Free · Nov 17 – Dec 31

Hunt for holiday magic in Hyattsville

A free six-week adventure for families, friends, and anyone who loves a good mystery. Explore 22 local shops, earn points, and chase the elf.

Join the hunt — it's free See how it works ↓
22 shops New trivia daily A new mystery every week

How to play

Play at your own pace. Most things take a minute, and every day brings something new.

Explore and scan
Visit participating shops and scan their card to earn points. Come back another day and earn them again.
Play every day
Daily local trivia, missions, photo challenges, and streak bonuses, even from your couch.
Find the elf
Each week our elf hides in a different shop. Earn clues, crack the mystery, and track him down.
Win real prizes
Climb the leaderboard. When the season ends, top players pick gift cards from local shops.

Starting Nov 27

Where’s the Elf?

Every week he leaves a trail of clues. Each one narrows it down.

“I’m somewhere with art to look at.”
“I’m not on Route 1.”
Next clue unlocks when you play…

Two guesses a week, and everyone’s elf hides somewhere different, so it’s a real mystery for every player.

Mark your calendar

NOV
20
Pink Friday
Double points everywhere, plus a launch badge
×2
NOV
28
Small Business Saturday
Double points and the big Shop Hop mission
×2
DEC
4
Sip n' Shop
Triple points from 6 to 8 pm
×3

Free parking in city lots from Nov 27 through Jan 1

Real prizes from real local shops

The more you explore, the higher you climb. When the season wraps up, top players choose from gift cards donated by the shops you have been visiting.

Your Hyattsville, all in one adventure

Coffee, ramen, records, art, vintage finds, and more. Here's where you'll be hunting:

Akira Ramen & Sushi Arrow Bicycle Busboys & Poets De Novo Dinosaur Pancake Records Fireplace Records Franklins Restaurant & Brewery Green Owl Design Gremlins Tattoo Lounge Haraka Run and Walk Maryland Meadworks Nest Proper Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center Sangfroid Distilling Saxira Aesthetics & Wellness Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. Suffragette City Tally Home Three Little Birds Sewing Tuft'n Up Studio & Socials Vigilante Coffee Will's Decorating

Good questions

Is it really free?
Yes. Free to play, and no purchase is ever needed to play or win.
Who can play?
Everyone. Play solo, with friends, or as a family on one account. Kids are welcome on a grown-up's account.
Do I have to visit the shops?
Trivia and some missions work from anywhere. Visiting shops earns the most points.
How do I win?
Earn the most Holiday Points by December 31. Top players pick their prizes in order.

Official rules

Ready to hunt?

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