The Beaconettes bring hyperlocal caroling to Volunteer Park (Image: CHS)

Thursday’s first ever Holiday in Volunteer Park celebration created rain-drizzled shimmers of red and green Christmas lights and giggling shadows of children playing along the luminaria-lit pathways of the 100+ year-old park. The newly formed Volunteer Park Trust group created the event as part of its effort to expand community use of the Olmsted-designed public space. Thursday night brought rows of luminaria and special holiday lanterns and lighting to the area of Volunteer Park around the Seattle Asian Art Museum. A tent provided some protection to the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling competition champions, the Beaconettes, as the singers shared their Seattle 2012-inspired version of the 12 Days of Christmas. On the first day, of course, my true love gave to me, a marijuana brownie.

The holiday fun in the park continues with the Volunteer Park Conservatory’s holiday display — including the debut of a model train running through the hothouse’s poinsettias and Christmas trees. For those feeling festive, Friday night brings a Hanukkah latke celebration at Temple de Hirsch Sinai while Saturday gets rowdy with the start of Santarchy 2012 in Cal Anderson. More pictures from Thursday night are below.