Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Dec 19-24

Our Events Watch series aims to highlight happenings that aren't focused on alcohol and drinking, but instead take a more educational or productive approach. Events include comedy, talks, networking events, markets, and dinners etc.
 

Tuesday, Dec 19

Israeli Culture Festival and Hanukkah Celebration
Part of a month-long Israeli Culture Festival, this ongoing Hannukah celebration entails events like an Israeli art show, musical performances, and talks. This Tuesday, the Israel Chamber of Commerce and FROOTS Gallery are inviting you to join a Hannukah celebration with food, talks and discussions, quizzes, and talks on tradition, culture, and hopefully, how to correctly pronounce the names of the elements of Hanukkah. The evening will also include a lecture from Amit Elazar, founder of Shofar Zion (coordinating organization) about the light of Hanukkah and its importance in the modern world. 7pm. Free. FROOTS Gallery
 

Wednesday, Dec 20

8-Bit Open-Mic Comedy Night
With the amount of money already spent on Christmas gifts and even more to come in the upcoming week, we all need some laughter in our lives. For the purpose of this non-drinking focused roundup, we had to adjust the event's poster slightly. Head to 8-Bit this Weesneday and leave your holiday worries behind for an evening. Maybe you'll even snag some decent jokes to impress guests over Christmas dinner. Free. 9pm. 8-Bit
 

Thursday, Dec 21

Bea Johnson - A Talk About the Zero Waste Movement
While Beijing continues to disappear under piles of trash and mountainsides don't see the light of day for all the unending packs of fangbianmian, this might be the hero we need. Founder and advocate of the zero waste lifestyle, Bea Johnson, will share her own inspirational story and tips on a sustainable lifestyle. In doing so, Johnson hopes to not only change the way we process waste but also the way we consume, teaching us that our "everything is replaceable" lifestyle won't work unless we want to eat plastic-infused seafood (well, we are already) or kick our way through trash tunnels on the way to work. RMB 100. 7pm. Day Day Up
 

Friday, Dec 22

Dumpling Making Party
After this workshop, you'll no longer have to rely on your nearest dumpling den – you'll be able to make these carby treats yourself! The skill that, once mastered, will serve a multitude of purposes, including being able to feed yourself for RMB 10 a day, as well a to impressing a date. To celebrate Winter Solstice, Experteas Teahouse is hosting a free dumpling rolling class inw which they'll teach you how to clamp those babies shut and make them look pretty, as well as tell you what happens if you don't eat dumplings before the upcoming holiday arrives (it's bad news, I'm afraid). 6.30pm. Free. Experteas Teahouse
 

Saturday, Dec 23

Cultural Keys Christmas Market
It's officially your last chance to pick up stocking fillers or jars of chutney and jam for the Christmas table. Cultural Keys are throwing a little Christmas market, gathering a fine selection of local foods and crafts. Play it on the safe side and grab a few extra packs of baked goods while you're there; who knows if any of your Christmas dinner guests will decide to bring an unannounced +1 to your party. Midday. Free. Yoolee Plaza (opposite the north gate of Workers' Stadium)
 

Sunday, Dec 24

Christmas Concert from Maurice Ravel Vocal Ensemble
Nothing screams "holidays!" more than a stuffed belly and a choir concert. This French-centric choir from Beijing have prepared a selection of holiday-themed songs for you to enjoy, with part of the proceeds going to the French NGO Couleurs de China who help children in Guangxi attend school. 4pm. RMB 80-200. La Plantation 

Images courtesy of the organizers, Unsplash