I just booked a last-minute trip to DC for next weekend, staying at the Marriott Courtyard on F St (near Convention Ctr). The Vermeer exhibit is driving this visit, but we've never been in DC for the holidays.

Any recommendations for what holiday themed events/displays we should not miss? And drink or dinner recs are always welcomed!

The US Botanic Gardens always has a special holiday display and they also have some holiday concerts on Tu and Th evenings, if you check their website. It's just SW of the Capitol building.

The military bands do various holiday concerts and are quite good, also, and it's free.
http://www.usarmyband.com/event-calendar.html
http://www.navyband.navy.mil/holiday_concert.html

The Folger COnsort does a holiday concert at the Shakespeare Library
https://www.folger.edu/events/renaissance-christmas

Heurich House (German beer magnate, I think, house is interesting) has a Christmas market, it's right near Dupont Circle

that's all I can think of right now.

You might mention your price point, location and type of preferred cuisine for better dinner ideas.
http://www.heurichchristmas.org/

Union Station is always decorated (giant wreathes outside and big tree inside) A giant tree inside "the most beautiful building in DC" the Library of Congress (Jefferson building.
Each state has a tree with handmade ornaments near the National Christmas tree on the Ellipse near the White House.
For more tips
https://washington.org/visit-dc/cant...-washington-dc

Check the Washington Post's Going Out Guide later this week for specific things that might be happening next weekend.

The Downtown Holiday Market will be open everyday noon until 8 pm at 8th and F Streets, which is about a two minute walk from your hotel and in front of the Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian American Art Museum.

(http://downtownholidaymarket.com)

Your hotel is in a great neighborhood for restaurants up and down the price scale. Suggestions:

Jaleo
Oyamel
Daikaya
Zaytinya
China Chilcano
Rasika
Fiola
Proof
Graffiato
Paul
The Source (rooftop at the Newseum)

Heurich House (German beer magnate, I think, house is interesting) has a Christmas market, it's right near Dupont Circle

That was this weekend. Cute little market and house tour.

Great leads for me to delve into -- thanks so much!