Valentine's Day Celebrations Across the States: A Look at Search Trends
As Valentine's Day approaches, lovebirds across the nation are gearing up for a day filled with romance, sweet treats, and pampering to express their affection. Let's delve into the search trends to uncover how Americans celebrate this special day.
Undoubtedly, chocolate holds a special place in our hearts year-round, but it undeniably takes the spotlight on the most romantic day of the year. Recent Google Search Trends data reveals that "chocolate fondue" and "chocolate-covered strawberries" are the top trending recipes in the U.S. in the past day.
Delving deeper into the sweet world of chocolates, a study by the CBS Data team analyzing Yelp data on chocolate shops nationwide uncovered an interesting find. Surprisingly, Hawaii, despite being one of the smaller states, boasts the highest rate of chocolate shops per capita, with a staggering 22 chocolate shops per million people.
When it comes to classic Valentine's Day gifts, chocolates and flowers top the list. However, a recent analysis by the CBS News Data Team of Google Trends data reveals an intriguing trend. The day before Valentine's Day 2025, the U.S. showed a higher search interest in "flowers" compared to "chocolates."
Further dissecting the search trends, it appears that "flower delivery" is gaining more attention than "chocolate-covered fruit" on the eve of Valentine's Day. It seems like the charm of a beautiful bouquet is winning hearts this season.
Chocolate-covered strawberries, a quintessential romantic treat, witness a surge in Google searches annually during Valentine's Day week. Queries on "how to make chocolate-covered strawberries" and "how to store chocolate-covered strawberries" peak during this love-filled week.
Shifting gears to dining preferences, Yelp reservation data sheds light on how Americans plan their Valentine's Day celebrations. Surprisingly, 61% of diners made reservations for Valentine's Day within the week leading up to the occasion, while a daring 21% waited until the last minute to secure their dining plans.
Interestingly, Yelp users are showing a growing interest in establishments that cater to solo diners. Searches for "solo dining" surged by 14% from January 2024 to January 2025, while queries for "restaurants with bar seating" witnessed a notable 21% increase during the same period.
Looking beyond traditional Valentine's Day celebrations, Google Trends data unveils a trend of self-celebration. Search interest in "Single's Day," an event originating in China that has evolved into a significant shopping extravaganza, spikes annually in November in the U.S. However, a smaller surge in searches occurs during the week of Valentine's Day, reflecting a diverse range of celebrations.
