Thanksgiving Search Trends in the U.S.: What People Are Asking AI Assistants?

As Thanksgiving approaches, AI assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are transforming how Americans plan, shop, and celebrate. From menu ideas to travel logistics, people are now turning to conversational AI for fast, personalized guidance.

This shift toward AI-powered search and voice-driven queries highlights an evolution that marketers can’t ignore. It’s part of a broader movement in digital visibility (similar to the rise of AI SEO and multimodal search strategies) that’s redefining how brands reach audiences this holiday season.

What Are the Major Thanksgiving Search Trends in the U.S.?

How Are People Using AI for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving 2025 marks a new era where conversational AI powers holiday planning.

In CGNET’s article “AI for Everything, Even Thanksgiving”, author George Lindsey recounts using ChatGPT to manage his Thanksgiving catering slot, a small but powerful example of how everyday users are adopting AI as a personal assistant.

Meanwhile, Customer Experience Dive reports that over 50% of holiday shoppers now plan to use AI tools for product discovery, deal tracking, and gift recommendations. That means Thanksgiving is no longer just about turkey and travel; it’s about AI-enhanced decision-making.

And according to Salesforce’s insights on AI Search for the Holidays, this shift will reshape how people interact with brands online. Marketers need to optimize for natural language, voice commands, and context-aware results, not just keywords.

This shift aligns with what we’ve observed in Omnichannel SEO strategies, where AI-driven interfaces are transforming the search experience across platforms like Google, TikTok & Instagram.

What Are People Asking Their AI Assistants This Year?

Americans are leaning on AI for every stage of the Thanksgiving journey:

“How do I make a gluten-free stuffing that still tastes traditional?”

“Find pet-friendly hotels for Thanksgiving weekend near Chicago.”

“Compare Black Friday air fryer deals under $100.”

These are task-oriented, conversational searches, a sign that consumers trust AI to act as both a planner and a decision-maker.

As Talker Research notes, this new AI-assisted shopping mindset is blurring the line between Thanksgiving and Black Friday. People are searching earlier, spending smarter, and relying on chat-based recommendations instead of browsing dozens of pages.

This trend aligns with how AI SEO strategies are evolving: focusing less on static keywords and more on intent prediction and content automation.

How AI Search Is Reshaping Thanksgiving SEO

AI-Driven Discovery and Search Behavior

According to Salesforce’s holiday SEO analysis, more than half of all online holiday queries this year will come from AI-enhanced search experiences: voice assistants, visual search, and chat-based platforms.

This change means that traditional SEO—while still vital—must be integrated with AI-ready formats like structured data, featured answers, and multimodal content. Learn more about adapting to this shift in our guide on Multimodal Search Optimization.

AI Shopping Assistants Are the New Search Engines

As Customer Experience Dive reports, shoppers are using AI not just for research, but for purchase decisions. They’re asking assistants which stores offer curbside pickup, which brands are sustainable, and which meals suit specific dietary needs.

That’s why Thanksgiving content needs to align with AI-driven buyer journeys, just as we explain in How to Implement LLM SEO in Your Content Strategy.

Thanksgiving Topics Dominating AI Search

Meal Planning & Recipe Queries

Generative AI tools are being used to create personalized menus, complete grocery lists, and even recipe substitutes. Users ask for AI-curated combinations like “a dairy-free Thanksgiving menu with under 2,000 calories total.”

For marketers and publishers, that means creating content that directly answers these voice-based, question-style searches. See how to do this effectively in our AI SEO guide for beginners.

Travel & Logistics

Many Thanksgiving travelers now rely on AI to avoid traffic, adjust itineraries, or find dog-friendly rentals. The connection between AI search and real-world mobility ties directly into the concept of omnichannel marketing, explored in our post on Omnichannel Marketing for the New Search Era.

Shopping & Black Friday Crossover

Talker Research highlights how AI is driving smarter purchasing patterns—people are comparing deals days earlier and relying on recommendation engines to finalize orders. This reinforces the need for early seasonal optimization, guided by our Black Friday 2025 SEO Checklist.

How Can Marketers Prepare for AI-Powered Thanksgiving Searches?

1. Use Natural Language and Conversational Headings

Build Thanksgiving content that mirrors how users speak to AI:

“What can I cook if I forgot to thaw the turkey?”
“Which wines go with vegan Thanksgiving meals?”

Format your posts with Q&A headings to boost inclusion in AI Overviews and voice search results. Our AI Ranking Guide for Overviews breaks down the best ways to structure this content.

2. Integrate Schema Markup and Visual Optimization

Use Recipe, FAQ, and HowTo schema to appear in rich results. For holiday decor or food visuals, add descriptive alt text and captions. If you need help designing AI-ready visuals, our Graphic Design Services can assist.

3. Sync SEO and Social Media

Holiday conversations happen across Google, TikTok, and Instagram simultaneously. Learn how to merge both worlds in our guide on SEO and Social Media Integration.

4. Optimize for Zero-Click and Voice Results

AI assistants often answer directly, meaning users don’t “click” at all. That’s why your content should deliver the complete answer upfront. See our breakdown of Zero-Click Searches to prepare for this shift.

Challenges Ahead for Thanksgiving SEO

• Search Intent Is More Complex: AI interprets nuance, not just keywords.

• Real-Time Accuracy Matters: Inventory and pricing data must be dynamic.

• Consistency Is Key: Keep branding, tone, and visuals aligned across all channels.
  

Ensure your creative identity doesn’t fragment under algorithmic chaos with our Branding Strategy Services.

FAQ

How is AI influencing Thanksgiving search behavior?
AI assistants are simplifying everything from cooking and shopping to travel coordination. Remember that shoppers now rely on AI before the holiday even begins.

Which platforms are driving Thanksgiving AI searches?
ChatGPT, Gemini, and search engines powered by LLMs—like Google’s AI Overviews—lead the way. Salesforce’s study predicts AI search volume will dominate by 2026.

How can brands appear in Thanksgiving AI search results?
Combine conversational SEO with structured data, strong visual assets, and consistent messaging, using an Omnichannel SEO framework.

What SEO services help prepare for AI holiday searches?
AI-focused content optimization, branding strategy, and paid holiday advertising are key. Start with our SEO Optimization Services to stay competitive this season.

Thanksgiving Search Trends Signal the AI Future

Thanksgiving is no longer just about stuffing and football; it’s about AI-powered discovery. Americans now rely on assistants that understand nuance, context, and emotion.

Marketers who anticipate this will thrive. Build AI-friendly, multimodal, omnichannel experiences that answer human questions before they’re asked.

To future-proof your brand for the next wave of AI search: Explore our SEO Services and optimize for where your audience (and AI)are heading next. Contact us here or email us at lauren@searcheseverywhere.com