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

This review explores the Holly Jolly Hunt in Columbia, South Carolina — a lively, app-based holiday scavenger experience designed to bring out your inner explorer. While we haven’t personally participated, the detailed info and reviews suggest it’s a fresh and interactive way to celebrate the season.

What makes this experience appealing? First, it offers flexibility — you can play anywhere in Columbia that suits your mood or schedule, making it ideal for both visitors and locals. Second, it’s affordable, with a price tag of just $20 per group, which is quite reasonable for a fun, team-building activity. Third, the interactive nature, with photo challenges and holiday tasks, promises plenty of laughs and memorable moments.

However, one factor to consider is the reliance on smartphone usage — you’ll need your own device with the app installed, which might be a limitation if your phone’s battery is low or if you prefer outdoor adventures without screens. Still, the activity’s duration of approximately one hour makes it a manageable addition to any day.

This experience suits families, friends, or co-workers looking to inject some holiday spirit into their schedule, especially those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and outdoor exploration. Now, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt.

Good To Know

• Flexible Location: Play anywhere within Columbia, making it suitable for different schedules and preferences.
• Affordable Fun: At just $20 per group, it offers good value for a memorable holiday activity.
• Interactive Experience: Photo challenges and holiday tasks keep the energy high and engagement strong.
• Limited Duration: Around 1 hour, ideal for a quick festive outing or part of a bigger day.
• App Based: Requires a smartphone and the app, which adds convenience but also dependence on device use.
• Private Group: Only your group participates, ensuring a customized and intimate experience.

What to Expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt

The Holly Jolly Hunt is designed to turn your usual stroll into a holiday-themed adventure. The activity is centered around an app that guides you through a series of scavenger hunt challenges, which can be completed anywhere in Columbia, starting from the designated meeting point at 1100 Gervais St. The flexibility of play means you can explore downtown, parks, or any neighborhood that sparks your interest.

Once you start, you’ll be given a list of traditional holiday items to find — think decorated storefronts, Christmas trees, or even unusual Christmas-themed objects. But it also includes not-so-traditional items, which keeps the hunt lively and unpredictable. For example, you might be asked to find a holiday-themed mural or take a photo of a local landmark decorated for the season.

Photo submissions through the app are a key part of scoring, adding a visual element to the challenges. Reviewers mention that the process is straightforward, and the app is easy to navigate, which is essential for keeping the fun flowing. One reviewer noted, “The app was user-friendly, and it was fun to see everyone’s creative photos.”

Adding to the enjoyment are holiday challenges designed to elicit laughs and team camaraderie. These might include silly tasks like singing a holiday song in front of a landmark or performing a quick holiday dance. Such challenges encourage a relaxed, jovial atmosphere.

The competitive element is also engaging. Participants can see their scores on a leaderboard, giving a sense of achievement and a bit of friendly rivalry. While specific prize details aren’t provided, the real reward seems to be the shared fun and holiday memories made along the way.

Meeting Point and Duration

The activity begins at 1100 Gervais St in Columbia, a central spot close to public transportation, making it easy to access. The hunt lasts approximately one hour, making it suitable as a quick festive outing or as part of a larger day of holiday activities. To keep things simple, the hunt ends back at the starting point, so no need to worry about transportation after.

Booking and Pricing

At just $20 per group (up to 10 people), this activity is a budget-friendly option for groups looking for light-hearted entertainment. Booking is often done well in advance, with an average reservation window of about 139 days, indicating high interest. The ticket includes all activities, taxes, and fees, with access to a remote guide via chat to help if needed.

Participants will need their own smartphone to play, and it’s worth noting that private transportation isn’t included, so plan your travel accordingly. The activity is available from late November through New Year’s Eve (November 29 to December 31), fitting well into the holiday season.

In-Depth Experience Breakdown

The Start: Ease of Access and Setup

Upon arriving at the meeting point, you’ll find the check-in process simple, with instructions sent through the app. The group size is limited to ten, fostering an intimate and manageable experience. Reviewers mention that the process is smooth, and the app’s chat feature provides quick access to a remote guide, which is reassuring if any glitches arise.

The Challenge: Exploring and Scoring

The core of the hunt involves searching for holiday-related items—both traditional, like Christmas wreaths or Santa displays, and more unconventional finds, like seasonal murals or local tradition spots. This mix encourages curiosity about Columbia’s neighborhoods and businesses.

Participants have praised the variety, with one reviewer noting, “It kept us on our toes, trying to find the quirky stuff that wasn’t obvious.” The photo challenges add an extra layer of fun, encouraging creativity and humor, which is ideal for groups that enjoy lighthearted competition.

The Challenges: Creating Lasting Memories

The holiday challenges are designed to break the ice and get everyone laughing. For example, one task involved singing a Christmas carol in a public space, which resulted in genuine laughs and memorable moments. Such activities foster team bonds and make the experience more than just a scavenger hunt.

The End: Returning with Photos and Memories

The activity concludes back at Gervais Street, where scores are tallied and displayed on the leaderboard. Many reviewers comment on how quick and easy the process is, leaving plenty of time to continue holiday festivities or enjoy a warm drink nearby.

Value and Satisfaction

At $20 per group, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers solid value, especially considering the interactive nature and the opportunity to explore Columbia’s holiday spirit. The activity’s flexibility means you can tailor it to your schedule, making it suitable for a range of travelers—from families with children to groups of friends or office parties.

Community and Authenticity

While there are no published reviews yet, the activity’s emphasis on local landmarks and holiday traditions promises an authentic taste of Columbia’s festive atmosphere. The inclusion of a remote guide ensures that your group gets support, which adds to the overall quality.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This activity is perfect for families seeking a festive outdoor adventure, groups of friends wanting a fun, interactive outing, or co-workers looking for a team-building event during the holiday season. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy exploring new places with a purpose and aren’t afraid of using their smartphones for fun challenges.

If you’re after a quick, cheerful way to get into the holiday spirit and make some genuine, spontaneous memories, Holly Jolly Hunt in Columbia is worth considering.

FAQs

What is included in the price of $20 per group?
All scavenger hunt activities, fees, taxes, and access to a remote guide via chat are included. You’ll get everything needed to complete the challenges within the app.

Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, you need a smartphone with the app installed to participate in the scavenger hunt and take photos for scoring.

How long does the activity last?
The activity takes approximately one hour, making it a quick yet engaging holiday outing.

Can I participate with a large group?
The activity is designed for groups of up to 10 people. Larger groups should consider splitting into smaller teams for the best experience.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group will participate, offering a personalized and intimate experience with no outsiders.

What dates is the activity available?
It runs from November 29, 2025, through December 31, 2025, Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Final Thoughts

The Holly Jolly Hunt in Columbia offers a cheerful and affordable way to celebrate the holiday season. Its flexible, app-based format means you can tailor the experience to your schedule and interests — whether you want a quick outdoor adventure or a fun team activity. The combination of photo challenges, holiday tasks, and friendly competition creates a lively, memorable outing that captures the spirit of the season.

Designed for groups seeking light-hearted fun, it provides a great mix of exploration, laughter, and festive cheer. If you’re in Columbia during the holidays and looking for a playful activity that brings people together, Holly Jolly Hunt is definitely worth considering.

Whether you’re visiting or a local looking for a new twist on holiday traditions, this scavenger hunt can add a touch of magic to your season. Just remember to bring your phone fully charged, gear up for fun, and prepare to see Columbia in a whole new light this holiday.