There's this "series/parallel" flashing and variable brightness Xmas light scheme we've done for years:
[Linked Image from pw2.netcom.com]
In the schematic diagram under the tree, the black bulbs indicate a string that had its flasher bulb go open circuit for the moment. You rig up a violation like this to make it work: [Linked Image from pw2.netcom.com]

http://pw2.netcom.com/~wa2ise/radios/xmassp.html for more details