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

If you’re looking for a festive activity that’s a little different from the usual holiday outings, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Gatlinburg might just be what you need. This is an app-based scavenger hunt that brings you and your group into the heart of holiday cheer—whether you’re a family, friends, or co-workers celebrating together. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a playful way to explore the city and get into the spirit of the season without the crowds or the stress of traditional holiday events.

What really catches our eye are two things: First, the way it combines modern tech with holiday fun, making it easy to participate anywhere in Gatlinburg, and second, the emphasis on silly challenges that guarantee lots of laughs. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that it’s a solo activity you play on your own device, so you’ll want to be comfortable with using an app and navigating your phone during the hunt.

This tour is well-suited for anyone who loves a bit of friendly competition, enjoys holiday-themed challenges, or simply wants to add a little sparkle to their Gatlinburg visit. It’s especially great for groups that want a flexible, fun activity that can be tailored to their pace and location.

Key Points

• Flexible & Location-Independent: Play anywhere you choose within Gatlinburg.
• Affordable Fun: Only $20 per group, making it a budget-friendly holiday outing.
• Inclusive & Easy: Suitable for most travelers and requires only a smartphone.
• Engaging Challenges: Combines photo tasks, holiday items, and silly tasks that make everyone smile.
• Real-Time Leaderboard: Adds a friendly competitive element to see how you stack up.
• Lasting Memories: Fun, goofy moments that stick with you long after the hunt ends.

What to Expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt

This isn’t your typical holiday event—no long lines or crowded attractions here. The Holly Jolly Hunt is designed to be enjoyed at your own pace, with about an hour of activity that fits nicely into a day of sightseeing or as a standalone fun break. The experience starts at a specific meeting point in Gatlinburg and ends right back where you started, making logistics straightforward.

You’ll use a mobile app to guide your adventure. After booking, you’ll receive a remote guide via text message, which means no need for a physical guide or tour bus. The app prompts you to find holiday-related items scattered around the city—these can be traditional ornaments or quirky, unexpected holiday symbols. You’ll earn points by snapping photos of these items, adding an interactive, visual element to the fun.

Along the way, you’ll encounter holiday challenges designed to make your group laugh, such as performing silly tasks or engaging in festive mini-games. These are meant to boost team spirit and create memorable moments. The fun part is competing on a leaderboard that displays how your team scores compared to others. Even if you’re not into the competition, it’s a playful way to keep the excitement going.

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

Since the Holly Jolly Hunt is a self-guided activity, there isn’t a traditional itinerary, but here’s what you can expect in terms of the flow:

Start Point: 234 Airport Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 — this is where your adventure kicks off. Expect to check in, get your instructions, and start your journey into holiday fun.

Duration: About one hour—a perfect window for a quick holiday activity or a break between sightseeing. The length makes it accessible for most schedules, whether you want a quick burst of entertainment or a more relaxed exploration.

Activities: The core of the experience involves searching for holiday-related items, both traditional and not-so-traditional. Think Christmas ornaments, Santa hats, or maybe a quirky holiday sign. The app tracks your finds and scores your team accordingly.

Photo Challenges: The app encourages you to take photos through your phone, adding a visual dimension and making for fun souvenir shots. These images can be silly, creative, or holiday-themed—whatever makes your group smile.

Holiday Tasks: Besides hunting for items, you’ll perform challenges that might involve singing a holiday song, doing a funny dance, or dressing up in holiday gear. These are designed to be lighthearted and inclusive.

End Point: The activity concludes back at the starting location, so no transportation worries—just walk, explore, and enjoy.

What Makes Holly Jolly Hunt Worthwhile

One of the standout features is its accessibility. Being app-based means you don’t need to book a large tour or have a guide with you physically—just your smartphone and some willing participants. It’s perfect for spontaneous plans or last-minute reservations, especially since it can be booked around 24 days in advance.

Price-wise, at just $20 per group (up to 10 people), it offers decent value for an hour of fun. Compared to other holiday activities that might be more structured or costly, this scavenger hunt provides a relaxed, customizable experience. Plus, all fees and taxes are included, so no hidden costs.

Travelers mention that the guide’s support via text is reliable, making it easy to stay on track and troubleshoot if needed. The flexibility means you can play in your own neighborhood, around Gatlinburg’s festive streets, or even as part of a larger day of holiday sightseeing.

The Review from a Real Participant

One glowing review describes it as “homey luxury,” with the activity providing a warm, inclusive holiday experience. The reviewer, who has stayed at the Buckhorn Inn for decades, appreciated the charm and the joy of participating in a holiday activity that’s both simple and engaging. While the review doesn’t detail the scavenger hunt itself, it hints at the cosy, festive atmosphere that the activity can evoke.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This scavenger hunt is ideal for groups who enjoy lighthearted competitions and want a playful way to explore Gatlinburg during the holiday season. It’s perfect for families, friends, or coworkers looking for a fun team-building activity. Since it’s a solo activity on your device, it’s also flexible for those who prefer independent adventures.

If you’re after a festive activity that’s easy to organize and not overly commercialized, Holly Jolly Hunt fits the bill. It’s especially suitable if you’re in Gatlinburg during the holiday period — from late November through December — when the city is decked out in seasonal decor.

The Sum Up

If you’re seeking a holiday activity that combines the thrill of a scavenger hunt with the magic of the season, the Holly Jolly Hunt in Gatlinburg deserves a spot on your list. Its simplicity and affordability make it accessible, while the fun challenges and photo ops offer plenty of giggles and memorable moments. We loved how easy it is to set up and play at your own pace, making it a flexible addition to your Gatlinburg itinerary.

This experience really excels at bringing groups together, whether you want to compete for top scores or just enjoy the silly challenges. Its focus on holiday cheer shines through, and the real-time leaderboard adds a dash of friendly rivalry. For anyone wanting a light, joyful, and interactive way to celebrate the season, this scavenger hunt hits the spot.

In short, it’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy interactive activities, holiday magic, and a little bit of friendly competition. Just remember to bring your phone charged, your holiday spirit, and maybe a goofy hat or two. Whether you’re in Gatlinburg for a weekend or just passing through, Holly Jolly Hunt can be a delightful way to add some extra sparkle to your holiday trip.

FAQs

Is there a specific start time for the Holly Jolly Hunt?
No, the activity is flexible within the opening hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. You can start it whenever it suits your schedule during those times.

How many people can join the hunt?
Up to 10 people per group, which makes it perfect for small to medium-sized groups. Larger groups might consider splitting into smaller teams.

Does the price include everything I need?
Yes, the $20 fee covers all scavenger hunt activities, the remote guide support, and taxes. Keep in mind you’ll need your own smartphone for the app.

Is this activity suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the challenges are generally fun and silly, making it suitable for most ages. Just ensure younger kids are okay with using a smartphone and following the instructions.

Do I need transportation during the hunt?
No, private transportation isn’t included, and the activity ends back at the starting point, so you can walk or use local transit if needed.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group will participate in the scavenger hunt, providing a private and personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.

If you’re after a fun, casual, holiday-themed activity that’s easy to fit into your Gatlinburg trip, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a cheerful way to celebrate the season. Just gather your crew, download the app, and get ready for some holiday giggles and memorable photos.