Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Pittsburgh with Holly Jolly Hunt

Celebrate the Season with the Holly Jolly Hunt in Pittsburgh

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a lively and interactive way to celebrate the holiday spirit in Pittsburgh, USA. For $20 per group (up to 10 participants), this one-hour mobile app-based scavenger hunt lets you explore the city on your own terms. Starting at 21 Market Square, the experience combines holiday-themed items, creative challenges, and friendly competition in a format that’s perfect for families, friends, or co-workers. The activity is available from November 29 to December 31, 2025, providing a flexible window to fit into your holiday plans.

What makes the Holly Jolly Hunt stand out is its flexibility and accessibility. You can play anywhere in Pittsburgh of your choosing, making it ideal for those wanting a personalized holiday adventure. Plus, the inclusion of a remote guide via chat ensures support along the way. The cost is modest, and the activity guarantees lasting holiday memories—all wrapped into a convenient one-hour format. A key consideration is that players will need to use their own smartphones to participate, and private transportation is not included, so it’s best suited for those comfortable navigating the city on foot or by public transit.

Key Points

• Affordable holiday activity at $20 per group for up to 10 people
• 1-hour duration making it easy to fit into busy holiday schedules
• App-based scavenger hunt exploring Pittsburgh with a variety of holiday-related items
• Perform challenges and take photos to score points and compete on a leaderboard
• Includes access to a remote guide via chat for support during the hunt
• Available from late November to the end of December 2025

The Starting Point at 21 Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh

The hunt begins at 21 Market Square, a lively hub in downtown Pittsburgh, known for its bustling atmosphere and proximity to public transportation options. This central meeting location makes it easy to access for groups staying in the city or arriving via transit. The activity ends back at the same spot, ensuring a seamless experience with no need to return to a different location.

Participants can start anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday during the specified dates. The flexibility of these hours allows groups to plan the hunt around their sightseeing, dining, or shopping schedules without feeling rushed. Since the activity is private, only your group participates, adding an element of exclusivity and comfort.

How the App-Based Scavenger Hunt Works

Holly Jolly Hunt is played entirely through a mobile app, which guides you through the city while offering holiday-themed items to find—both traditional and not so traditional. You’ll be prompted to take photos through the app to earn points, making the experience interactive and engaging. The app also includes fun, holiday challenges that add laughter and excitement to your team dynamic.

The scoring is displayed on a leaderboard, so teams can see how they compare to others from all over. The format encourages friendly competition, and the challenges are designed to spark creativity and joy. The entire activity is designed to create memorable moments, whether you’re a group of friends, family members, or colleagues celebrating together.

Access to Support via Chat in the App

A notable feature of the Holly Jolly Hunt is the access to a remote guide through the chat function within the app. This ensures any questions or technical issues are promptly addressed, keeping the activity smooth and enjoyable. The support function adds a layer of convenience, especially when exploring unfamiliar parts of the city.

What Items and Challenges Can You Expect?

While the specific items are not detailed, the hunt includes both traditional holiday items—such as ornaments, Santa figures, or wreaths—and not-so-traditional surprises. The challenges are designed to be fun and light-hearted, bringing laughter to your team as they search for items and perform tasks. These tasks might involve taking creative photos or completing holiday-themed challenges, all intended to boost team spirit and holiday cheer.

Accessibility and Practical Tips for Participants

Most travelers can participate comfortably in the Holly Jolly Hunt, as it mainly requires a smartphone and willingness to explore. The tour is near public transportation, making it accessible for those relying on transit. Service animals are allowed, adding inclusivity for different needs. Participants should plan to wear comfortable shoes and have their smartphones charged, as the app is essential for gameplay.

Since private transportation is not included, groups should consider how they’ll navigate the city—whether walking, biking, or using local transit. The activity’s one-hour duration makes it a manageable option for fitting into a larger day of holiday activities.

What Sets the Holly Jolly Hunt Apart

Compared to traditional tours, this activity offers complete flexibility—you choose the location and timeline within Pittsburgh’s festive season. The app-based format allows for a self-guided experience that can be tailored to your group’s pace and interests. The inclusion of a remote guide ensures support, while the cost-effectiveness makes it accessible for many groups.

The competitive element—seeing your score climb on the leaderboard—adds an energetic twist to the holiday fun. It’s an engaging way to explore the city’s festive sights and create lasting holiday memories without the need for long tours or large groups.

The Value of a One-Hour Holiday Adventure

The 1-hour duration of the Holly Jolly Hunt makes it a convenient option during busy holiday schedules. It’s quick enough to serve as a standalone activity or a joyful interlude between other plans like shopping or dining. The $20 fee is reasonable, especially considering it covers all activities and access to a remote guide, with no additional costs for the scavenger hunt itself.

This activity is particularly good for small groups who want a personalized experience without the constraints of a scheduled tour or large crowds. The flexibility and interactive nature make it a memorable holiday highlight.

Practical Considerations Before Booking

Since the activity is booked roughly 38 days in advance on average, early reservations are recommended to secure your preferred date. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, allowing flexibility if plans change. Remember that the use of your own smartphone is necessary, and private transportation is not included, so plan your route accordingly.

The activity is suitable for most travelers, offering an inclusive experience that requires no specific physical requirements beyond walking and smartphone usage. The private setting ensures your group can enjoy the adventure at your own pace.

Why Choose the Holly Jolly Hunt for Your Holiday Celebrations

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a distinctive way to enjoy Pittsburgh during the holiday season. Its interactive, app-based format makes it easy to customize and adapt your experience. The cost is modest, and its short, one-hour duration makes it easy to incorporate into a larger holiday itinerary.

This activity is perfect for small groups seeking a fun, engaging challenge that sparks laughter and holiday cheer. Whether celebrating with family, friends, or co-workers, the Holly Jolly Hunt guarantees an activity that will bring smiles and lasting memories to everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the activities are designed to be fun and light-hearted for all ages.

Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, the scavenger hunt is app-based, so participants must use their own smartphones to access activities and submit photos.

Is the activity accessible near public transportation?
Yes, the starting point at 21 Market Square is near public transit, making it easy for groups to reach.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

How long does the activity last?
The scavenger hunt takes approximately one hour to complete.

Can we do the hunt at any time during the day?
The activity is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, between November 29 and December 31, 2025.

What is included in the price?
All scavenger hunt activities, access to the remote guide via chat, and all fees and taxes are included.

Are there any additional costs?
Participants should provide their own smartphones; private transportation is not included, which may incur additional costs depending on your travel plans.

Is the activity private?
Yes, this is a private tour/activity for your group only, ensuring a personalized experience.

What makes this scavenger hunt special?
It combines holiday-themed items, fun challenges, and friendly competition, all set in your chosen part of Pittsburgh, offering a memorable, customizable holiday experience.