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

Exploring El Paso during the holiday season just got a lot more interactive and fun with Holly Jolly Hunt—a lively, app-led scavenger hunt that invites families and friends to hunt for holiday-themed items across the city. While I haven’t personally tried it, the concept alone sparks curiosity and promises a playful way to celebrate the season.

What really catches our eye about this experience is its affordable price point, making it accessible for small groups; its flexibility to play anywhere in El Paso—perfect for locals and visitors alike; and the fact that it encourages both traditional and non-traditional holiday finds, ensuring a fresh take on holiday cheer.

That said, a potential consideration is that the hunt depends heavily on your own smartphone usage and internet connection. So, if you’re traveling with a large group or in areas with spotty coverage, it might slightly hinder the flow of the game.

This experience is ideal for those looking to combine sightseeing with playful competition, and especially perfect if you’re after a way to make holiday outings more interactive and memorable. Whether you’re with family, friends, or coworkers, Holly Jolly Hunt promises a cheerful, laughter-filled adventure.

Good To Know

• Flexible Location: Play anywhere in El Paso and explore the city at your own pace.
• Affordable Price: Just $20 per group, making it great value for up to 10 players.
• All-Inclusive Activities: Includes all scavenger hunt tasks and a remote guide via text.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for all ages with silly challenges and fun photo ops.
• Competitive Element: Scores are tracked on a leaderboard, adding a friendly rivalry.
• Authentic Holiday Fun: Mix of traditional and quirky holiday items to find ensures memorable moments.

An overview of the Holly Jolly Hunt experience

The Holly Jolly Hunt is a one-hour adventure that turns the city of El Paso into a holiday playground. Using a smartphone app, you and your group will search for festive (and sometimes surprising) items scattered across the city. It’s not just about ticking off a list; it’s about soaking in the holiday spirit while engaging in fun challenges along the way.

Designed to be played anytime between late November and the end of December, the activity is accessible Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Starting from 111 E Mills Ave, the hunt concludes back at the same point, creating a neat loop for your outing.

The game is played with a remote guide accessible via text, who provides hints, encouragement, and holiday cheer from afar—adding an extra layer of interaction without the pressure of a physical guide.

Since the activity is private and limited to your group, it offers a stress-free environment where your team can take their time, compete, and enjoy the holiday decorations, sights, and surprises at their own pace.

What can you expect during the hunt?

Once you begin, you’ll be prompted to find both traditional Christmas items—like ornaments, wreaths, or Santa figurines—and non-traditional surprises that bring a quirky twist to the hunt. Your goal is to capture photos of these items through the app in order to earn points, but the real reward is the holiday fun along the way.

The app also assigns silly, holiday-themed challenges, such as singing a carol in front of a landmark or performing a goofy dance, which adds humor and light-heartedness. These little tasks often leave groups laughing and talking about the experience long after.

One reviewer shared that “We loved the way the app kept us engaged with fun challenges, and the variety of items made the hunt unpredictable.” Others appreciated the easy-to-navigate interface, which means you don’t need to be tech-savvy to participate.

Another highlight is the leaderboard—seeing your team’s score compared to others adds a competitive edge, sparking friendly rivalry and motivating everyone to find just one more item or perform one extra challenge.

The itinerary: A day of festive fun at your own pace

Since this is a flexible, app-based experience, the “itinerary” depends on your choices. Here’s how a typical session might unfold:

• Start at the meeting point: 111 E Mills Ave, where you’ll receive instructions and your first clues.
• Begin the hunt: Explore nearby streets, parks, or neighborhoods looking for holiday items. You might find a Santa hat on a lamp post or a nativity scene in a storefront window.
• Complete challenges: Periodically, the app will prompt you to perform silly tasks—like a holiday-themed photo with a statue or singing a favorite Christmas tune.
• Track your progress: The leaderboard updates in real time, giving you a sense of how you’re doing against other teams.
• Wrap up the hunt: Return to the starting point for a final score review and a round of laughs over the funniest photos or challenges completed.

Travelers report that the stunning local decorations and unexpected hidden gems throughout El Paso add charm to the experience, making it more than just a scavenger hunt.

The value and practicalities

At $20 per group, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers remarkable value, especially considering it includes all activities and a remote guide. For groups of up to 10, that’s an affordable way to add holiday cheer without breaking the bank.

The duration of just about an hour makes it ideal for fitting into a busy holiday schedule or as a highlight of a larger day of sightseeing. Plus, since it’s played using your own smartphone, it’s flexible and convenient—you can do it during daylight hours or even in the late afternoon when the city lights start to sparkle.

While the activity does not include private transportation, its starting location in downtown El Paso is near public transit options, making it accessible for most travelers.

The experience is well-suited for families, groups of friends, or coworkers looking to add some playful competition and laughter to their holiday festivities. It’s particularly great for those who enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry, as the leaderboard element stirs up a little extra motivation.

Authentic insights from real reviews

Though there are no formal ratings yet, early feedback reflects a lot of enthusiasm. One reviewer said, “The guides are just a text away, and they made the experience feel personal and engaging.” Another pointed out, “Finding holiday items in El Paso’s streets, especially during the festive season, made the hunt feel like a treasure hunt.”

Participants also appreciated the variety of challenges—some requiring quick thinking, others simple but hilarious, like performing a holiday dance in front of a public space. These moments are what transform this activity from a mere scavenger hunt to a joyful memory.

The fact that the activity is designed to be played anywhere within El Paso means you can customize your experience—whether you want a leisurely stroll through the downtown sights or a quick, energetic romp through a neighborhood decked out for the holidays.

The Sum Up: Who should try Holly Jolly Hunt?

This holiday scavenger hunt stands out as an interactive, cost-effective, and fun way to enjoy El Paso during the festive season. It’s perfect for families with kids, groups of friends, or co-workers wanting to celebrate together with some friendly competition.

If you enjoy getting some fresh air, exploring city streets, and sharing laughs over holiday challenges, this experience will be right up your alley. It’s particularly ideal for those who appreciate authentic holiday decorations and local flavor, as the hunt often uncovers hidden gems you might miss on a standard sightseeing trip.

However, keep in mind that the experience hinges on your smartphone and internet connection, so plan accordingly. Also, if your group is larger than 10, you might need to split into smaller teams or book multiple sessions.

Overall, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a well-rounded, cheerful way to engage with the city and make the most of your holiday season in El Paso. It’s a perfect blend of sightseeing, silliness, and holiday cheer that leaves you with stories and photos to cherish.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Absolutely. The scavenger hunt is designed to be fun for all ages, with silly challenges that kids and adults alike can enjoy.

How long does the hunt last?
The activity lasts about an hour, making it easy to fit into your holiday schedule without taking up the entire day.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes. The hunt is app-based, so you’ll need your own device with internet access to participate.

Is the activity private?
Yes, only your group will participate, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing some flexibility.

Are there any additional fees?
All fees and taxes are included in the $20 per group price; no hidden costs.

What is the best time to play?
Anytime between 9 AM and 5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, is suitable—just pick a time when the city is lively and decorated for the holidays.

This holiday activity offers a playful twist on sightseeing, blending city exploration with festive fun. Whether you’re in town for a quick visit or a local looking to spice up your holiday traditions, Holly Jolly Hunt in El Paso promises a memorable, laughter-filled experience.