The Definitive Answer: 5 Surprising Facts About What Frosty The Snowman’s Nose Was *Really* Made Of

Every year, as the holiday season rolls around, a classic question resurfaces: What exactly was Frosty the Snowman's nose made of? It’s a seemingly simple query, yet it highlights one of the most distinctive features of the world’s most famous animated snowman, setting him apart from his typical, carrot-nosed brethren.

As of the current date, the answer remains definitively rooted in the original source material. Unlike the common, garden-variety snowman, Frosty’s unique facial feature was not a vegetable. It was a button nose, a small, black, and perfectly round accessory that contributed to his "jolly happy soul" persona and is immortalized in the classic Christmas song and the beloved 1969 Rankin/Bass television special. This single detail is crucial to understanding the character's entire identity and lore.

The Canonical Answer: A Button, Not a Carrot

The definitive source for all things Frosty is the original 1950 song, "Frosty the Snowman," written by Walter 'Jack' Rollins and Steve Nelson. This song provides a detailed, almost biographical profile of the magical snowman. The exact lyrics leave no room for ambiguity regarding his facial features.

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The Iconic Lyrics That Define Frosty’s Features

The second verse of the song clearly establishes the materials used to construct the animated star. The line is an essential piece of holiday trivia that often trips up casual fans, who mistakenly assume a carrot, the common snowman nose, was used.

• The Nose: A button nose.
• The Eyes: Two eyes made out of coal.
• The Mouth/Accessory: A corncob pipe.

This "button nose" detail is a key feature that distinguishes Frosty from virtually every other snowman in popular culture. The eyes of coal and the corncob pipe further cement his image as a traditional, rustic, and slightly old-fashioned winter figure, built from simple, found objects.

The Cultural Significance of the Button Nose

Why did the songwriters choose a button instead of the more traditional carrot? The choice was likely deliberate, serving a few important narrative and cultural purposes, especially when compared to its famous predecessor.

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1. Differentiation from the Common Snowman

The carrot nose is the universally accepted standard for snowmen, a temporary, edible accessory. By giving Frosty a button, the creators immediately signaled that he was special and unique. He was built by children using items from their pockets or home, giving him a more personal, handcrafted feel. This small detail helped establish the character's distinct visual identity, which was crucial for its success following the massive hit of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" the year prior.

2. The Magic of the Accessories

Frosty’s entire existence hinges on the power of his accessories. The button nose, while not the source of the magic, is part of a collection of items—the coal eyes, the corncob pipe, and the magical old silk hat—that transform him from an inanimate pile of snow into a "jolly happy soul." The button is a permanent fixture, unlike a carrot which would rot or be eaten by animals, symbolizing the enduring, if temporary, nature of his life.

The magical old silk hat is the true source of Frosty's animation. When the children "placed it on his head," he "began to dance around." This accessory is the centerpiece of the 1969 Rankin/Bass TV special, where the villainous Professor Hinkle spends the entire story trying to steal the enchanted headwear.

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3. The 1969 TV Special Confirmation

The most widely recognized version of the character comes from the 1969 animated television special, produced by Rankin/Bass. This adaptation visually cemented the button nose for generations of viewers. The special featured the voice talents of legendary comedian Jimmy Durante as the narrator and Jackie Vernon as the voice of Frosty. The animation faithfully depicted the snowman with his button nose, corncob pipe, and coal eyes, adhering strictly to the original song's lyrics.

The Extended Frosty the Snowman Lore and Entities

To truly appreciate the button nose, one must understand the rich tapestry of the character's history, which extends far beyond the single song. The story of Frosty involves a number of key entities and adaptations that built the character's topical authority in holiday media.

The Creators and Original Recording

The song "Frosty the Snowman" was written in 1950 by Walter 'Jack' Rollins and Steve Nelson. They were attempting to replicate the success of the previous year's hit, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." The first recording of the song was by singing cowboy Gene Autry, who had also recorded "Rudolph." The song was an immediate success, quickly becoming a holiday standard.

Key Characters and Voice Actors (1969 Special)

The classic television special introduced iconic characters and voices that are now inseparable from the Frosty legend. These entities provided the narrative depth that the simple song lacked:

• Professor Hinkle: The bumbling magician who owned the magical silk hat. He was voiced by Billy De Wolfe.
• Karen: The little girl who befriends Frosty and tries to help him reach the North Pole. She was voiced by June Foray in the initial airing.
• Jimmy Durante: The special's narrator, whose distinctive gravelly voice and sign-off ("Good night, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are!") added a nostalgic charm.

The Sequels and Adaptations

Frosty's story continued in several sequels, though none reached the fame of the original special. These adaptations further expanded the lore:

• Frosty's Winter Wonderland (1976): This special introduced Frosty's wife, Crystal, and was narrated by Andy Griffith.
• Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (1979): A crossover film that brought the two holiday icons together.
• The Legend of Frosty the Snowman (2005): A later film narrated by Burt Reynolds, with Bill Fagerbakke (the voice of Patrick Star) as Frosty, which attempted to give the character a new origin story.

The 5 Key Facts About Frosty’s Button Nose and Lore

Understanding the button nose is the starting point for a deeper appreciation of the Frosty phenomenon. Here are the five most essential facts about the character's unique features and history, confirming the button's significance:

1. The Button is the Canonical Choice

The only correct answer, based on the original 1950 song and the 1969 Rankin/Bass special, is a button. Any other answer, such as a carrot or a piece of coal, is incorrect and confuses Frosty with generic snowmen.

2. It’s a Symbol of Found-Object Construction

The button, coal eyes, and corncob pipe are all simple, everyday objects. This choice emphasizes that Frosty was built by children using whatever they could find, giving him a humble and approachable origin story, perfect for a fairy tale.

3. The Hat Holds the Magic, Not the Nose

While the button nose is iconic, it is the "old silk hat" that holds the true magic, bringing Frosty to life. The nose is merely a decorative feature of the animated form. This magical accessory is the entire plot driver for the classic Christmas special.

4. The Song's Success Was Strategic

The song was intentionally created by Rollins and Nelson to capitalize on the massive success of Gene Autry's recording of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" the previous year. Frosty was essentially the second strategic Christmas character created for commercial success.

5. The Town of Armonk, New York, Claims Him

The town of Armonk, New York, claims to be the inspiration for the song's setting. The town holds an annual "Frosty Day" parade and celebration, maintaining a strong connection to the character and his lore, making it a physical location entity tied to the story.

The button nose is more than just a detail; it is a point of distinction that has helped Frosty the Snowman endure as a timeless holiday icon. This small, black button is the key to unlocking the charm and uniqueness of the jolly, happy soul who comes to life every winter.