Holiday Scavenger Hunt in San Jose by Holly Jolly Hunt

A Festive Adventure in San Jose: Holly Jolly Hunt’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt

If you’re searching for a lighthearted way to get into the holiday spirit in San Jose, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, family-friendly experience for just $20 per group. This one-hour scavenger hunt uses your smartphone to guide you through the city’s streets, hunting for both traditional and quirky holiday items. Led by a friendly guide through a chat feature, you’ll visit spots around the Circle of Palms Plaza and beyond, performing silly holiday-themed tasks along the way.

What we love about this experience is how accessible it is—no special equipment needed besides your smartphone—and how it encourages interaction and laughter across all ages. Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or grandparents, this activity promises to create fun-filled memories. Also, the fact that it can be played anywhere in the country makes it a flexible choice for travelers looking for a holiday activity that’s both easy and engaging.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a virtual scavenger hunt, so you’ll need your own smartphone and to be comfortable navigating around a city. It’s not a guided tour with a person physically present, which might be a downside if you prefer a more structured experience. Lastly, since private transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to plan how to get around in advance—ideally on foot or using public transit—especially if you’re traveling with a group.

This activity suits families, groups of friends, or anyone who enjoys a playful, holiday-themed challenge in a city setting. It’s especially great if you’re looking for something fun, relaxed, and interactive to do during December in San Jose.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $20 for up to 10 people makes it a great value.
• Flexible format allows play in any city, perfect for travelers or locals.
• Includes a remote chat guide for support, ensuring you’re never truly on your own.
• Focus on fun tasks and traditional and quirky holiday items keeps the activity lively.
• One-hour duration makes it a quick but memorable outing.
• Self-guided with your smartphone, offering control over your pace and timing.

An In-Depth Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience

What Is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is a holiday-themed scavenger hunt designed to bring friends and families together in a citywide pursuit of seasonal cheer. Using an app on your smartphone, you’ll be given a list of traditional holiday items—like ornaments, Christmas trees, or Santa hats—and non-traditional surprises that add a twist of humor. You earn points for each item you find and can perform silly tasks that are meant to spread laughter.

This setup is accessible in any city, but in San Jose, the activity begins at Circle of Palms Plaza, a lively central spot that’s easy to reach via public transit and parking options. The entire experience lasts about an hour, making it a perfect quick activity that fits into a busy holiday schedule.

How Does It Work?

Once you purchase your spot for $20 (per group of up to 10), you’ll receive a mobile ticket and access to the app. The app acts as your guide, providing a list of items and tasks, as well as a chat feature where you’ll get support from your host or remote guide if needed. You and your team will explore the streets, taking photos of the items found and completing challenges along the way.

The game is designed to be competitive and fun, with the aim of climbing the leaderboard by capturing the most items and performing tasks. The points system adds a layer of friendly rivalry, encouraging everyone to be active and creative.

What Do You See and Do?

During your hour of play, you might find classic holiday symbols like wreaths, candy canes, or Christmas lights, but the hunt also invites you to get inventive. For example, you could be asked to find a non-traditional item, like a holiday-themed statue or a piece of holiday decor you’ve never noticed before.

The silly tasks might include singing a holiday song to a stranger or acting out a Christmas scene, which is guaranteed to generate laughs and create memorable moments. Many reviewers mention that this element is a highlight of the experience: “We loved the way it made everyone laugh and brought our family closer.”

Group Size, Duration, and Convenience

Since the activity is limited to 10 people per group, it’s ideal for small gatherings, but larger groups can split up and compete separately. The one-hour length makes it easy to slot into a day of sightseeing or holiday shopping.

Meeting at Circle of Palms Plaza, you’ll start and finish there, which is a busy, central location with nearby public transportation options, making it straightforward to begin your adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The fee covers all scavenger hunt activities and access to the chat support from your remote guide. Your group will also receive all the necessary instructions through the app. However, you’ll need to bring your own smartphone (or possibly rent one if you prefer), and transportation to the starting point is not included—so plan accordingly.

What Do Previous Participants Say?

While there are no formal reviews yet, the experience’s design promises a fun, engaging activity suitable for all ages. Travelers who enjoy casual outdoor activities and playful challenges will likely find this scavenger hunt a delightful way to enjoy the holiday season.

Practical Considerations

Since the activity runs every day from late November to December 31st between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., you have flexibility in planning. It’s a self-guided activity, meaning you can go at your own pace, but you should be comfortable navigating around San Jose.

The cost is quite reasonable, especially considering you get a group of up to 10 to share in the fun, and no hidden fees are involved. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind—cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Will Love the Holly Jolly Hunt?

This activity is perfect for families with children, as the tasks are silly and engaging and promote teamwork. It also appeals to groups of friends or colleagues looking for a lighthearted holiday outing. If you enjoy outdoor adventures that require a bit of creativity and friendly competition, this scavenger hunt will add joy to your holiday season.

Travelers who prefer structured guided tours might find this too casual or independent, but those seeking a flexible, fun activity that sparks laughter and holiday cheer will be right at home.

FAQs about the Holly Jolly Hunt in San Jose

• Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for kids?
  Yes, the activity is designed to be fun for all ages, with silly tasks and holiday items that are family-friendly.

• Do I need to bring any special equipment?
  You just need your smartphone with internet access; no additional equipment is required.

• Is transportation included?
  No, transportation to and from the starting point is not included. You should plan to get there via public transit or parking nearby.

• How long does the activity last?
  It takes approximately one hour, making it a quick but memorable holiday outing.

• Can I cancel my booking?
  Yes, with a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.

• Can I play in any city?
  Yes, this scavenger hunt is designed to be played in any city, but in San Jose, it starts and ends at Circle of Palms Plaza.

• Is this experience private?
  Yes, it’s a private activity, so only your group will participate.

• What are the opening hours?
  Available from November 29th to December 31st, 2025, Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

To sum it up, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a fantastic, budget-friendly way to celebrate the holidays in downtown San Jose. It’s perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to add a bit of playful cheer to their holiday season. Its flexibility and simplicity make it a low-pressure, highly social experience that leaves you with laughs and holiday memories. If you enjoy outdoor activities that involve a dash of friendly competition and creative tasks, this scavenger hunt should be on your list. Just remember to plan your transportation, and you’re set for a joyful, memorable hour of holiday fun.