, meaning no need to stick to a fixed route or schedule. However, a potential consideration is that it relies on your smartphone, so if you prefer guided tours with a guide physically present, this might not be your first choice. This scavenger hunt is especially suited for those who enjoy interactive, light-hearted adventures that spark laughter and holiday cheer.

If you’re seeking a unique, budget-friendly way to celebrate the season with friends or family, Holly Jolly Hunt is a fantastic pick. It offers a perfect mix of competition, creativity, and holiday spirit, making it ideal for groups who enjoy playful activities and want to make the most of their time in Hartford during the festive season.

Key Points

• Flexible Play: The hunt can be played anywhere in Hartford, allowing you to customize your route.
• All-Inclusive Price: For just $20 per group, up to 10 people, you get a full hour of fun, including a remote guide.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with silly challenges and holiday photo opportunities.
• Interactive & Competitive: Use your smartphone to score points, see your ranking on the leaderboard, and compete against other teams.
• Ease & Convenience: No need for physical guides, just a smartphone and a sense of adventure.
• Seasonal Timing: Available from late November through December, perfect for holiday celebrations.

An In-Depth Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience

What is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

This activity is essentially a virtual scavenger hunt that transforms Hartford into a festive playground. It’s played via an app on your smartphone, meaning you don’t need to carry around paper lists or maps. Instead, the app guides you through the city, prompting you to find holiday items — both traditional (like ornaments or Santa hats) and some unexpected or quirky objects.

How does it work?

You start at Connecticut’s Old State House, which serves as the meeting point, and then, with the help of a remote guide via text message, you’re sent on your holiday adventure. The main goal? Find and photograph as many items as possible within approximately one hour. You’ll earn points for each item, with extra points for completing fun challenges along the way.

The app also adds a friendly competitive element by showing your scores on a leaderboard. This means you can challenge other teams and see how you stack up, adding an extra layer of motivation and fun.

Group size and pricing

Costing only $20 per group (up to 10 people), this activity is quite accessible. It’s designed as a private experience, so only your group participates, making it ideal for families, friends, or co-workers. Since the price includes all fees and taxes, there’s no hidden cost, and the group size cap encourages intimate, engaging interactions rather than large, chaotic crowds.

Duration and timing

Clocking in at about one hour, it’s a perfect activity to slot into a busy holiday schedule or to serve as a highlight of a day out in Hartford. The activity runs from late November to the end of December, aligning with the heart of the holiday season, and is available Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Meeting point and accessibility

The activity kicks off at the historic Connecticut’s Old State House. It’s conveniently located near public transportation, making access straightforward. The end point is back at the start, simplifying logistics, and service animals are welcome, ensuring accessibility for most travelers.

What’s included and what’s not

Included in the price are the scavenger hunt activities, the remote guide, and all fees and taxes. However, you’ll need your own smartphone for participation, and transportation to and from Hartford is not included. Travelers should plan accordingly, especially if they’re visiting from out of town.

What previous reviewers say

While this experience currently has no formal reviews, the description emphasizes it’s suitable for everyone, young and old alike, and guarantees holiday memories. One highlight from similar experiences is how participants enjoyed the playful challenges, which often resulted in lots of laughter and memorable photos.

What to Expect During the Hunt

Starting at the Old State House

The historic backdrop adds a charming touch right from the start. Here, your team will receive instructions and get ready for the quick-paced, fun-filled hour ahead. The app will prompt you to seek out some traditional holiday symbols like ornaments, or perhaps something less conventional, like a holiday-themed street art or a local holiday decoration.

Searching for items

As you walk through Hartford’s streets, you’ll look for designated items, snapping photos through the app to score points. This active element keeps everyone engaged, encouraging movement and interaction. The app also challenges you to perform holiday-themed tasks, which might include singing a carol at a certain location or finding an item that’s not necessarily holiday-related but adds a quirky twist.

Challenges and laughter

What sets this hunt apart is the silly holiday tasks, designed to bring smiles and create light-hearted moments. Some reviewers have noted that these challenges are “guaranteed to bring laughter,” and the photos taken along the way often turn into holiday keepsakes.

Competing on the leaderboard

Throughout the hour, you’ll be able to see how your team stacks up against others. This friendly competition adds a playful edge, motivating everyone to find more items and complete challenges faster.

Wrapping up

The hunt concludes back at the Old State House, where you can compare scores, share a few laughs, and perhaps plan your next holiday-themed outing. Even if you don’t win, the memories made—like that funny photo or a challenge completed—are what matter most.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $20 per group, this activity offers excellent value. For just a small fee, you get an hour of active, interactive fun that blends technology, exploration, and holiday cheer. The inclusion of a remote guide means you’re never truly alone, and all activities are covered, making it an easy, stress-free experience.

Compared to traditional guided tours, the Holly Jolly Hunt provides more flexibility and a more personalized experience. Plus, the chance to take some fun photos and compete on the leaderboard makes it more memorable than just strolling around on your own.

Best suited for

This scavenger hunt is ideal for families with children, groups of friends, or co-workers looking for a festive team-building activity. Its casual, playful nature means you don’t need any special skills or experience—just a spirit of fun—and it’s suitable for all ages.

Final Thoughts

This holiday scavenger hunt offers an engaging, lighthearted way to explore Hartford’s festive side. Its app-based format makes it adaptable and modern, while the competitive element and silly challenges make it appealing for a wide range of groups. Whether you’re looking to break the ice at a holiday gathering or simply want a fun activity to enjoy with loved ones, Holly Jolly Hunt hits the mark.

What makes this experience stand out is its value for money and the potential for creating lasting memories. You won’t just walk around Hartford — you’ll be actively involved in searching, laughing, and sharing moments that will brighten your holiday season. It’s a playful, memorable activity that’s sure to add some sparkle to your celebrations.

Who should consider this?

If you’re after a fun, interactive, and budget-friendly holiday activity, this is a fantastic choice. It’s especially great for those who enjoy team challenges, outdoor exploration, and happy photo ops. Without the need for extensive planning or guiding personnel, it offers a convenient way to make the most of holiday time in Hartford.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly and fun for all ages. The challenges and items are accessible and playful enough to keep kids entertained.

Do I need to download anything beforehand?
Yes, you’ll need the app that hosts the scavenger hunt. The activity is app-based and uses your smartphone to guide you through Hartford.

What if I don’t have a smartphone?
The experience requires a smartphone for participation, so travelers without one might need to find alternative activities, as participation isn’t possible without the app.

Can I play this activity at any time?
It’s available from late November through December 31st, and hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You’ll need to schedule your activity within these times.

Is the activity guided in person?
No, it’s a remote-guided experience. You’re supported via text message from your guide, but there’s no physical guide accompanying you.

How long does the activity last?
Approximately one hour, making it perfect for a quick festive outing or complementing other holiday plans.

Are there any additional costs?
All fees, taxes, and activities are included in the $20 price per group. However, transportation and your own smartphone are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the activity. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this activity accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the activity is suitable for most travelers, but mobility considerations depend on individual needs.

This holiday scavenger hunt in Hartford offers a delightful way to embrace the season, blending fun, competition, and the city’s charm into one affordable package. Whether you’re local or visiting, it provides an easy, entertaining way to share holiday joy with your favorite people.