And new COVID regulations coming into play on Monday will mean more people can get together to celebrate making it to the end of a tough year.

Leo Kim from renowned Asian eatery Mr Lim said there had been a smattering of Christmas party bookings.

He said that regulations up until now meant they hadn't been able to welcome more than 30 people in a party.

"Our biggest at the moment is a party of 25," he said of the group booked in for Friday night.

Mr Kim said Mr Lim was welcoming party bookings.

At Orange City Bowling Club manager Neil Southcombe said he was looking forward to 2021.

"We've had a couple of functions through the week, but we're down significantly on November and December Christmas parties compared to last year due to capacity issues," he said.

Mr Southcombe said the easing in regulations on Monday would allow the capacity in one room for hire to increase from 30 to 60, and another from 60 to 120.

However he feared the easing in regulations on Monday may come "a bit late" for hospitality venues trying to attract party crowds in the final days before people go on holidays.

Simonn Hawke from fine dining restaurant Lolli Redini and newish bar and eatery Birdie Noshery said that Lolli Redini had reopened for weekend bookings, and that both of her venues have availability to host work parties in the lead up to Christmas.

"We're fairly steadily booked, but we've got plenty of space," she said.

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