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

This review explores the Holly Jolly Hunt, a unique holiday activity in Columbia, South Carolina, designed to bring festive cheer to groups of friends, families, or colleagues. While we haven’t personally taken the tour, the details suggest it offers a lively, interactive experience that combines city exploration with holiday fun.

What we love about this experience:

• It’s app-based, meaning no need for printed maps or guides — just download and go.
• The flexibility to play anywhere in Columbia makes it perfect for customizing your holiday outing.
• The interactive challenges and photo tasks promise lots of laughs and memorable moments.

One consideration:

• The activity assumes participants have their own smartphones and data plan, which could be a barrier for some.

This scavenger hunt seems well-suited for those looking to blend sightseeing with a playful holiday challenge, especially groups seeking a lighthearted way to enjoy Columbia during the festive season.

Good To Know

• Flexible Location: Play anywhere in Columbia, making it adaptable to your plans.
• Affordable Price: At $20 per group, it offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy holiday fun.
• Team Building: Ideal for friends, families, or coworkers looking for shared entertainment.
• Interactive and Fun: Combines photo challenges and holiday-themed tasks for laughter and engagement.
• Leaderboard Competition: Adds a playful competitive edge, with scores compared to other teams.
• Includes Remote Support: Access to a guide via chat, ensuring assistance if needed.

An In-Depth Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt

What Is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

This experience is an app-based scavenger hunt that celebrates the holiday season. For just $20 per group (up to 10 people), you get to explore Columbia in your own way while completing various holiday-themed challenges. The activity is designed to be flexible, allowing you to set your own starting point and route, which makes it appealing whether you’re visiting specific neighborhoods, downtown, or near public transit options.

The game involves finding traditional holiday items and some unexpected surprises. As you discover each item or complete a challenge, you’ll use the app to take photos, perform tasks, and score points. The competitive aspect — seeing your score on a leaderboard with other teams — adds a dash of friendly rivalry, while the shared experience is guaranteed to generate giggles and memorable moments.

What Does the Experience Include?

The package provides all scavenger hunt activities and fees, plus access to a remote guide via chat. This support can be invaluable if you encounter technical hiccups or need hints, making it a stress-free activity. All taxes are included in the price, so there’s no surprise billing.

However, you’ll need to use your own smartphone to participate, so ensure your device is charged and data is available. The activity does not include private transportation, so plan your route accordingly or consider public transit options near the start point.

The Starting Point and Duration

The activity begins at 1100 Gervais Street, a central location in Columbia, making it easy to incorporate into an existing day of sightseeing or holiday plans. It’s designed to last around one hour, a perfect length for a quick holiday outing or as part of a larger day of exploring.

Operating between November 29th and December 31st, it fits neatly into the holiday season. The activity runs Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving flexibility for morning or afternoon adventures.

What Makes the Holly Jolly Hunt Special?

The appeal lies in the blend of city exploration and seasonal cheer. We loved the idea of creating a customizable experience — you can play at your own pace, which is ideal if you want to extend the fun or keep it short and sweet. The inclusion of both traditional holiday motifs and quirky challenges** keeps the activity fresh and engaging.

The leaderboard feature adds an exciting competitive edge, fostering teamwork and encouraging participants to pay attention to details. And, since the hunt is private for your group, it offers a personalized experience—no strangers involved unless you want to include others.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

While there are no formal reviews yet, the description indicates that the activity is guaranteed to create lasting holiday memories. The fact that many book 139 days in advance signals it’s a popular choice, especially during the busy holiday season. The app-based format means you can play anywhere in the city, which is perfect for those who prefer a flexible approach to sightseeing or holiday activities.

Practical Tips for Participating

• Download the app early and ensure your phone is charged.
• Plan your route around Columbia’s public transportation and landmarks for a more efficient experience.
• Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be exploring different parts of the city.
• Coordinate with your group to decide on meeting points and timing, especially if playing with a larger group.
• Remember, service animals are allowed, so you can bring a furry friend along if they’re trained and comfortable in busy outdoor environments.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This activity is perfect for small groups wanting a fun, interactive holiday experience. Families with children might enjoy the playful challenges, while friends and co-workers can use it as a team-building activity. It’s especially ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, low-cost way to add some festive cheer to your Columbia visit.

Who Might Not Love It?

Those seeking a guided tour with historical commentary might find this activity too casual or free-form. Plus, if your group isn’t comfortable using smartphones or prefers structured tours, this might not fit your style.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At $20 per group for up to 10 participants, the activity offers excellent value. You’re paying for a customizable, city-wide adventure that can be tailored to your schedule and interests. Since all activities and taxes are included, there are no hidden fees. The additional support via chat adds reassurance, especially for first-time users of scavenger hunts.

Compared to other holiday activities, this is an affordable, engaging way to celebrate with loved ones, with the bonus of creating lasting memories through shared laughter and discovery.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re in Columbia during the holiday season and want a fun, flexible way to explore the city, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a delightful experience. It balances lighthearted competition with the chance to see parts of Columbia you might not explore on your own. The activity’s cost-effectiveness and interactive nature make it a standout option for small groups looking to add a festive twist to their holiday plans.

It’s particularly suited for families, friends, or colleagues wanting to bond over some holiday-themed challenges, all while enjoying Columbia’s charm. Since it’s a private activity, it guarantees a personalized experience, free from strangers, and the ability to tailor the adventure to your group’s pace.

FAQs

Can I play the Holly Jolly Hunt anywhere in Columbia?
Yes, you can choose your own location within Columbia to start and play the game, making it flexible to fit your plans.

What’s included in the price?
All scavenger hunt activities, fees, taxes, and access to a remote guide via chat are included in the $20 fee per group.

Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, participants need to use their own devices to take photos, complete challenges, and track scores.

What are the operating hours?
The activity runs Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, between November 29th and December 31st.

Is this suitable for kids?
While not explicitly stated, the fun, photo-based challenges and holiday theme suggest it’s family-friendly, especially for children old enough to use a smartphone.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed during the activity.

How long does it take?
The activity is designed to last approximately one hour, making it perfect for a quick holiday break.

Is transportation included?
No, participants are responsible for their own transportation; no private transport is provided.

Can I do this activity with a large group?
The activity is designed for groups of up to 10, but larger parties can split into smaller teams to compete.

To sum it up, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Columbia offers a charming, cost-effective way to add some holiday magic to your visit. Its flexible, app-driven format is perfect for those wanting to combine sightseeing with a playful challenge. Whether you’re with family, friends, or colleagues, this activity promises fun, laughter, and lasting memories during the festive season.