Getting into the holiday spirit in Knoxville just got more interactive and fun with the Holly Jolly Hunt. For only $20 per group (up to 10 people), you can enjoy about an hour of holiday cheer, exploring the city through a lively scavenger hunt played right on your smartphone. Led by a remote guide via text, you’ll hunt for traditional and not-so-traditional holiday items scattered around Knoxville, while completing silly challenges that guarantee laughs.
What we love most about this experience is its flexibility—you can choose any part of Knoxville to explore, making it ideal whether you’re visiting downtown or a neighborhood full of holiday decorations. Plus, the interactive leaderboard adds a friendly competitive edge, motivating your team to find as many items as possible. That said, since it relies on your phone and app, travelers should be comfortable with smartphone use and aware that private transportation isn’t included.
This activity suits a wide range of groups—families, friends, co-workers—who want a practical, engaging way to celebrate the season. If you’re after a memorable, laughter-filled activity that brings out your playful side and creates holiday memories, Holly Jolly Hunt is a delightful choice.
Key Points
- Flexible Location: Play anywhere in Knoxville, choosing your own route
- Cost-effective: Only $20 per group, including all activity fees
- Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with silly challenges for everyone
- Interactive fun: Compete on a live leaderboard, adding a friendly rivalry
- Easy to join: Includes a remote guide via text, no physical tour guide needed
- Authentic seasonal experience: Combines traditional and quirky holiday items
A Practical Guide to the Holly Jolly Hunt in Knoxville

When you’re visiting Knoxville during the holiday season, finding activities that are both fun and interactive can sometimes be a challenge. The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a modern twist on traditional holiday festivities. It’s a mobile app-based scavenger hunt that transforms the city into a festive playground, perfect for families, friends, or co-workers looking to add some playful competition to their holiday schedule.
Planning more time in Knoxville? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What to Expect on Your Holiday Adventure
The Holly Jolly Hunt begins at Charles Krutch Park, located at 504 Market St. This central spot makes for a convenient starting point. After a quick check-in, you’ll receive instructions via your smartphone, and from there, the adventure begins. During this approximately 1-hour activity, your team will be tasked with locating a variety of holiday-themed items, some traditional like ornaments or Santa hats, and others more unexpected, depending on what you might find in Knoxville that day.
You take photos of each item through the app to score points—think of it as a holiday-themed photo contest with a competitive edge. Alongside hunting for objects, your team will complete silly holiday challenges that could range from singing a Christmas carol to performing a funny dance. These challenges are designed to bring laughter and joy, making the activity more than just a scavenger hunt but a memorable holiday experience.
The Experience from the Perspective of Participants
Many reviews highlight how inclusive and lighthearted the activity is. One reviewer mentioned, “This is a scavenger hunt for everyone that enjoys this time of year,” emphasizing its broad appeal. Another appreciated the simple setup—”We loved the way it brought our family together without the need for complicated arrangements,” one participant noted.
The live leaderboard adds a playful competitive spirit, encouraging teams to hustle and find as many items and complete challenges as possible to climb the ranks. This feature appeals especially to groups that thrive on friendly rivalry and helps keep the activity engaging throughout.
The Practical Details That Matter
For those curious about logistics, the activity includes a remote guide accessible via text, who can provide hints or encouragement if your team gets stuck. The cost covers all fees and taxes, with no extra charges, making it straightforward to budget for this experience.
Since it’s not included: private transportation isn’t provided, so you’ll want to plan your own way to reach the starting point. Fortunately, the meeting point is near public transportation, which simplifies getting there without a car.
Pros and Cons: What to Keep in Mind
One of the main advantages is the flexibility—you can play anywhere in Knoxville, making it adaptable to your schedule or preferred neighborhood. The experience is also family-friendly, suitable for kids and adults alike, and guaranteed to create lasting memories through laughter and shared fun.
A small consideration is that the activity is phone-dependent, so travelers should ensure their devices are charged and comfortable using apps and photos. Also, since the activity lasts only about an hour, it’s perfect for a quick holiday activity but might leave those craving more festive fun wanting additional options.
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Knoxville’s Perfect Blend
- Adventure Day Pass at Ancient Lore Village
- Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Knoxville by Crazy Dash
- Knoxville City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks
- Private Transportation from BNA to Knoxville for 6-13 Passengers
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Knoxville – Round-Trip Private Transfer
Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re looking for an interactive, lighthearted activity that involves exploring Knoxville’s holiday sights, the Holly Jolly Hunt is perfect. It’s especially suitable for groups who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, want to make holiday memories, or need a new way to celebrate with family or friends. Its affordable price point and inclusive nature make it accessible for most travelers.
While it’s not a full tour of the city, it does offer a personalized adventure that can be tailored to your chosen location. If you’re visiting with children, the silly challenges and festive atmosphere will keep everyone entertained. It’s also an excellent option for colleagues or groups of friends who want an engaging activity that doesn’t require extensive planning or transportation.
FAQs
How long does the Holly Jolly Hunt last?
The activity takes approximately 1 hour, making it a quick but memorable holiday outing.
What is included in the price?
Your $20 fee covers all activities, a remote guide via text message, and all fees and taxes. The price is per group, up to 10 people.
Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, you will need to use your own activity-owned smartphone to participate in the scavenger hunt and camera challenges.
Where does the activity start and end?
It begins at Charles Krutch Park on Market Street and ends back at the same location.
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, this scavenger hunt is family-friendly, with challenges designed to bring smiles to all ages.
Can I cancel the experience?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
In essence, Holly Jolly Hunt in Knoxville offers a cheerful, flexible way to explore the city during the holidays. It’s a fantastic option for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, laughs, and creating memories with loved ones. While it’s a brief activity, its simplicity and holiday theme make it a worthwhile addition to your seasonal plans—especially if you value authentic, engaging experiences that don’t require a lot of fuss.
More Tour Reviews in Knoxville
- Self-Guided Bar Hunt: Swell Times in Scruffy City
- Knoxvilles Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
- Knoxville Bar Crawl Swell Times in Scruffy City
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Knoxville – Round-Trip Private Transfer
- Private Transportation from BNA to Knoxville for 6-13 Passengers
- Knoxville City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks
More Knoxville experiences we've covered
- Self-Guided Bar Hunt: Swell Times in Scruffy City
- Knoxvilles Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
- Knoxville Bar Crawl Swell Times in Scruffy City
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to Knoxville – Round-Trip Private Transfer
- Private Transportation from BNA to Knoxville for 6-13 Passengers
- Knoxville City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks
