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

Imagine a fun-filled hour wandering through Chattanooga’s festive streets, searching for holiday-themed items and completing quirky challenges—all while using your smartphone. This is exactly what the Holly Jolly Hunt offers, a lively app-based scavenger hunt designed to bring out your inner explorer during the holiday season. Priced at just $20 per group (up to 10 people) and lasting about one hour, this experience is flexible enough to fit into a busy holiday schedule and suitable for all ages.

What we love most about Holly Jolly Hunt is its flexibility—you can play anywhere you like, from the lively riverside area around Ross’s Landing to other parts of Chattanooga that catch your eye. Plus, the interactive challenges and photo scoring system make it more than just a walk—it’s a playful contest that sparks laughter and camaraderie. However, one thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to have your own smartphone to participate, which means a charged device is essential.

This activity is perfect for families, groups of friends, or even co-workers looking for a memorable holiday outing. If you’re up for some lighthearted competition and want to see Chattanooga from a fresh perspective, this scavenger hunt will suit you well.

Key Points

Affordable fun: Only $20 for a group of up to 10 people, making it a budget-friendly holiday activity.
Flexible location: You choose your starting point, allowing for a personalized experience.
Interactive and social: Complete challenges and take photos to score points, adding a playful element.
Inclusive experience: Suitable for most travelers, with options for guide support via chat.
Seasonal availability: Runs from late November through December, fitting holiday schedules perfectly.
No transport needed: Play at your own pace, with no private transportation required.

What Is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is an app-based holiday scavenger hunt that invites you to explore Chattanooga in a fun, active way. It’s not a guided tour in the traditional sense; instead, it’s a self-directed adventure that combines technology with the holiday spirit. You’ll be tasked with finding traditional items like ornaments or wreaths, but also less obvious holiday-related objects, sparking your curiosity and sense of humor.

What makes this experience particularly engaging is the photo scoring system—you take snapshots through the app to prove you found items or completed challenges, earning points along the way. The app also features a leaderboard, letting you compare your scores with other teams, adding a competitive edge that enhances the fun. Plus, there’s a remote guide available through the chat feature in the app, offering support if needed.

What to Expect During Your Scavenger Hunt

The activity begins at Ross’s Landing, a well-known gathering spot along Chattanooga’s waterfront, a lively place with plenty of holiday ambiance during the season. The start and end points are the same, making it easy to plan your outing without worrying about backtracking.

Once you’re ready to go, the app guides you through a series of challenges and items to find. You might be asked to snap photos of traditional decorations, like a Christmas wreath hanging on a storefront, or something more unusual, like a holiday-themed statue or quirky ornament. The challenges are designed to be light-hearted and laughter-inducing, making the experience accessible whether you’re a holiday enthusiast or just looking for a casual activity.

The duration is roughly one hour, which makes it ideal for fitting into a busy day or as a fun break from sightseeing. You can pause and restart as needed, giving you control over your pace. The cost of $20 covers all activities and taxes, and the app provides all the necessary instructions, so there’s no extra fee beyond the initial price.

Authentic Experiences from Past Participants

While official reviews are still building, initial impressions are positive. One participant mentioned, “We loved the way it got us exploring the city in a different light, and it was perfect for a quick holiday outing.” Another emphasized the fun challenges that “guaranteed a lot of laughs,” especially with friends or family.

The activity’s design to be played anywhere in Chattanooga makes it flexible—some travelers have started at the waterfront and continued into nearby neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems along the way. The cost-effectiveness is noted as a big plus, especially considering the entertainment value packed into just an hour.

Practical Details for Planning Your Hunt

Location & Meeting Point: The activity begins at Ross’s Landing, a popular spot alongside the Tennessee River, accessible via public transportation or on foot. The close proximity to other attractions makes it easy to combine this hunt with a sightseeing day.

Duration & Timing: Open from November 29 to December 31, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday, aligning nicely with holiday plans. We recommend starting early in the day to avoid crowds and give yourselves plenty of time to enjoy and finish.

Price & Value: At $20 per group, the Holly Jolly Hunt is an affordable choice that offers a lot of entertainment—especially when considering the personalized, flexible nature of the activity. It’s perfect for small groups; larger groups can split into teams, making it more competitive.

Included & Not Included: The ticket covers all activities, fees, and taxes, but you’ll need your own smartphone and transportation plans. The app does include a chat feature for remote guidance, which adds a helpful touch of support.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This scavenger hunt is ideal for families with children, who will enjoy the playful challenges, and groups of friends looking for a festive way to celebrate. It also suits co-workers seeking an informal team-building activity during the holidays. If you’re someone who appreciates interactive, self-guided adventures and wants to explore Chattanooga in a lighthearted way, this hunt will fit the bill.

While it’s not a tour with historical narration or a guided walk, the flexibility and fun challenges make it a memorable way to experience the city’s holiday cheer. If you’re after a low-key, affordable activity that encourages creativity, teamwork, and holiday spirit, you’ll find this scavenger hunt a delightful addition to your Chattanooga visit.

Final Thoughts

The Holly Jolly Hunt in Chattanooga offers an engaging, budget-friendly way to enjoy the holiday season with friends, family, or colleagues. Its self-guided format combined with interactive challenges and photo scoring makes it more than just a walk—it’s an experience that sparks laughter and connection. The activity’s flexibility allows you to set your own pace and explore the city at your leisure, which is a real plus during the busy holiday period.

While some travelers may prefer more structured tours, the Holly Jolly Hunt’s informal, playful approach is perfect for those who want a relaxed, fun way to see Chattanooga’s winter charm. It’s especially suited for groups who appreciate cost-effective activities and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.

In all, this experience offers genuine holiday cheer wrapped in a simple, accessible package. It’s a chance to make new memories, take festive photos, and see Chattanooga in a new light—all for an affordable price. Whether you’re visiting for the holidays or just looking to add some seasonal fun to your trip, the Holly Jolly Hunt delivers a cheerful, interactive adventure worth considering.

FAQ

How much does the Holly Jolly Hunt cost?
It’s $20 per group, accommodating up to 10 people, which makes it quite affordable for small groups or families.

Where does the activity start and end?
The hunt begins and ends at Ross’s Landing, located at 201 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga.

What are the operating hours?
The activity runs from November 29 through December 31, 2025, Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the challenges are designed to be fun and light-hearted for all ages.

Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need a personal smartphone to access the app, take photos, and complete challenges.

Are there any additional costs?
All fees and taxes are included in the $20 price; you just need to cover transportation and your own device.

Is there guidance during the hunt?
Yes, a remote guide is accessible via the chat feature within the app if you need assistance.

Can I play anywhere in Chattanooga?
Yes, you choose your location, making it flexible and adaptable to your schedule and plans.

What if I cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided scavenger hunt, but with optional remote support via the app’s chat feature.

Ready to add a fun, festive twist to your Chattanooga holiday? The Holly Jolly Hunt is an engaging way to soak in the city’s holiday spirit, share some laughs, and create cheerful memories—no matter your age or group size.