It involves people gathering, usually outdoors in a park, to sing carols by candlelight, featuring live performances by both national and international celebrities accompanied by a symphony orchestra.

Whilst walking home from his night-time radio shift on Christmas Eve in 1937, he passed a window and saw an elderly woman sitting up in bed inside listening to Away in a Manger being played on the radio and singing along with her face being lit by candlelight.

[citation needed] Following World War II, the Carols became so well patronised that the decision was made to move it to the neighbouring park in Kings Domain.

[citation needed] In 1959, the newly constructed Sidney Myer Music Bowl provided a permanent venue, where they are still held more than 60 years on as of 2023.

Funds raised from donations, ticket, and candle sales are given to Vision Australia (formerly the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, (RVIB)).

Regular performers include David Hobson, Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, Denis Walter and Anthony Callea.

[15] In earlier years, Carols by Candlelight had a strong classical music theme, and a noticeable religious influence.

The Sun Aria winner for each year was automatically invited to sing at Carols by Candlelight.

[17] In the Adelaide suburb of Modbury, the annual Civic Park Carols attracts the second biggest crowd of its type (community) in Australia,[citation needed] with about 40,000 people attending the seventh edition in 2018.

One each in Clarence, Glenorchy and the main ceremony is held in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens by Variety - the Children's Charity of Tasmania.

Donations are collected for a local charity with $14,180 raised in 2012 for the Snowy Hydro Southcare Helicopter service.