Celebrate the Season with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Columbia with Holly Jolly Hunt
If you’re on the hunt for a fresh way to enjoy the festive season in Columbia, this Holly Jolly Hunt might just be the ticket. It’s an app-led scavenger hunt that invites you and your group—be it friends, family, or coworkers—to explore the city in a fun, interactive way. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the concept sounds promising for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition mixed with holiday cheer.
Two things that stand out immediately are the flexibility of playing anywhere in Columbia and the interactive challenges that promise laughs and good times. Plus, at just $20 per group (up to 10 people), it offers a potentially affordable, lively activity during the busy holiday season. However, do keep in mind that you’ll need your own smartphone to play—so no device, no fun.
This experience is best suited for groups who appreciate casual, outdoor fun, and don’t mind a bit of self-guided exploration. It’s especially appealing if you want to create some lasting holiday memories without the usual mall or dinner plans.
Key Points

- Affordable Group Activity: At $20 per group, it’s a budget-friendly way to spice up your holiday outing.
- Flexible Location: Play anywhere in Columbia, making it ideal for different settings.
- Interactive & Laughter-Inducing: Incorporates fun challenges and photo tasks that are perfect for all ages.
- Leaderboards & Friendly Competition: See how your team stacks up against others for added motivation.
- Remote Guide Support: You get access to a chat-based guide, helping keep the fun on track.
- Duration & Booking: It takes roughly an hour and can be booked well in advance—average bookings are made about 139 days ahead.
What to Expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience

Imagine wandering through Columbia’s streets, your phone in hand, hunting for holiday-themed items, some traditional, some unexpected. The app guides you through the adventure, prompting you to photograph items—maybe a festive window display or a quirky decoration—and complete holiday challenges that bring smiles and giggles.
The scavenger hunt is entirely app-based, meaning you can start wherever you like, as long as you meet at the designated meeting point: 1100 Gervais St. The activity lasts about an hour, which makes it a great option if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the holiday spirit. Once you’re all set up, the app tracks your progress and scores, displaying your rank on a live leaderboard, adding a light-hearted competitive edge.
The inclusion of a remote chat guide is a smart touch, providing support if you get stuck or want some hints. This makes the experience accessible for first-timers or those unfamiliar with scavenger hunts. All activities, fees, and taxes are included in the price, so no surprises there.
One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need your own device to participate. The experience isn’t suitable if you don’t have a smartphone capable of running the app. Also, transportation isn’t included, so it’s worth considering how you’ll get around if your group plans to explore different parts of Columbia.
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Breaking Down the Experience

The Start and End Point
The meeting point is centrally located at 1100 Gervais St, a convenient spot near public transportation. It’s good to know that the activity ends back at the start, so you won’t need to worry about additional travel after the hunt.
The Route & What You’ll Find
Since the hunt is flexible, what you see depends entirely on where you choose to play. Whether you’re wandering downtown, parks, or little neighborhoods, the app will guide you to hunt for holiday items. The challenge feels less like a strict tour and more like a game tailored to your pace.
The Challenges & Photo Tasks
Expect to take fun photos, perform silly challenges, and spot both traditional and unconventional holiday decorations. This variety keeps the activity light and engaging, especially if you’re playing with a mixed-age group.
The Fun & Competitive Element
Seeing your team’s score on the leaderboard adds a layer of excitement. According to initial reviews, the challenge “will bring laughter to your team,” which suggests it’s well-suited for groups looking for casual, jovial fun rather than a serious contest.
The Duration & Booking
With just about an hour of playtime, it fits well into a busy day. You can book it months in advance (average booking time is about 139 days), which helps plan your holiday schedule.
Who It’s Good For
While not explicitly geared toward families with young children, the playful nature of the challenges could appeal to a wide age range. If you enjoy outdoor activities, are looking for something interactive, and want to keep your holiday outing simple yet lively, this activity could be a good pick.
Realistic Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Very cost-effective for groups of up to 10 people.
– Can be played anywhere in Columbia, offering flexibility.
– The app’s interactive elements and challenges promise fun, laughter, and memorable moments.
– The inclusion of a remote guide helps keep things organized and stress-free.
– Suitable for a range of ages and group types, especially if you enjoy casual competition.
Cons:
– You need your own smartphone; it’s not suitable if you’re device-free.
– No transportation is included, so you’ll need to plan how to move between locations if you’re exploring.
– The activity is relatively short, so if you’re after an all-day adventure, you might need to combine it with other plans.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This holiday scavenger hunt is ideal for groups wanting a relaxed, fun, and interactive way to celebrate the season. It’s perfect if you’re visiting Columbia and want an activity that’s different from the usual holiday outings. If your group enjoys taking photos, completing silly challenges, or competing in friendly games, this will likely delight you.
It’s also well-suited for those who like planning ahead and prefer activities that don’t require extensive logistics. While not specifically designed for families with very young children, older kids and teenagers might find the challenges entertaining.
The Sum Up

For a festive activity that combines outdoor exploration with a bit of friendly competition, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a charming way to enjoy Columbia during the holidays. Its affordability, flexibility, and interactive nature make it a good choice for groups looking to create some light-hearted memories without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a local wanting to celebrate or a visitor seeking a different kind of holiday experience, this scavenger hunt is worth considering.
Just remember, it’s best if you enjoy a little spontaneity and don’t mind using your smartphone. This activity isn’t a guided tour with fixed stops; instead, it’s a personalized adventure where you set the pace. If that sounds like fun, you’ll likely walk away smiling—and maybe a little more into the holiday spirit.
Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Columbia with Holly Jolly Hunt
FAQ
Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for all ages?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the playful challenges and photo tasks are generally suitable for most ages, particularly older children and adults who enjoy light-hearted fun.
How long does the activity take?
It lasts about an hour, making it easy to fit into a busy day or as part of a larger holiday itinerary.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, you’ll need your own smartphone to run the app. All other fees and activities are included in the price.
Can I play anywhere in Columbia?
Absolutely, the hunt is designed to be played anywhere of your choosing within Columbia. Just meet at the starting point and go from there.
What does the price include?
The $20 fee covers all scavenger hunt activities, access to a remote guide via chat, and all fees and taxes.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included, so plan how you’ll get from one spot to another if exploring multiple locations.
What if I need help during the hunt?
You’ll have access to a remote guide through the app’s chat feature, ready to assist if needed.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your schedule shifts.
If you’re looking for a casual, engaging way to celebrate the holidays in Columbia, Holly Jolly Hunt might just be your new favorite tradition. It’s simple, affordable, and guaranteed to add some cheerful memories to your season.
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