The Chinatown Snowman Returns to NYC's Lower East Side

Winter Storm Grayson might have left huge chucks of ice on the sidewalks and puddles of water inside subway cars, but it also gave rise to the Chinatown Snowman — and for that, we forgive this Bomb Cyclone for blowing snow into our faces with 45mph gusts of wind.

For the eighth winter in a row, the Chinatown Snowman has graced Lower East Siders with his? her? its? presence, arising overnight on the corner of Essex and Canal Streets during periods of substantial snowfall.

According to Bowery Boogie, the owners of the corner bodega are responsible for building this lovable snow creature, who made its initial debut back in December 2010. It’s only grown in size since then (see photos of past iterations), and has sort of become an expected tradition in the Lower East Side.

Next, check out The Secrets of Central Park’s Winter Routine.