The Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, December 3 to 9 

1. Face Value

Who does facial recognition technology help and who does it hurt? By focusing on the work of MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini, the 2020 documentary Coded Bias delves into this question — and reveals widespread discrimination in artificial intelligence. Vermont International Film Foundation presents the hard-hitting doc online through December 17. Coded Bias is also shown in conjunction with Computer Science Education Week from December 7 through 13.

2. A Little Collection

Owning a one-of-a-kind piece of art doesn't always require a huge investment. Just look at "Smalls," a show at Axel's Frame Shop & Gallery in Waterbury.  On view by appointment through Thursday, December 24, the group exhibition includes original works of art — think photos, paintings and sculptures — measuring 10 inches square or smaller and priced at or under $100. Art hounds may also browse and buy these mini masterpieces online.

3. Delicious Discussion

Seasoned chef, restaurateur and host of the Amazon Prime program "Lidia's Kitchen" Lidia Bastianich dishes on holiday cooking and traditions in a virtual chat presented by Vermont PBS. Hosted by Seven Days food writer Melissa Pasanen, From Lidia's Kitchen to Yours: A Live Q&A also features discussion of Bastianich's latest cookbook, Felidia: Recipes From My Flagship Restaurant, as well as time for audience queries. Preregister to watch for free on Wednesday, December 9, at 7 p.m.

4. Pop Culture

Segregation, civil rights, rock ’n' roll, and the rise of televised youth culture.  Dartmouth College history professor Matthew F. Delmont connects these major themes in American history through the lens of "American Bandstand," a live music and dance TV show that aired for decades starting in 1952. Delmont, who penned the 2012 book The Nicest Kids in Town: American Bandstand, Rock ’n' Roll, and the Struggle for Civil Rights in 1950s Philadelphia, elucidates his ideas in a free remote talk presented by Lebanon Opera House in New Hampshire. Listen in at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8, and be sure to register ahead of time.

5. World Tour

Itching for a getaway in the era of COVID-19? Try touring the world in a weekend — without leaving home. The 28th annual Vermont International Festival, a celebration of global cultures, goes virtual in 2020, offering education, entertainment and shopping through your computer, Friday, December 4, through Sunday, December 6. Pretaped acts by artists such as Vermont Nepali Heritage Dance and Afro-funk band Sabouyouma shine a light on diverse performing arts styles, while an online marketplace offers artisan wares such as Chinese jewelry and Madagascan natural-fiber bags. Also on the menu: Authentic world cuisine available for takeaway (order ahead here) at the O'Brien Community Center in Winooski.

6. Fresh Format

Instead of adapting existing theater works for an online format, Green Room Productions presents two one-act plays created specifically for performance on the video chat platform Zoom.  "Missing Ingredients" by Colleen O'Doherty follows a woman giving her sister a long-distance helping hand after a family tragedy. In "Zoe" by Jack Canfora, a woman reluctantly agrees to a video chat with her ex-husband. Packaged as Two for Zoom, the two shows stream back-to-back at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 6.

7. Here We Come A-Caroling

Is the holiday season complete without a family rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"? In an effort to keep music a part of yuletide traditions despite social-distancing measures, the Upper Valley Music Center offers a dozen days of virtual events, such as children's sing-alongs, student recitals, a fiddle-tune jam session and a participatory singing of Handel's Messiah. View the complete schedule for the Holiday Music Festival and join in song between December 4 and 15.

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This is just a small sampling of the state's in-person and virtual happenings in the coming days. Browse our art, calendar and music + nightlife listings for more.

If you're planning or promoting an event in Vermont, please send details our way for a free online listing. Find our event submission form at sevendaysvt.com/postevent.