Animal magic at Chicago zoo

Animal lovers spending Christmas in the US this year could do worse than pay Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago a visit as its decorative lights festival gets in full swing.

As well as the usual high-quality enclosures and vast array of animals available to view, there will be a range of activities on offer for kids and adults alike.

A nursery rhyme show involving the animals, Santa's grotto and an ice carving tutorial shop should keep the kids entertained long enough for parents to enjoy a glass or two of warm spiced wine or frosty beer.

On December 18th, 20th and 27th, John Deere will present story time in the farm house at the Farm-in-the-Zoo section, where kids will be treated to their favourite animal-related tales.

Specially for the Christmas period, the zoo will be covered in over a million of lights as is tradition in the Chicago enclosure and entry is free for the whole of the month.

Lincoln Park Zoo is open 17:00 to 21:00 local time every day throughout December except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.