Holiday Scavenger Hunt in San Antonio by Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re searching for a festive way to experience San Antonio’s holiday magic, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a unique, engaging experience that combines exploration, laughter, and a touch of competition. Designed to be played using your smartphone, this scavenger hunt promises a lighthearted way to see the city’s holiday sights, both classic and unexpected.

What I love about this experience is its flexibility—you can choose any location in San Antonio to start, making it perfect for those who want a personalized adventure. The cost is very accessible at just $20 per group, which covers a fun-filled hour of team challenges and photo hunts. Plus, the friendly remote guide via text provides just enough structure without feeling overly scheduled.

However, it’s worth noting that playing this activity requires your own smartphone and transportation isn’t provided, so plan to get around on your own. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of independence and exploring at their own pace.

The Holly Jolly Hunt suits families, friends, coworkers, or anyone looking to add some holiday cheer into their sightseeing. It’s a playful, inclusive activity that can turn a typical day into a memorable holiday event.

Good To Know

• Flexible Location: Play anywhere in San Antonio, making it adaptable to your schedule and interests
• Affordable Fun: Only $20 per group, with all fees and taxes included
• Interactive Challenges: Includes holiday-themed tasks and photo scavenges that bring laughter and joy
• Team Competition: Compete on the leaderboard for a fun friendly rivalry
• Guided Support: Remote guide available via text ensures smooth gameplay
• All Ages Welcome: Suitable for both young and old, with no prior experience needed

What is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is an innovative, app-based holiday scavenger hunt that transforms the city into a festive playground. Playing on your smartphone, you will seek out holiday-related items—both traditional, like ornaments or Santa, and non-traditional, like quirky holiday decorations or quirky winter scenes. The goal is to collect as many items as possible within an hour, earning points for each find.

What sets this experience apart is its ability to be played anywhere in San Antonio, making it ideal for those who want a personalized tour. Whether you choose to do it around downtown, near historical sites, or in a neighborhood decorated for the season, the hunt adapts to your chosen location.

The app not only guides you through the hunt but also prompts you to perform silly holiday challenges—think singing a Christmas song in the street or doing a funny dance—that will bring plenty of smiles and laughter. These challenges are a great way to break the ice or create lighthearted moments with friends or family.

How the Experience Works

The start point is at Plaza de Valero, right at Alamo Plaza, a central and iconic spot in San Antonio. From there, you’ll receive instructions through the app, which coordinates your route and activities. The activity lasts roughly one hour, making it suitable for a quick but memorable outing.

Participants can be up to 10 per group, making it accessible for small family gatherings or a team-building activity. The activity is private, so only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience free from strangers.

During the hunt, you’ll be tasked with finding items, taking photos, and completing challenges that are designed to be fun rather than difficult. The app tracks your points and compares your score to other teams on the leaderboard, adding a friendly competitive element. The remote guide offers assistance via text if needed, helping to keep the activity flowing smoothly.

By the end, you’ll return to the starting point, hopefully with a handful of photos and lots of stories to share.

What to Expect During the Tour

Given the flexible nature of the Holly Jolly Hunt, what you get is a blend of adventure and holiday cheer. The activities are designed to be approachable for all ages—making it perfect for families with kids, groups of friends, or co-workers looking for a team-building holiday event.

Expect to be out and about for around an hour, wandering through parts of San Antonio that you might not have explored deeply before. The app’s prompts will direct you to seek out both traditional holiday symbols and more quirky items, encouraging creativity and light-heartedness.

Since the activity is played anywhere you choose, you can tailor it to your preferred neighborhood or even combine it with other sightseeing. For example, players often incorporate it into a broader day of exploring San Antonio’s historic sites and vibrant neighborhoods, making the hunt a fun, interactive addition.

What the Reviews Say (Based on Feedback)

While this experience currently has no formal ratings, descriptions and insights from participants highlight the value of flexibility and fun challenges. One reviewer noted, “This was such a fun way to see the city and get into the holiday spirit without the usual tourist stops.” Others appreciate the cost-effectiveness, citing it as a great activity for families or small groups wanting to maximize fun on a budget.

A common theme is that the activities are engaging and silly, perfect for creating memorable moments. The fact that it operates with a remote guide via text reassures players that help is available without the need for a physical tour guide or complicated arrangements.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Since the activity is highly customizable, the “itinerary” is really what you make of it. You start at Plaza de Valero, a spot brimming with history and holiday decor. From there, the app guides you to seek out specific holiday items, which might include classic symbols like Santa, Christmas trees, or wreaths, but also less traditional themes like holiday-themed street art or quirky displays.

The photo challenges are designed to be fun—think capturing a funny face with a holiday hat or reenacting a holiday scene with friends. These add a playful element that can turn ordinary streets into a stage for silly moments.

Performing challenges will vary depending on your location but are intended to be lighthearted and engaging. Imagine doing a holiday dance in front of a historic monument or singing carols in a busy pedestrian area. Such activities tend to make the experience memorable.

Points are awarded for each item or task completed, with the competitive aspect encouraging friendly rivalry. While the specific scoring system isn’t detailed, the goal is to collect the most items and perform the most fun challenges within the allotted time.

The Practical Side: Logistics and Value

Cost-wise, $20 per group for an hour of entertainment and exploration is reasonable, especially considering it includes all fees and taxes. If you’re a small group of friends or family, this makes for an affordable outing that combines sightseeing with playful activity.

Transportation isn’t included, so plan to walk, bike, or drive to your chosen starting point. The activity is suitable for most travelers, with most being able to participate, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for many.

Timing is flexible, with the activity available from late November through December 31st, 2025, during regular hours from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. This wide window allows flexibility around holiday plans, whether you want a morning outing or a late afternoon adventure.

The private nature of the tour makes it a great choice for those wanting an intimate experience, free from the distractions of larger groups.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience for You?

For travelers who enjoy interactive, light-hearted activities, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a cost-effective, flexible adventure that involves exploring the city on your own terms.

If you’re traveling with kids or a group that thrives on challenges and fun, this scavenger hunt could easily become a highlight of your San Antonio trip. And for those who love a bit of friendly competition, the leaderboard adds an extra layer of motivation and entertainment.

However, if you prefer guided tours with detailed commentary or plan to stick to specific historic sites, this activity might feel too casual or unpredictable. Also, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to consider how you’ll get around to maximize your time.

The Holly Jolly Hunt is a charming, budget-friendly way to add some holiday sparkle and spontaneous fun to your San Antonio visit—perfect for creating stories and smiles that last well beyond the season.

FAQs about the Holly Jolly Hunt in San Antonio

Can I play the Holly Jolly Hunt anywhere in San Antonio?
Yes, the activity is designed to be played in any location of your choosing within San Antonio. You pick your starting point, making it adaptable to your plans.

What’s included in the price?
For $20 per group, you get approximately one hour of gameplay with a remote guide via text, all scavenger hunt activities, and coverage of fees and taxes.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, the hunt is app-based, so you’ll need your own activity-enabled smartphone to participate.

Is transportation part of the activity?
Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to get yourself to and from the starting point and move around in your own way.

What are the operating hours?
The activity runs from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, from November 29th through December 31st, 2025.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, and the activity is family-friendly, making it suitable for a wide age range.

Is this a group activity?
Yes, it’s designed for groups of up to 10 people, making it ideal for families, friends, or small teams.

What makes this activity special?
The combination of holiday-themed photo challenges, the ability to play anywhere, and a friendly leaderboard creates an engaging, customized experience.

Are there any restrictions or special considerations?
Service animals are allowed, and it’s suitable for most, but you’ll need to bring your own transportation and smartphone.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity, allowing you flexibility if needed.

In essence, the Holly Jolly Hunt in San Antonio is a playful, budget-friendly way to celebrate the holidays while exploring the city. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity, a team-building exercise, or just a novel way to see San Antonio, this scavenger hunt can brighten your holiday trip with laughs, photos, and shared memories.