Merry and Bright: Fun and Romantic Franklin Date Night Ideas
If you’re planning a holiday date night with your special someone, Franklin, Tennessee is the place to be. Whether you’re looking for an evening of fine dining, enjoying the holiday lights, or toasting with seasonal cocktails, Franklin offers so many opportunities to connect and celebrate the holidays. From quiet moments to fun-filled activities, this guide will help you craft a holiday date night that’s truly special.
1799 Kitchen & Cocktails.
Savor a Romantic Dinner
A delicious dinner sets the mood for a great date night, and Franklin offers a variety of dining spots perfect for sharing seasonal cocktails and Southern flavors.
Housed in a three-story building originally opened as a pharmacy in the 1800s, Gray’s on Main offers a dining experience steeped in history. Its restored interior features rustic chandeliers, exposed brick walls, and a warm ambiance enhanced by holiday lights—perfect for setting a romantic tone for your date night. Indulge in a pre-dinner cocktail like the Thyme After Thyme, a cranberry gin-based creation that pairs well with their Southern-inspired dishes.
Located within The Harpeth Hotel, 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails offers an intimate dining experience for couples with curtained booths that create a private setting. Settle in and savor a Franklin Fizz, a gin-based concoction with bright citrus notes and a hint of almond. It’s the perfect complement to their chef-driven menu, which features seasonal specials crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Known for its award-winning wine list, Cork & Cow is another great choice for a date night. Begin your evening with a Cork & Cow Old Fashioned, a seasonal twist on the classic cocktail featuring a rotating selection of premium whiskies—ask your server about the current variation for a unique flavor experience. Once you’ve savored your drink, enjoy an expertly prepared steak or other indulgent menu items for a meal to remember.
Red Pony Restaurant exudes a warm date-night vibe with its rich red leather seating and cozy ambiance, ideal for couples looking for an upscale evening out. Toast your love with a glass of French champagne from their extensive selection and enjoy the creative flavors Red Pony is known for.
If you’re looking for a destination that offers both an indulgent meal and a luxurious escape, consider January, the signature restaurant at Southall Farm and Inn. With a dining room offering views of the surrounding farmland, January delivers a multi-course meal designed to be savored and remembered. For couples wanting to extend their evening, Southall also offers overnight accommodations in beautifully appointed cottages and suites.
Experience Franklin’s Holiday Lights
Whether you prefer a romantic stroll through historic streets or a cozy trolley ride to see the town’s holiday displays, Franklin offers a variety of ways to enjoy the magic of the season with your sweetheart.
Historic Main Street transforms into a wonderland during the holiday season, with storefronts adorned in seasonal decorations and lights. Begin your walk at the Public Square, where the community tree will be lit on December 6th, creating a backdrop for holiday photos. As you wander along Main Street, enjoy the holiday displays in shop windows and maybe pick up a gift or two along the way.
For an indoor experience, visit The Factory at Franklin, a shopping and entertainment complex where there’s always something fun going on. Start your visit with a hot drink from Honest Coffee Roasters or a cocktail at The Skylight Bar in the Grand Hall. Or, indulge at Greys Fine Cheeses and Entertaining, where date night specials and wine and cheese flights make for a holiday treat. Plan ahead and participate in one of their educational and fun workshops, like Cheese and Bubbles, where you will learn about Champagne and cheese pairings. From there, browse the shops for unique gifts for everyone on your list.
While you’re at The Factory, consider catching a performance by Oddity Improv at The Mockingbird Theater. Every Monday, this comedy troupe presents a “clean-ish” improv show that’s guaranteed to make you smile.
Departing from The Factory at Franklin, the Franklin Holiday Lights Trolley Tour offers a fun way to explore the area’s holiday lights. The trolley takes you through some of Franklin’s best seasonal sights, including a visit to the FrankTown Festival of Lights at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo Park.
Warm Up with Holiday Cocktails
After soaking in the holiday lights, warm up with a cocktail at one of Franklin’s watering holes.
At McCreary’s Irish Pub, the vibe is laid back and the Irish coffees are hot. Grab a seat near the window and people-watch while sipping a drink and enjoying the holiday lights outside. Or, stop by Stable Reserve, a distillery, tasting bar, and coffee shop, for the Stable Songwriter Series, Franklin’s premier songwriter showcase.
At JJ’s Wine Bar you’ll find unique self-serve wine dispensers that allow you to explore a variety of wines by the ounce. It’s a great way to sample different wines and find your perfect pour. For a touch of intrigue, Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club offers a speakeasy-style experience reminiscent of the Prohibition era. Located in the alley behind Mellow Mushroom on Main Street, the entrance is marked by a switch that, when flipped, lights up a green signal to guide you in.
Lastly, don’t let the cold weather stop you from enjoying a rooftop cocktail. At Vintage Vine 100, their rooftop igloos allow you to stay warm while you sip holiday-themed cocktails high above the town.
Add Active Fun and Adventure to Your Date Night
A romantic dinner, a leisurely walk amid Franklin’s holiday lights, and festive cocktails are just the start of a perfect date night. For those seeking to add a touch of adventure to their evening, Franklin offers a variety of activities to keep the magic alive.
Located in Cool Springs, Kings Dining & Entertainment offers a playful atmosphere perfect for date night. With bowling lanes, billiards, and a full-service restaurant and bar, Kings is great for couples looking to mix fun with a little friendly competition. For live music lovers, check out The Whiskey Room Live, located inside Kings. With a full bar and state-of-the-art sound equipment, it’s a great place to enjoy music together and maybe even discover a new favorite band.
For couples who love a challenge, Breakout Games provides an exciting escape room experience that makes for a great date night. Work together to solve puzzles in themed rooms such as Island Escape or Mystery Mansion. This activity encourages teamwork while delivering plenty of laughs.
Adventurous couples should check out The Crag in Franklin. This indoor climbing gym offers bouldering, top-rope, and lead climbing for climbers of all skill levels. Spend the evening conquering new heights together and cheering each other on.
For a spooky date night, consider taking a Ghost Tour with Franklin Walking Tours. Led by local guides, these tours explore the haunted history and eerie legends of Franklin’s historic downtown. Walk hand-in-hand through the streets as you learn about the town’s most chilling stories.
Catch a Classic Christmas Movie or Show
No winter date night is complete without some seasonal entertainment, and Franklin has several venues that offer movies and live performances to make your night out even more special.
The Franklin Theatre is always a holiday season highlight, offering screenings of classic holiday movies, theater shows, and musical acts. Concessions include pizza, popcorn, candy, soft drinks, beer, and wine, with a full bar available during select events. Don’t miss the locally produced Showtime! chocolate bar, a blend of dark chocolate, almonds, caramel, and sea salt. Movie highlights this season include It’s a Wonderful Life and Elf, alongside live musical performances such as Christmas with the King: A Holiday Tribute to Elvis and Christmas with the Nelsons.
For more live performance options, the Williamson County Performing Arts Center is a must-visit during the holiday season. Their schedule features Drama People Presents Comfort and Joy: Two Christmas One-Acts for the Family, a double feature filled with holiday cheer. Fans of The Carpenters will love A Carpenters Christmas, a holiday tribute featuring the iconic duo’s Christmas classics including “Merry Christmas Darling” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” Get more information and purchase tickets here.
At Studio Tenn at the Turner Theater in The Factory at Franklin, enjoy Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, a rock-and-roll holiday show featuring classic hits like “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Run Rudolph Run.”
At Pull-Tight Players Theatre, immerse yourself in Winter Wonderettes, featuring ’60s-inspired renditions of holiday classics such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland.” Get tickets here.
Indulge in Dessert or a Holiday Treat
End the night with a sweet treat at one of Franklin’s favorite dessert spots. These spots offer seasonal sweets that are perfect for sharing.
Chocolate lovers should not miss Kilwins Franklin, where hand-crafted chocolates, fudge, and other confections await. Kilwins is also the perfect place to pick up a sweet gift to remember the night.
At Frothy Monkey, pair a holiday-inspired latte with a freshly baked pastry or slice of cake. For something cool, visit Sweet CeCe’s, where you can create a customized frozen yogurt treat topped with all your favorite goodies.
Lastly, for holiday cookies, head to Whitney’s Cookies. Founded by MasterChef winner Whitney Miller, this sweet shop offers freshly baked cookies that are perfect for a holiday treat.
Create Your Perfect Holiday Date Night in Franklin, TN
Franklin, Tennessee offers a delightful escape for a winter date night. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a festive stroll, or a fun-filled evening of entertainment, Franklin has something for everyone. So, bundle up, grab your loved one, and create some holiday date night magic in Franklin, Tennessee.
