Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Detroit by Holly Jolly Hunt

This review explores the Holly Jolly Hunt — a lively, app-based holiday scavenger hunt designed to bring people together amidst Detroit’s festive backdrop. While we haven’t personally played it, the experience promises a playful way to explore the city while creating memorable holiday moments.

What really stands out are the interactive challenges, the cost-effectiveness, and how accessible and flexible the experience is — perfect for groups of up to ten. It’s a fantastic way to inject some holiday cheer into your Detroit visit, especially if you enjoy a bit of friendly competition.

However, travelers should consider that the hunt relies heavily on smartphones and app usage, which might be less appealing if you prefer guided tours or physical activities. Still, this experience works well for those wanting a casual, fun outing that can adapt to your schedule and group size.

This scavenger hunt is best suited for families, friends, or co-workers looking for a lighthearted holiday activity that offers a taste of Detroit’s cityscape with a seasonal twist.

Good To Know

• Affordable fun at just $20 per group, making it accessible for most budgets
• Flexible location — play anywhere within Detroit, making it ideal for customizing your experience
• Interactive challenges and photo tasks promote laughter and team bonding
• Leaderboard competition adds a playful edge, with scores visible to all participants
• All activities included in the price, plus access to a remote guide for support
• Suitable for all ages, with a mix of traditional and quirky holiday items to find

Exploring the Holly Jolly Hunt in Detroit

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a different approach to holiday fun, especially if you’re tired of typical light displays or crowded malls. Instead, it invites you to see Detroit through a playful lens, searching for both classic and unexpected holiday-themed items. Whether you’re a local wanting to add some twinkle to your routine or a visitor eager for a unique experience, this scavenger hunt provides a lively way to engage with the city.

How It Works

The entire adventure is orchestrated through a smartphone app, which makes it highly accessible and easy to start. Once you book, you’ll receive a mobile ticket, and the activity can be played at any location of your choosing within Detroit from November 29 to December 31, 2025. The flexible schedule allows you to plan your hunt around other sightseeing or holiday activities.

You’ll be given a list of items to find, ranging from traditional holiday symbols like ornaments and wreaths to more unusual or quirky items. Each item you find earns you points, which you can boost by completing silly challenges and taking creative photos. The app encourages a light-hearted, competitive spirit with a leaderboard that displays your position compared to other teams.

The Experience Itself

The hunt lasts approximately one hour, making it suitable for a quick break or a standalone activity. The group size is limited to up to 10 people, fostering an intimate and manageable team dynamic. Participants can expect a mix of photo tasks, silly challenges, and the thrill of hunting for hidden surprises around the city.

The support from a remote guide — available via chat — is a helpful feature for those who prefer some assistance or need clarifications on tasks. Reviewers noted the app’s ease of use, with one mentioning, “It’s fun and straightforward, no complicated instructions involved.”

What Makes It Special?

One of the best parts is the variety of challenges—not just searching for items but also performing holiday-themed tasks designed to make everyone laugh. Imagine trying to get a picture with a holiday decoration while wearing a funny hat, or capturing a shot of your team doing a silly dance in front of a landmark.

Multiple reviews described this as “a guaranteed way to bring laughter,” emphasizing how the challenges foster camaraderie and create lasting memories. The activity’s cost makes it an excellent value; for just $20 per group, you’re getting an hour of entertainment, city exploration, and holiday cheer.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The hunt is near public transportation, making it easy to reach the starting point at 199 W Jefferson Ave in downtown Detroit. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is designed to be suitable for most travelers. Keep in mind that you’ll need your own smartphone to participate, as the activity is app-dependent.

Since the activity is private, only your group will participate, adding a level of personalized fun. The timing is flexible within the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, giving you room to fit it into your holiday schedule.

What to Expect in Detail

Starting Point and Duration

The initial meeting at 199 W Jefferson Ave acts as the perfect launch pad, situated conveniently near Detroit’s downtown core and accessible by public transit. Once underway, your group is free to wander, with the app guiding you through various items and challenges.

Searching for Items

The hunt covers both traditional holiday symbols—like Christmas trees, ornaments, or Santa hats—and more unconventional finds, such as quirky holiday decor or seasonal street art. This mix keeps things interesting and often surprises participants with how creative or obscure some items can be.

Challenges and Photo Tasks

The silly challenges are what really set this hunt apart. From performing goofy dances to capturing creative holiday-themed photos, these tasks are designed to generate laughter and lighten the mood. Reviewers highlight that these challenges “bring smiles to everyone’s faces,” making the experience memorable.

Scoring and Competition

Your team accumulates points for each item found and each challenge completed. Seeing your score on the leaderboard adds a fun competitive element, motivating teams to find more items or perform better in challenges. Some reviews mention that the competitive aspect motivates even the most reserved participants to get involved.

Ending the Tour

The activity wraps back at the starting point, giving you a chance to reflect on your adventure, compare scores, and share laughs over the funniest photos or most bizarre items found.

Value and Practical Considerations

At $20 per group, the Holly Jolly Hunt is a budget-friendly way to enjoy Detroit during the holidays. The price includes all activities, taxes, and access to the remote guide, so there are no hidden costs or extra fees.

This makes it a particularly good choice if you’re seeking affordable, flexible fun that can be tailored to your schedule and group size. It’s ideal for families with children, groups of friends, or co-workers looking for a team-building activity with a festive twist.

One possible downside is that since the activity relies heavily on smartphones, those without a compatible device or limited data plans might find it less accessible. Nevertheless, most travelers will find it straightforward and enjoyable.

The Sum Up

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, engaging way to experience Detroit during the holiday season. It blends city exploration, team challenges, and holiday cheer into a compact, one-hour adventure perfect for groups of friends, families, or colleagues. The cost is reasonable, and the flexibility of playing anywhere within Detroit makes it highly adaptable.

If you love interactive activities that spark laughter and encourage creativity, this scavenger hunt is a fantastic option. It’s particularly suited for those who want a lighthearted, memorable experience without the commitment of longer tours or guided excursions.

For travelers seeking a fun, social, and uniquely Detroit holiday activity, Holly Jolly Hunt hits the mark. Just be prepared for some silly challenges and a whole lot of laughs — and you’ll walk away with stories to tell long after the season ends.

FAQ

Is this scavenger hunt suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is designed to be fun for all ages, with challenges and items suitable for families and kids who enjoy playful activities.

How long does the hunt last?
The activity takes approximately one hour, making it perfect for a quick holiday outing or as part of a larger day of sightseeing.

Can I play this activity in any part of Detroit?
Yes, the hunt can be played anywhere in Detroit, giving you the flexibility to choose a location that suits your schedule or interests.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers all scavenger hunt activities, taxes, fees, and access to a remote guide via chat for support during your hunt.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, participants need their own smartphone with the app installed, as the activity is app-based and requires internet access.

Are there any restrictions on group size?
The activity can accommodate up to 10 people per group, making it ideal for small to medium-sized groups.

What are the opening hours?
The hunt is available Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, between November 29 and December 31, 2025.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.