The event, Grapes of Mirth, has been held at Nashdale Lane winery in the past two years.

However, the event would be one of few in Orange in December as the annual Carols by Candlelight event has been cancelled.

Instead Orange City Council will spend about $50,000 on festive decorations around the city.

Councillors will consider the request to hold the Grapes of Mirth event at its next meeting on Tuesday night.

A report to council says the comedy day would run for six hours from noon to 6pm with seating on the showground arena.

"This event is an afternoon of comedy performances by notable comedians from within NSW and QLD, along with the service of food (available via food trucks) and alcohol (cellar door pop ups)," it said.

"Food and beverage services will be sourced from local cellar doors and local food producers.

"These offerings will be adhered to as stated by the Public Health Order.

"The event organiser has submitted a comprehensive COVID safety plan, outlining the measures to be taken to ensure a safe event."

The report said the organisers were based in South Australia and, with the opening of the border from September 24, they would be able to attend.

However, it also said there had been some community opposition to visitors to events in Orange during the pandemic.

"There has been some pressure on council from social media and other sources to not have events that allow people from other locations to attend," it said.

Grapes of Mirth is run by comedian Merrick Watts and general manager Jason Nikolas with events at wineries.

The application does not state which comedians would perform in Orange however Fiona O'Loughlin, Sam Taunton, Danielle Walker, Heath Franklin and Harley Breen performed at last year's sellout event with Mr Watts as host and a comedian.

Its website does not list any upcoming events.

In the event application Mr Nikolas said in the case of bad weather the event could be held in the Naylor Pavilion if it was available.

Mr Nikolas said the event would comply with social distancing requirements. "Orange showground has ample space to ensure that we adhere to one person per two square metre restrictions. An appropriate event area will be set up based on final attendance."

Meanwhile council is considering whether events on New Year's Eve and Australia Day can go ahead.

The annual fireworks party at Waratah Sportsground has already been cancelled but a report to council said options were being considered.

"Council supports the New Year's Eve event, with the co-ordination managed by an external organiser. No formal application for the event has been received, however council staff are discussing enquiries with potential organisers," it said.

The report said the Australia Day Community Committee had determined the event could go ahead with "significant" changes.

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