Behind the scenes as stars prepare for Carols by Candlelight

Today marks the 77th anniversary of the Carols by Candlelight, a grand Melbourne tradition which has grown to include almost 500 performers and musicians.

It takes months to refine the production, build the set and book the talent, but for many it is now a staple in the end-of-year calendar.

"This is my 11th year, I'm basically part of the furniture - they wheel me out with the train," singer Anthony Callea said.

The line-up is a combination of veteran performers and newcomers, however even seasoned artists get a touch of stage fright at this event.

"With Carols, you see everyone, you see all the candles, you see all their faces - it's petrifying to be honest," performer Rob Mills said.

So much hype surrounds the annual event that even the dress rehearsal attracts thousands of fans.

Carols by Candlelight is also for a good cause, every artist donates their time for free and proceeds from ticket sales go to Vision Australia.

More than two million people across the country are expected to tune in to the grand production which features more than 400 performers and an orchestra of 70 world-class musicians, all led by Musical Director John Foreman.

"Carols is the moment where the nation kind of takes a breath, you quiet the noise, and you say 'okay now is the time to get into the spirit'," Foreman said.