How to Attract Guests to Your Airbnb for Thanksgiving

Tom
7:00 am

Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays of the year, making it a prime time for travelers to book stays through platforms like Airbnb. Whether they’re gathering with family, exploring a new city, or seeking a quiet retreat, millions of travelers are turning to short-term rentals to create memorable holiday moments. This is a golden opportunity for hosts to leverage the season and maximize bookings. This blog will help you attract Thanksgiving Airbnb travelers by understanding their needs, preparing your home, setting competitive pricing, and marketing your property effectively. Plus, we’ll share actionable tips to make their stay unforgettable and encourage repeat bookings for future holidays.

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Understanding the Thanksgiving Traveler

To cater to Thanksgiving guests, it’s important to understand their motivations. Travelers booking an Airbnb during Thanksgiving typically fall into several categories:

Visiting family or friends but preferring the comfort of their own space instead of couch surfing.
Family reunions or group celebrations needing ample space for cooking, dining, and socializing for their quality time.
Holiday adventurers seeking relaxing (and warm!) destinations like Palm Springs or Las Vegas.

Key amenities these travelers look for include:

Open-concept living spaces
A cozy dining room for holiday feasts
Stainless steel appliances
Hot tubs
Fire pit
A private swimming pool

Tailoring your Airbnb with these features in mind can set you apart.

Preparing Your Airbnb for Thanksgiving

Seasonal décor

Transform your property into a warm, welcoming holiday retreat with thoughtful seasonal touches:

Add fall-themed accents like pumpkins, cozy throw blankets, and autumnal wreaths.
Highlight the dining room with a charming Thanksgiving table spread complete with table runners and seasonal centerpieces.
Consider lighting candles with seasonal scents like pumpkin spice or cinnamon to create a festive ambiance.

Amenities guests will love

Your Airbnb should cater specifically to Thanksgiving travelers:

Fully Stocked Kitchen: Include everything needed to prepare a holiday feast. Think roasting pans, casseroles, and baking trays. If your Airbnb comes with stainless steel appliances, call that out in your listing—it’s a detail many guests value.
Lounge-Friendly Living Space: Ensure your living area is cozy and functional with ample seating, a large television for parades or football, and games or puzzles for family bonding.
Outdoor Perks: A hot tub or private swimming pool can make your listing especially appealing to holidaymakers seeking both celebration and relaxation.

Housekeeping checklist

Ensure your property shines for Thanksgiving bookings:

Conduct a deep clean, paying particular attention to the kitchen and dining areas.
Check that all appliances, especially major ones like ovens, are in perfect working order.
Provide extra linens, towels, and toiletries for large groups.

Pricing Strategy for the Holiday

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel seasons, so pricing your home right is essential to attract guests and maximize revenue.

Research your local market

Search for comparable rental properties in your area (e.g., Palm Springs Airbnbs with a private swimming pool) and analyze their pricing. Competitive rates can make all the difference.

Add value with extras

Instead of slashing prices, attract bookings with added value:

Offer a complimentary bottle of wine, a turkey roasting pan, or a ready-to-use holiday playlist.
Create Thanksgiving-specific packages, bundling extras like extended check-out times or discounts for long-term bookings that go into Christmas Eve.

Consider dynamic pricing tools (e.g., Airbnb’s Smart Pricing feature) to adjust rates based on holiday demand automatically.

Managing Reservations

Proactive communication is key to managing holiday bookings successfully.

After a booking, send an automated yet personalized welcome message thanking guests and sharing key information about their stay.
Be clear about expectations, especially regarding house rules or check-in/check-out times.
Provide a helpful guide that highlights nearby grocery stores and restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinner and holiday events.

You can turn a simple transaction into a stellar experience by staying communicative and accommodating.

Marketing Your Airbnb for Thanksgiving

Use social media

Platforms like Instagram and Meta (Facebook) are excellent for showcasing your listing’s holiday appeal.

Post pictures of your dining room prepped for a holiday feast or your outdoor hot tub, perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving evening.
Use hashtags like #ThanksgivingRetreat or #AirbnbThanksgiving to widen your reach.

Promote local events

Is your home near a Thanksgiving parade or within walking distance of a holiday market? Mention these attractions in your listing and social promotions to make it more attractive for browsing guests.

Offer exclusive deals

Run early bird promotions or offer discounts for extended stays that include both Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. These can encourage families to make advanced reservations.

Elevating the Guest Experience

Small gestures can elevate a good stay to a great one.

Leave a festive welcome basket with items like cider, hot chocolate, or pumpkin-flavored treats.
Provide a Thanksgiving-themed guide with fun local activities, like turkey trots or scenic hiking trails near your Airbnb.
To foster a personal touch, pen a handwritten note wishing your guests a happy Thanksgiving.

For properties with standout features like a private swimming pool or stainless steel appliances, emphasize these extras as integral to enjoying the holiday. Breathing life into these details will keep your guests talking about their visit!

Post-Thanksgiving Follow-Up

Your relationship with your guests doesn’t end when they check out.

Send a thank-you message post-stay, asking for feedback and encouraging a positive review.
Offer a discount code for a future booking to entice repeat visits, especially for other holidays like Easter or summer vacations.
Share news about upcoming improvements, like the addition of a hot tub or new decor, to give guests something to look forward to.

Happy former guests are much more likely to spread the word about your home as a perfect getaway, leading to stronger word-of-mouth bookings.

Final Thoughts on Your Thanksgiving Airbnb

By understanding Thanksgiving travelers, enhancing your rental’s seasonal charm, and leveraging smart marketing strategies, you can ensure full bookings and happy guests during this holiday period.

Start by applying a few of these tips today, and watch as your listing becomes the must-book option for Thanksgiving stays. With the right preparation, you’ll drive more bookings and create memorable experiences that keep guests coming back for future holidays.