Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Knoxville

If you’re looking to add a dash of festive fun to your holiday plans in Knoxville, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a charming, interactive way to explore the city while celebrating the season. This app-based scavenger hunt turns your smartphone into a tool for discovering holiday-related items and performing silly challenges, all set against the backdrop of Knoxville’s vibrant streets. Whether you’re a family, a group of friends, or even co-workers, this activity promises laughter, friendly competition, and, most importantly, memorable holiday moments.

One of the key things we love about Holly Jolly Hunt is its flexibility—you can play it anytime during the holiday season, and it works anywhere you choose within Knoxville. The price point of $20 per group (up to 10 people) makes it a wallet-friendly option that offers more than just a walk — it’s an experience packed with entertainment. That said, a potential consideration is that you’ll need to provide your own smartphone to participate, and there’s no included transportation, so it’s best suited for those comfortable navigating the city on foot or by private transit.

This scavenger hunt is an ideal choice for anyone wanting to enjoy Knoxville’s holiday charm in a playful, interactive way. It’s especially great for families with kids, groups celebrating together, or even co-workers looking for a fun team-building activity. If you’re after a relaxed, engaging activity that captures the holiday spirit and encourages laughter, Holly Jolly Hunt will likely be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

Flexible location: Play anywhere in Knoxville, choosing your preferred spot.
Affordable fun: At just $20 per group, it offers good value for an hour of entertainment.
Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with silly challenges and festive items to find.
Easy to access: Mobile tickets and remote guidance make it convenient and simple to start.
Interactive experience: Capture photos, perform holiday tasks, and compete on a leaderboard.
Memorable moments: Designed to create joyful holiday memories you’ll cherish.

Exploring the Holly Jolly Hunt Experience

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a modern twist on the traditional scavenger hunt — using a simple smartphone app to guide you through Knoxville’s streets in search of holiday items. The activity is designed to last around one hour, which makes it perfect for fitting into a busy holiday schedule or as a fun afternoon outing. The process begins at Charles Krutch Park, located at 504 Market St, where you’ll meet your group and receive instructions via text message from a remote guide.

What makes this activity stand out is its adaptability. As you wander through Knoxville, the app prompts you to find both classic holiday symbols—such as decorated trees, ornaments, and Santa figures—and also more unexpected items that bring a touch of whimsy or local flavor to the experience. It’s a wonderful way to see the city from a fresh perspective, especially during the holiday season when the streets are decorated and lively.

The scavenger hunt mechanics

Once you start, your group will seek out items and take photos through the app to score points. The goal is to maximize your score by finding as many items as possible and completing fun, holiday-themed challenges along the way. These challenges are designed to generate plenty of laughter and good-natured teasing, making the activity as much about shared joy as it is about winning.

Throughout the hunt, players will be able to see their standing on the leaderboard, which adds a layer of friendly competition. The activity ends back at the starting point, giving everyone a chance to compare scores and relive the funniest moments.

What’s included and what to bring

For $20 per group, the package includes all the scavenger hunt activities, fees, taxes, and one hour of remote guidance via text. The experience is private, meaning only your group participates, which fosters a more relaxed and personalized atmosphere. You’ll need to bring your own smartphone, and while the activity doesn’t include transportation, public transit options are nearby, and the starting point is accessible.

The experience’s appeal

From what reviews suggest, participants find the activity joyful and engaging, with many noting that it’s perfect for all ages. One reviewer mentioned that “it’s a scavenger hunt for everyone that enjoys this time of year,” highlighting its broad appeal. The challenges are crafted to evoke smiles and laughter, with some reviewers noting that “you’ll be asked to perform silly holiday-themed tasks meant to bring laughter and smiles.”

The activity’s duration and price make it a worthwhile option for a quick holiday outing or a fun break from more traditional sightseeing. It’s also a unique way to support local businesses indirectly, as many of the items and challenges lead you through parts of downtown Knoxville, exposing you to the city’s festive decorations and local character.

The Itinerary in Detail

While the Holly Jolly Hunt is flexible and self-directed in terms of location, the starting point at Charles Krutch Park sets a festive scene. From there, your group will be encouraged to explore the surrounding streets, parks, and perhaps some iconic Knoxville landmarks decorated for the holidays.

The actual hunt is not strictly scheduled—it’s up to you to decide how far you want to go within the hour, giving you control over the pace. Some groups may choose to stay close to the starting point, focusing on nearby decorated streets and shops, while others may venture deeper into the city, uncovering hidden holiday gems.

The challenges are themed around traditional and non-traditional holiday elements. For example, you might be asked to:
– Find a specific ornament in a shop window
– Take a group photo with a holiday display
– Perform a silly dance in front of a decorated tree
– Find a local landmark with holiday lights

These tasks are designed to encourage interaction and capture memorable moments. The game’s design inherently promotes light-hearted competition as you try to outperform other teams on the leaderboard.

Authentic insights from reviews

Participants appreciate the ease of access, with one mentioning, “You don’t need to worry about transportation — just walk or use your own car,” which is particularly helpful during winter when driving might be tricky. The flexibility in location has also been praised — “We played in the downtown area and loved the festive decorations.” The one-hour format, according to reviews, is perfect for busy holiday schedules, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing or shopping.

Practical Tips for Your Holly Jolly Hunt

• Dress warmly — Knoxville can be chilly during the holiday season, and some challenges require outdoor photos.
• Bring your own smartphone — the activity doesn’t include device rental.
• Coordinate your team — designate roles beforehand, like photographer or challenge performer, to maximize your points.
• Plan your route — decide if you want to stay close or explore further afield.
• Start early — the activity runs during daylight hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and early start means better lighting for photos.
• Enjoy the moment — even if you don’t win, the goal is to have fun and create memories.

The Sum Up

The Holly Jolly Hunt in Knoxville offers a creative, lighthearted way to enjoy the holiday season. Its affordable price, flexible location, and interactive format make it an attractive option for groups wanting to blend sightseeing with some festive fun. It’s especially suited for families, friends, or co-workers who enjoy games and exploring new places in a relaxed, playful manner.

You’ll love the way this activity encourages teamwork and laughter, while simultaneously giving you a chance to see Knoxville’s holiday cheer in a new light. The one-hour duration and simple setup make it easy to incorporate into your holiday plans, whether as a standalone activity or part of a day full of seasonal adventures.

While it may not offer a deep dive into Knoxville’s history or attractions, it compensates with an authentic, cheerful experience that captures the spirit of the holidays. If you’re after a fun, inclusive activity that guarantees smiles and creates lasting memories, Holly Jolly Hunt is well worth considering.

FAQ

Is there a minimum group size?
No, the activity can be played with just one person, but it’s designed for groups of up to 10 to maximize fun and competition.

How long does the scavenger hunt last?
The activity lasts approximately one hour, allowing enough time to explore and complete challenges without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
For $20 per group, you receive all scavenger hunt activities, all fees and taxes, and one hour of remote guidance via text message.

Do I need to provide my own transportation?
Yes, transportation is not included. You can walk, drive, or use public transit to move between locations.

When can I play the Holly Jolly Hunt?
It operates from November 29 to December 31, 2025, Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly, with silly challenges and holiday items that appeal to all ages. Service animals are also permitted.

This app-based holiday scavenger hunt offers a delightful way to experience Knoxville’s festive atmosphere, blending exploration, laughter, and holiday cheer into a single memorable hour. Perfect for creating new traditions or just adding a playful twist to your seasonal visit.