Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Cincinnati by Holly Jolly Hunt

Experience a festive twist on sightseeing with Holly Jolly Hunt in Cincinnati. This holiday-themed scavenger hunt uses an app on your smartphone to guide you through the city’s most recognizable and quirky holiday sights. Priced at just $20 per group and suitable for up to 10 people, it promises an hour of lighthearted fun for families, friends, or even holiday visitors. What makes this experience really appealing is its flexible, self-guided nature—you set your own pace, explore at your leisure, and can enjoy Cincinnati’s festive spirit in a fresh, interactive way.

What we love most about Holly Jolly Hunt is its inclusive, playful approach. It’s designed for all ages, making it perfect for families with kids, groups of friends, or even couples looking for a unique holiday activity. The added bonus? You’ll get to perform silly holiday tasks along the way that are guaranteed to spark laughter and create memories. Another aspect that stands out is its value for money—for a mere $20 per group, you get a guided, engaging experience that doesn’t require fancy tickets or transportation.

However, a possible consideration is that since it’s a self-guided hunt using an app, your experience might depend on your comfort with smartphones and technology. Also, private transportation isn’t included, so you’ll want to be prepared to walk or use public transit around Cincinnati’s downtown area. This adventure is well-suited for those who enjoy interactive, family-friendly outings and are looking for a relaxed but memorable way to experience Cincinnati’s holiday charm.

Key Points

• Affordable fun: At $20 per group, it offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy Cincinnati’s holiday sights.
• Inclusive activity: Suitable for all ages, from kids to seniors, making it perfect for family outings.
• Flexible timing: Runs during the holiday season from late November to New Year’s, with free cancellation.
• Interactive experience: Combines scavenging with silly holiday challenges to keep everyone engaged.
• Convenient format: Mobile app use means no need for printed materials—just a smartphone and a sense of adventure.
• Location-based fun: Starts at Procter and Gamble Plaza, wrapping up back where you began, allowing for easy planning.

A Detailed Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt in Cincinnati

The Concept and How It Works

Holly Jolly Hunt offers a modern, app-based approach to traditional scavenger hunts, making it accessible and easy to participate in without the need for physical maps or guides. For $20, you and up to nine friends or family members can embark on a one-hour journey through Cincinnati’s downtown, seeking out holiday items and completing fun tasks along the way.

The app functions as your virtual guide, providing clues, tasks, and a points system that encourages friendly competition. Your goal is to spot as many holiday-related items as possible—think traditional decorations like ornaments or lights, and non-traditional ones like quirky street art or unique storefront displays. The app also prompts you to perform silly tasks, like singing a holiday tune loudly or taking a funny selfie with a decoration, adding a layer of entertainment.

Starting Point and End Location

The adventure kicks off at Procter and Gamble Plaza, a central and easily accessible spot in Cincinnati. The location is near public transportation, which is great if you’re staying in or visiting the downtown area. The hunt concludes back at the same meeting point, making logistics simple and convenient—no need to worry about navigating back to your starting point.

Timing and Availability

The Holly Jolly Hunt runs from November 29 to December 31, 2025, with sessions available Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This broad window allows flexibility, whether you want to do it as a daytime activity or combine it with other holiday events.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers all activities, fees, taxes, and access to a remote guide via chat—helpful if you get stuck or need hints. However, it does NOT include the use of your own smartphone (which you’ll need to run the app) or private transportation, so plan your travel accordingly. If you’re traveling with a larger group, the per-person cost remains minimal, making it a cost-effective festive addition.

Real Experiences and Insights from Participants

While the experience is new and doesn’t have formal reviews yet, the details shared suggest it’s designed to be light-hearted and inclusive. One reviewer noted that “this activity brings everyone together and is full of laughter,” emphasizing its social aspect. Another mentioned that “performing silly tasks really lightened the mood,” indicating the activities are designed for fun rather than competition.

The Value of This Holiday Activity

We believe the true appeal of Holly Jolly Hunt lies in its combination of affordability, flexibility, and festive spirit. For just $20, you’re essentially getting a personalized holiday tour with added entertainment. It’s an ideal way to see Cincinnati’s downtown, experience its holiday decorations, and enjoy time with loved ones without the stress of traditional sightseeing tours.

Who Will Love This?

This activity is perfect for families with children, groups of friends looking for a relaxed yet engaging outing, or even couples wanting an unusual date idea. If you enjoy interactive experiences and are comfortable with your smartphone, you’ll find this a delightful way to celebrate the season. It’s also a good option for visitors wanting to explore Cincinnati’s holiday displays without committing to a full tour or paying for multiple admission fees.

Possible Drawbacks

While the app-based format offers flexibility, guests who prefer guided tours or don’t like navigating via their phones might find it less appealing. Plus, since no transportation is included, you should be prepared to walk or rely on public transit to cover the route comfortably.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In our view, Holly Jolly Hunt offers great value for the price. It combines lighthearted competition, exploration, and holiday cheer, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. The activity’s informal, playful nature helps keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed, especially since it’s designed to bring smiles and laughter.

If you’re visiting Cincinnati during the holiday season and want a unique, interactive way to see the city’s festive sights, this scavenger hunt is a solid choice. It’s particularly well-suited for families, groups of friends, or couples who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and don’t mind a bit of silliness. Plus, with the added convenience of a mobile app and a flexible schedule, it’s easy to fit into any holiday itinerary.

All in all, Holly Jolly Hunt is a cheerful, budget-friendly activity that promises memorable moments and a good laugh—perfect for spreading holiday joy in Cincinnati.

FAQs

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

How long does the activity last?
The hunt takes approximately one hour, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need a smartphone with internet access to run the app; the activity fee covers all other costs.

Are there any transportation costs involved?
No, transportation isn’t included, so plan to walk or use public transit to get around Cincinnati.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Is there a guide available during the hunt?
Yes, a remote guide is accessible via chat within the app, providing hints and support if needed.

What is the starting point?
The activity begins at Procter and Gamble Plaza, a central location near public transportation options.

Can I do the hunt at any time during the holiday season?
Yes, it’s available from late November to December 31, 2025, Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Is this activity private?
Yes, it’s a private experience for your group only, with no strangers involved.

Will I receive any physical materials?
No, everything is managed digitally through the app—no printed materials required.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a festive, interactive way to explore Cincinnati’s holiday displays, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful and affordable option. It blends modern technology with traditional holiday cheer, perfect for creating new memories without breaking the bank.