THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Turn the National Mall into a seasonal game book: the Holly Jolly Hunt uses a smartphone app to guide families and friends through festive photo prompts, silly tasks, and neighborhood discoveries across Washington, D.C. It’s an accessible, one-hour burst of holiday fun that showcases the city’s civic landmarks and local flavor.
Turn the National Mall into a seasonal game book: the Holly Jolly Hunt uses a smartphone app to guide families and friends through festive photo prompts, silly tasks, and neighborhood discoveries across Washington, D.C. It’s an accessible, one-hour burst of holiday fun that showcases the city’s civic landmarks and local flavor.
A crisp winter morning in Washington, D.C., and a group gathers at the edge of the National Mall, phones in hand and breath visible in the air. The Holly Jolly Hunt routes players past civic architecture and festive storefronts, turning familiar streets into a playground of seasonal challenges and photo prompts. The app pings; the chase begins.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Holly Jolly Hunt - Holiday Scavenger Hunt · Washington, DC
A crisp winter morning in Washington, D.C., and a group gathers at the edge of the National Mall, phones in hand and breath visible in the air. The Holly Jolly Hunt routes players past civic architecture and festive storefronts, turning familiar streets into a playground of seasonal challenges and photo prompts. The app pings; the chase begins.
Washington's landscape is civic as much as natural: flat expanses of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the placid Potomac daring pedestrians at the riverfront, and avenues laid out by L'Enfant that frame monuments and museums. The scavenger hunt leans on those cues—public art, decorated windows, wreaths on historic lamp posts—and folds local culture into its tasks, from carol-singing prompts near historic churches to finding quirky holiday displays in neighborhood squares.
This experience is light on technical demand but rich in urban context. It’s designed for families, friend groups, and mixed-ability teams who want one active hour of holiday fun rather than a guided lecture on the Mall’s history. The app-based format means flexibility: start where you like, pace yourselves, and use public transit to return. Expect 0.5–2 miles of walking depending on the route you choose, paved sidewalks, and frequent stops.
Practical details: bring a fully charged smartphone, dress in layers for winter winds off the Potomac, and plan for crowds on weekends and near major monuments. The game is stroller-friendly and allows service animals, and a remote guide is available through the app’s chat if you need help. Play fast for leaderboard points or slow to savor the seasonal scenes—either way, the city becomes part map and part playground.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels; able to walk short distances and stand briefly
The standard booking is about 60 minutes, though route choices and group pace can extend total time to around 90–120 minutes.
The operator suggests a recommended start point near the National Mall; you'll receive exact app instructions before your booking and can begin from nearby locations.
Yes—tasks are family-friendly, and sidewalks are stroller-accessible; children often enjoy the photo and silly-task prompts.
A remote guide is available via the app’s chat feature to troubleshoot or clarify clues during your hunt.
Washington’s L'Enfant Plan laid out the city’s grand avenues and public spaces in the late 18th century; the Mall and surrounding monuments provide a civic backdrop to any urban walk.
Stick to sidewalks and marked plazas to protect turf and memorial landscaping; holiday events can increase foot traffic, so use trash receptacles and minimize single-use plastics.
Holly Jolly Hunt - Holiday Scavenger Hunt operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A crisp winter morning in Washington, D.C., and a group gathers at the edge of the National Mall, phones in hand and breath visible in the air. The Holly Jolly Hunt routes players past civic architecture and festive storefronts, turning familiar streets into a playground of seasonal challenges and photo prompts. The app pings; the chase begins.
A crisp winter morning in Washington, D.C., and a group gathers at the edge of the National Mall, phones in hand and breath visible in the air. The Holly Jolly Hunt routes players past civic architecture and festive storefronts, turning familiar streets into a playground of seasonal challenges and photo prompts. The app pings; the chase begins.
Washington's landscape is civic as much as natural: flat expanses of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the placid Potomac daring pedestrians at the riverfront, and avenues laid out by L'Enfant that frame monuments and museums. The scavenger hunt leans on those cues—public art, decorated windows, wreaths on historic lamp posts—and folds local culture into its tasks, from carol-singing prompts near historic churches to finding quirky holiday displays in neighborhood squares.
This experience is light on technical demand but rich in urban context. It’s designed for families, friend groups, and mixed-ability teams who want one active hour of holiday fun rather than a guided lecture on the Mall’s history. The app-based format means flexibility: start where you like, pace yourselves, and use public transit to return. Expect 0.5–2 miles of walking depending on the route you choose, paved sidewalks, and frequent stops.
Practical details: bring a fully charged smartphone, dress in layers for winter winds off the Potomac, and plan for crowds on weekends and near major monuments. The game is stroller-friendly and allows service animals, and a remote guide is available through the app’s chat if you need help. Play fast for leaderboard points or slow to savor the seasonal scenes—either way, the city becomes part map and part playground.