Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Madison with Holly Jolly Hunt

Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Madison with Holly Jolly Hunt

This holiday season, many travelers look for unique ways to enjoy their time in a city while creating lasting memories. The Holly Jolly Hunt in Madison offers a playful, interactive way to explore the city’s festive spirit. It’s an app-based scavenger hunt that’s perfect for groups of friends, families, or even co-workers looking for something different to do during the holidays.

What truly appeals about this experience is its flexibility—playing anywhere you choose around Madison—and its lighthearted approach, which guarantees laughter and fun. Plus, the inclusion of a remote guide via chat adds a helpful touch, making sure you’re supported without the need for a tour bus or guide leading the way.

That said, the price point of $20 per group is quite reasonable, especially considering it’s a private activity for up to 10 people. However, travelers should note that use of your own smartphone is necessary, and it’s not a guided tour in the traditional sense. This is a self-directed experience, making it especially suitable for those who enjoy a bit of independence and a personal pace.

If you’re seeking an engaging, family-friendly holiday activity with a dash of competition and a lot of laughs, Holly Jolly Hunt could be just the ticket. It’s best suited for those who love exploring cities with a bit of a game, don’t mind using their phone, and want to add some playful cheer to their Madison visit.

Key Points

• Flexible location: Play anywhere in Madison, making it ideal for customizing your experience.
• Cost-effective: At $20 per group with up to 10 participants, it offers good value for a fun activity.
• Interactive fun: It combines photos, challenges, and a leaderboard, fostering friendly competition.
• Support included: A remote guide via chat helps troubleshoot or give hints if needed.
• Seasonal appeal: Operates from late November through December, perfect for holiday cheer.
• Duration: Fast-paced, about an hour, fitting easily into a busy day of sightseeing.

Discovering Madison through a Holiday Twist

Madison in winter already has a charm of its own, with snow-dusted streets, twinkling lights, and a cozy, friendly atmosphere. The Holly Jolly Hunt adds an extra layer of fun, encouraging you to look for holiday-related items, both traditional (like ornaments or wreaths) and playful surprises (perhaps a Santa hat or holiday-themed street art). Since it’s completely app-based, you can play at your own pace, pausing to enjoy the scenery or snap photos whenever something catches your eye.

The beauty of this experience is that it doesn’t require a set schedule or extensive planning. Once you’ve purchased your ticket—just $20 for your group—you’ll get access to the app and a chat feature with a remote guide. This setup allows you to start whenever you’re ready, whether during the busy holiday weekends or a quieter weekday afternoon.

The game itself is straightforward: find items or perform challenges, take a photo through the app to earn points, and compare your score to others on the leaderboard. Because you’re free to choose your route and timing, you can tailor the hunt to your interests—whether strolling through the historic State Capitol area or exploring lesser-known neighborhoods decorated for the season.

Itinerary and Game Mechanics

Starting point: The activity begins at Wisconsin State Capitol, a grand building that’s beautifully decorated during the holidays. It’s an excellent spot for photos and offers a striking backdrop for your adventure. The app provides clues and challenges, keeping the activity lively and engaging without feeling rushed.

What to do: During the hunt, you’ll be prompted to look for a variety of holiday items—some traditional, like Christmas trees or holiday lights, and others more quirky, like a festive mascot or a holiday-themed street mural. Perform challenges that might involve singing a holiday song in public or finding an unusual ornament. These challenges are designed to spark laughter and interaction, making the experience enjoyable for all ages.

End point: The hunt concludes back at the starting point, giving everyone a chance to compare scores and share stories. The leaderboard fosters light-hearted competition, motivating teams to search more creatively or quickly.

Duration: Expect to spend about an hour on the hunt, making it a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing or holiday shopping. The flexibility to pause or extend your play means you can fit it into your schedule comfortably.

What Travelers Say (Based on reviews and descriptions)

While the Holly Jolly Hunt doesn’t have a large pool of reviews yet, the descriptions highlight its appeal for groups seeking a playful, memorable way to celebrate the season. One aspect praised is the guaranteed laughter and fun, with an emphasis on creating shared holiday memories.

Since it’s a private experience, you won’t be competing against strangers, which keeps the game friendly and personalized. The chat support from a remote guide is a thoughtful addition—helpful if you get stuck or need hints.

Some reviewers have noted that playing on your own smartphone requires a bit of familiarity with apps, but the process is straightforward and intuitive. Also, the flexible hours—running from late November through December—make it accessible during peak holiday time.

Price and Value

At $20 per group, this activity offers remarkable value. For less than the cost of a coffee and pastry, you get an hour of entertainment that’s both active and interactive. Since it’s geared for up to 10 participants, it’s an affordable way to involve a small group, whether family, friends, or coworkers.

Compared to guided tours or museum visits, this experience offers more flexibility and spontaneity. It encourages participants to explore Madison’s neighborhoods and public spaces in a lively, engaging manner. Plus, the app’s photo challenges double as fun souvenirs of your holiday adventure.

Who Will Love This?

Families with kids will find this activity particularly engaging—kids love taking photos and performing challenges. Groups of friends will appreciate the friendly competition and shared laughs. Co-workers can use it as a fun team-building exercise during the holiday season.

However, those who prefer guided tours or historical narratives might find this a bit light on context. It’s more about the fun of discovery and celebrating the season than learning about Madison’s deeper history. Also, since it’s app-based, travelers uncomfortable with technology may want to consider whether they’re comfortable using their phone for this purpose.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Bring your own smartphone, equipped with the app, to ensure smooth gameplay.
• Wear comfortable shoes—Madison’s city streets are best explored on foot.
• Plan to start your hunt during daylight hours or early evening for the best lighting and photo opportunities.
• Make sure to have a full battery or portable charger—since you’ll be snapping photos and engaging with the app.
• Be prepared for some light walking and outdoor weather conditions; dress warmly if needed.
• Check the operating hours (Tuesday to Sunday, 9am–5pm) to ensure your schedule aligns.

The Sum Up

The Holly Jolly Hunt in Madison offers a refreshingly fun, flexible, and affordable way to experience the city’s festive season. It’s especially well-suited for groups who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, exploring at their own pace, and creating holiday memories with a smile.

While it doesn’t include guided commentary or historical insights, its focus on discovery, humor, and holiday cheer makes it a delightful addition to any winter trip. Whether you’re visiting Madison for the holidays or looking for a unique way to celebrate locally, this scavenger hunt will likely leave you with stories to tell and photos to cherish.

If you’re after a lively, interactive activity that combines sightseeing with laughter, this might just be your holiday highlight. It’s a smart choice for families, friends, or coworker groups wanting to enjoy Madison’s winter magic in a memorable, playful way.

FAQ

How much does the Holly Jolly Hunt cost?
It’s $20 per group, which can include up to 10 people. This makes it an affordable way to add some holiday fun without breaking the bank.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need your own smartphone with the app installed. The activity does not include device rental or provision.

When can I do the Holly Jolly Hunt?
It’s available from late November through December, operating Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Where does the activity start and end?
The starting point is the Wisconsin State Capitol at 2 E Main St, Madison. The activity ends back at the same location.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided, app-based scavenger hunt. However, you get access to a remote guide via chat for assistance if needed.

Are there any physical requirements?
Participants should be prepared for some walking around Madison’s streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended, along with weather-appropriate clothing.

What’s included in the price?
All scavenger hunt activities and fees/taxes are included. Support from the remote guide is part of the package.

Are there any restrictions?
Service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate, but if you’re uncomfortable with using apps or walking outdoors, keep that in mind.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there is free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.