Local resident have one last opportunity to take a gander at the Christmas lights and decorations in downtown McMinnville.

According to McMinnville Public Works assistant director Brad Hennessee, the removal process begins Monday.

“The Christmas tree and the decorative lighting downtown will be removed starting Monday, Jan. 8,” said Hennessee. “Everything will remain lit throughout the weekend so if you’d like to see the lighting again, Sunday night will be your last chance.”

In the past, the lights were off and removal began the first week of January. Hennessee says inclement weather pushed the effort back a week.

“We were afraid removal might damage the wiring or the lights themselves during the very cold temperatures,” said Hennessee. “The temperature should moderate into next week and should not hinder removal efforts.”

It took eight weeks to place the light display. It is anticipated that removal and storage of the lighting will take 2-3 weeks.