In Frosty the Snowman, what object brings Frosty to life?

In Frosty the Snowman, a magic hat brings Frosty to life.

The 1969 animated television special begins when children build a snowman and place a distinctive hat on his head. The hat has been used by the magician Professor Hinkle, and its unusual power allows Frosty to become a living, talking snowman.

The story is based on the 1950 song “Frosty the Snowman,” written by Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson. The television special expands the song’s short narrative into an adventure involving the children, Professor Hinkle, and Frosty’s effort to avoid melting.

The hat is sometimes confused with the magic objects used in other Christmas stories, such as Rudolph’s glowing nose or Santa’s flying reindeer. Frosty’s defining object is specifically the hat. The special was produced by Rankin/Bass Productions and remains closely associated with annual Christmas television programming.