Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Buffalo

Getting in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Buffalo

If you’re seeking a unique way to embrace the holiday season in Buffalo, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers an engaging, easy-to-join experience for groups of up to 10 people. This app-based scavenger hunt turns your city wanderings into a playful competition, blending traditional holiday sights with quirky, unexpected challenges. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or colleagues, it’s a light-hearted activity designed to spark laughter and create memorable moments.

What really makes this experience stand out is how adaptable it is—play it whenever suits your schedule, with no need for a guide or fixed schedule. Just download the app, gather your crew, and start exploring. A highlight is the fun of competing against other teams on the leaderboard, which adds a friendly dash of rivalry.

One thing to keep in mind is that this activity requires a smartphone and uses your data, so be prepared if you’re in an area with limited service. It’s also a relatively short activity, around an hour, making it perfect for fitting into a busy day of sightseeing. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy interactive, social outings and want to add a playful twist to their holiday visit.

Key Points

Accessible and flexible: Play anytime within opening hours, with no fixed start time.
Cost-effective: At just $20 per group, it offers good value for a playful, memorable activity.
All ages welcome: Designed to be fun for everyone, from kids to grandparents.
Sociable experience: Perfect for family, friends, or coworkers wanting a shared adventure.
Digital convenience: Fully app-based, with a remote guide via text to assist if needed.
Seasonal delight: Combines traditional and non-traditional holiday items to find around Buffalo.

Exploring Buffalo with the Holly Jolly Hunt

The Holly Jolly Hunt is a playful way to see Buffalo’s holiday sights, but with a modern twist. Instead of just walking around looking at decorations or window displays, you’re actively hunting for specific items and completing holiday challenges. The app guides you through the city starting at 5 Niagara Square, a central spot that’s easy to access via public transportation or car. The activity lasts around an hour, making it a manageable addition to any sightseeing itinerary.

What You Can Expect

Once you start, the app will provide a list of items—both traditional, like Christmas trees or snowmen, and more unusual ones, like holiday-themed street art or quirky ornaments on storefronts. Each item you find earns points, and the more creative or humorous your photos, the better your score. There’s a competitive element, with scores updated on a live leaderboard, adding an extra layer of motivation.

Along the way, you’ll also perform silly holiday tasks—think singing a Christmas carol loudly on the street, or taking a group photo with a holiday-themed statue. These challenges promote laughter and create stories worth retelling. As you move through Buffalo’s neighborhoods, you’ll get a glimpse of local holiday displays, shops, and neighborhoods decorated for the season.

Real User Insights

Reviewers mention that the app is straightforward to use, and the remote guide is helpful if questions arise, but mostly the activity runs smoothly on its own. One reviewer highlighted the fun of “searching for Santa hats in unexpected places,” and noted that “it’s a great way to see the city from a new perspective.” Another stressed that the activity is family-friendly, with kids loving the photo challenges and silly tasks.

What Makes It Special?

What sets this scavenger hunt apart from a traditional city tour is its interactive nature. You’re not just looking at sights passively; you’re actively engaging with your surroundings, snapping photos, and completing funny challenges. This keeps the energy high and prevents the activity from feeling like just another walk.

Limitations and Considerations

While many appreciate the flexibility, some reviewers note that a reliable internet connection is helpful for smooth app operation. As the hunt is conducted in Buffalo, the timing of the activity during business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday) might influence your schedule. Also, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to plan how to get to and from the starting point on your own.

The Experience Breakdown

Start Point: 5 Niagara Square
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Cost: $20 per group (up to 10 people)
Includes: Remote guide via text, all activities, and taxes
Excludes: Smartphone use (your own device), transportation
Availability: From late November to New Year’s Eve (11/29/2025 – 12/31/2025)

The activity is designed to be private, so no need to worry about strangers or large groups—your group plays solely among yourselves. This Intimate vibe makes it suitable for families, friends, or colleagues wanting a break from traditional tours.

The Route & Highlights

Because the hunt can be played anywhere, it offers the flexibility to tailor your route. Many start near the city’s core, exploring landmarks and neighborhoods decorated for the holidays. You might find yourself searching for a Santa figure on a corner store, a holiday-themed mural, or a quirky ornament hanging in a park. Each item is scored, and you’ll be encouraged to think outside the box.

One reviewer enjoyed the balance of traditional and non-traditional items, noting that “it was fun to find the less obvious Christmas items, which made the experience more memorable.” The app’s challenges often involve humor or creativity, like performing a holiday song or taking a funny selfie with a holiday prop.

Participation and Group Dynamics

The activity is designed to be inclusive for all ages, making it perfect for a family outing. Children often love the photo challenges, and adults enjoy the friendly competition. The ability to view scores in real-time adds a sense of achievement and motivation.

Even if your group isn’t highly competitive, the real charm lies in the shared experience—laughing at silly tasks, discovering hidden holiday gems, and creating spontaneous memories.

Practical Tips

• Bring a fully charged smartphone—the entire activity relies on it.
• Dress warmly, as Buffalo can be quite cold during the holiday season.
• Plan for about an hour, but allow extra time if you want to linger at certain spots.
• Coordinate transportation if you’re not within walking distance to the starting point.
• Use public transportation if available, as the activity is near transit options.

Who Should Consider This?

This holiday scavenger hunt is perfect for anyone who enjoys interactive city experiences. It suits families with kids, groups of friends, and coworkers looking for a fun team-building activity. It’s ideal for those with a flexible schedule who want to explore Buffalo’s festive ambiance in a relaxed, playful way.

If you’re traveling with a group that appreciates a mix of light-hearted competition, photo-taking, and holiday cheer, this activity will give you a fresh perspective on the city’s seasonal decorations. It’s also a fantastic way to get some fresh air and enjoy the winter scenery without the formality of traditional tours.

The Sum Up

The Holly Jolly Hunt provides a cost-effective, interactive, and fun way to celebrate the holiday season in Buffalo. It’s more than just a walk—it’s a timed challenge that encourages creativity, laughter, and team bonding. The app’s flexibility allows you to customize your adventure, making it suitable for a variety of groups and schedules.

While it’s a short activity, the memories created—snapping holiday photos, completing silly challenges, and competing on the leaderboard—are sure to stick with you long after the season ends. Its simplicity and adaptability make it an excellent choice for travelers who want a holiday activity with a playful twist.

If you’re after a lighthearted, family-friendly experience that adds a dash of friendly rivalry and plenty of smiles, the Holly Jolly Hunt hits the mark. Just remember to bring your phone charged, dress warmly, and enjoy discovering Buffalo’s holiday spirit through a fresh, fun lens.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the Holly Jolly Hunt is designed to be fun for all ages. Kids will love the photo challenges and silly tasks, making it a great family activity.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking online is recommended to secure your spot, especially during the busy holiday season. You will receive a confirmation immediately after booking.

How long does the scavenger hunt take?
The activity lasts approximately one hour, but you can take more or less time depending on your pace and interest.

What do I need to participate?
A smartphone with the app installed and a reliable internet connection. The activity is designed to be played solo or in groups, with no other equipment needed.

Can I play this activity in any city?
The Holly Jolly Hunt is designed to be flexible and usable in any city, but this specific review focuses on Buffalo.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. You are responsible for getting to the starting point at 5 Niagara Square.

What if I need help during the hunt?
You will have access to a remote guide via text message who can assist if needed.

What is the cost of the activity?
The fee is $20 per group (up to 10 people), making it an affordable option for a festive activity.

The Holly Jolly Hunt in Buffalo offers a spirited, low-pressure way to enjoy the city during the holiday season, especially for those who love a bit of friendly competition and creative fun.