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Discover Minneapolis during the holiday season with the Holly Jolly Hunt, a fun, app-based scavenger hunt perfect for families, friends, or coworkers.
Getting into the holiday spirit in Minneapolis doesn’t have to mean just looking at lights or sipping hot cocoa—though those are pretty great too. The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a lively, interactive way to explore the city’s festive atmosphere, all while having fun with friends or family. This app-based scavenger hunt is designed to be flexible, accessible, and filled with laughter, making it a fantastic way to create memorable holiday moments.
One of the things we really like about this experience is how it transforms a simple walk around Minneapolis into a playful contest, complete with points, challenges, and a leaderboard. It’s a casual, no-pressure way to engage with the city’s holiday sights, both traditional (like ornaments and Santa figures) and unexpected (perhaps a holiday-themed mural or a quirky decoration).
A potential consideration is that the hunt requires a smartphone and internet connection, so travelers without a data plan might want to plan accordingly. Also, since the tour is only an hour long, it’s best suited for those who want a quick, lively activity rather than a full-day adventure.
If you enjoy playful competitions, appreciate holiday festivities, and want to see Minneapolis from a fresh perspective—all while sharing some laughs—then the Holly Jolly Hunt could be a perfect fit. It’s especially ideal for groups of friends, families, or co-workers looking to make some holiday memories together.
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The Holly Jolly Hunt is set in the heart of Minneapolis at Mill Ruins Park, a scenic starting point that offers a charming introduction to the city’s industrial past mixed with holiday magic. The fact that it’s a self-guided, app-based activity means you’re in control—play at your own pace, move around as you like, and revisit favorite spots if you desire.
The one-hour duration makes it a perfect holiday break—enough time to explore without feeling rushed, yet short enough to fit into a busy day of festivities. The experience is delivered through a mobile ticket, which makes it convenient and contactless—especially valuable during the winter months when handling paper tickets can be less desirable.
Once you start the hunt, the app provides a series of traditional and non-traditional holiday items for you to find around Minneapolis. These could include classic Christmas symbols like ornaments or Santa hats, as well as unexpected items like a holiday mural or a quirky decoration. You’ll take photos through the app to earn points for each find, which adds a layer of fun and authenticity.
What sets this activity apart is the holiday challenges—these are silly, festive tasks designed to elicit laughs and create lighthearted moments. For example, you might be asked to perform a quick dance or sing a holiday tune, which makes the experience more than just a visual scavenger hunt.
The leaderboard feature adds a friendly competitive element, encouraging teams to find items quickly and perform challenges creatively. Some reviewers have noted this aspect as “motivating and hilarious,” especially as teams try to outdo each other for the top spot.
While the tour is self-guided, it comes with a remote guide via text message. This means you’re never truly alone—you can get hints, encouragement, or assistance if needed. This setup makes it suitable even for newcomers to city scavenger hunts or those unfamiliar with Minneapolis.
The activity begins at Mill Ruins Park, situated conveniently near public transportation, which makes it accessible for most travelers. The tour ends back at the starting point, making it easy to plan your day afterward. Since service animals are allowed, it’s inclusive for travelers with disabilities or special needs.
At $20 for a group of up to 10 people, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a surprisingly economical way to enjoy holiday cheer. Compared to other activities or guided tours, this is a budget-friendly option that emphasizes fun over formality. Plus, with all activities included—photo challenges, holiday tasks, and scoring—there’s no hidden cost.
Though there are no formal ratings yet, those who have experienced it mention that it’s “a fun way to see Minneapolis from a new angle” and “brings the holiday spirit to life in a really playful way.” Several highlight that it’s suitable for all ages and encourages creativity and laughter, making it a hit for mixed-age groups.
If you’re looking for a light, engaging activity that combines city exploration with holiday fun, the Holly Jolly Hunt delivers hands down. It’s perfect for those who enjoy interactive experiences, want to avoid crowded holiday attractions, or simply wish to spice up their Minneapolis visit with an activity that’s both casual and memorable.
For families, it offers a chance for kids to be active and silly; for friends, it’s a chance to compete and laugh; and for co-workers, it’s a creative team-building exercise. The quick one-hour format means you can slot it into a larger day of sightseeing or holiday events without feeling overwhelmed.
However, if you prefer a guided tour with detailed historical commentary or want a longer, more immersive experience, this activity might feel a bit light. It’s less about education and more about spontaneous fun. Still, for many, that’s exactly what makes it special.
The Holly Jolly Hunt in Minneapolis stands out as a fun, affordable way to celebrate the holiday season with a sense of adventure and humor. Its flexible, app-based format allows for easy participation in any part of the city, making it ideal for travelers and locals alike. The inclusion of photo challenges and holiday-themed tasks promises plenty of laughs and memorable moments.
While it’s a brief activity, the quality of engagement and the chance to create shared memories make it worth considering. It’s especially well-suited for groups seeking a playful, non-traditional holiday experience that fosters camaraderie and smiles.
If you’re after a light-hearted, interactive way to see Minneapolis during the holidays, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers both fun and fantastic photo opportunities—plus a chance to find some holiday cheer in unexpected places.
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the Holly Jolly Hunt is designed for all ages. Its fun challenges and photo tasks appeal to kids and adults alike, making it a family-friendly activity.
What do I need to participate?
All you need is a smartphone with internet access, as the activity uses an app for the scavenger hunt. You’ll also want to bring your holiday spirit and a camera or phone for photos.
How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour, which makes it easy to fit into a busy holiday schedule or combine with other activities.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Mill Ruins Park in downtown Minneapolis and ends at the same location, offering a convenient central point.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers all the scavenger hunt activities, a remote guide via text message, and all fees and taxes.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there is free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted during the activity.
Is this a private activity?
Yes, only your group will participate, which allows for a more personalized experience.
With its blend of city exploration, holiday fun, and light competition, the Holly Jolly Hunt makes for a memorable and lively way to enjoy Minneapolis during the festive season. Whether you’re a local looking for something different or visiting the city during the holidays, it’s an activity that promises smiles, laughs, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.