Hot Frosty 2024

Kathy Barrett runs Kathy’s Kafé in downtown Hope Springs, New York. Her husband, who passed away from cancer, was a handyman. Now, Kathy struggles with a broken heating system, a leaking roof, and a broken step on her staircase.

Kathy takes lunch to her friends Theo and Mel at their clothing shop, “Reclaimed Rags.” They give her a red scarf, saying it’s “destined” for her, encouraging her to seek happiness after her loss. On her way home, she comes across a snowman sculpture competition and places the scarf on a muscular snowman, taking a picture in the process.

Later that night, the snowman comes to life. As he runs from an elderly couple and their dogs, he accidentally crashes through the window of the clothing shop. He grabs overalls and galoshes to wear. The next morning, Kathy discovers him talking to other snowmen and invites him into her diner for something to eat. She notices the “Jack” name tag on the overalls and assumes that’s his name. When she asks him what his first memory is, he replies that it’s of her placing the scarf on him, followed by the flash of her camera.

The sheriff investigates the break-in at the clothing shop and vows to find the culprit. Jack remains freezing to the touch, so Kathy takes him to the doctor, who confirms that Jack’s body temperature is below freezing. Afterward, she takes him home.

That evening, Jack surprises Kathy with homemade pizza, which he learned to make by watching a cooking show. Kathy feels uncomfortable with Jack’s constant hugs and his open expressions of love for her.

While Jack is fixing the roof, Kathy’s neighbor accidentally drives into a snowbank, distracted by the sight of the shirtless man. Jack helps push her car out, and the neighbor asks him to do some handiwork in her home. She invites her friends over to watch. One of them suggests that Jack assist her son, a busy middle school principal, with preparations for a holiday dance. They offer Jack a job at the school as maintenance staff. They bring him to Kathy’s diner, where the sheriff approaches Jack, reminding him that he needs to be more discreet.

Jack helps decorate the school hall and overhears a student inviting another to the dance. Inspired, he invites Kathy to be his date, and she accepts. They go suit shopping together, and during the outing, Jack gifts Kathy a silver snowflake necklace. At the dance, Kathy notices that Jack is overheating, so she takes him outside to cool down. They almost kiss, but Jack fears that he might hurt Kathy if he melts away.

On Christmas Eve, the town gathers at the diner. Kathy’s speech is interrupted when the sheriff arrests Jack, to the townspeople’s disapproval. The doctor explains that Jack is a snowman, and the community agrees that Christmas is a time for magic. Sheriff Nate demands a $2,000 bail for Jack’s release.

Kathy empties the diner’s safe, and everyone from the diner contributes, but they still fall short. The sheriff’s son offers to provide the remaining amount. Nate relents and returns the bail money. Kathy takes Jack outside, only to find that he no longer moves. Assuming he is dead, she kisses him, takes the red scarf, and prepares to leave. To her surprise, Jack comes back to life, shivering and functioning like a real human. They finally share a kiss.

As they continue to live together, Kathy and Jack exchange presents. He gives her a home repair book, and Kathy surprises him with plane tickets to Hawaii. They set off for their trip together.