Although some businesses shut down for the traditionally quiet period, those that did open their doors reaped the benefits.

Cafes often had long queues and Mary & Tex Curious Emporium co-owner Marianne Nagle closed for Christmas but reopened on Tuesday and said the shop was flat out, capping off what was already a busy year.

"There are lots from out of town, a lot of people from out west, we had Sydney visitors as well," Mrs Nagle said.

"It has been really busy ... a lot of people are just out here visiting as an escape out of the city, they are looking for something different."

Mrs Nagle said the business closed for three weeks at the start of the pandemic but when it reopened there was a lot of local support with people buying items for their homes, then more visitors arrived from out of town.

"People have been spending a lot more money decorating so they have been spending more money changing it up," she said.

"It's been a tough, hard year work hours wise but it's really important to be open.

"It's definitely the biggest year we've had financially and that's due to so much loyalty and support and people coming to Orange."

However, she said that in the lead up to Christmas, people also came into the shop buying Christmas gifts and the sale of games has also increased due to people staying home more often.

Mrs Nagle said opening the shop has paid off over the Christmas period.

"It's just been crazy busy," she said.

"We've got two Airbnbs as well and they've been busy as well."

Byng Street Cafe and Larder and Home Cafe at Lucknow owner Jeremy Norris also opened his businesses during the Christmas period and said the mornings were busy.

Mr Norris said all the visitors from hot spot areas he spoke to said they got COVID tests before travelling to Orange and getting tested was a requirement for his Airbnb guests.

Mr Norris said he opened everyday but on the public holidays he only had the coffee window open.

"The mornings have been really busy, there's definitely a few people in town," he said.

However, he said there was a noticeable drop off before Christmas when Queensland opened its border.