The Snowman: Where to watch on TV this Christmas

Raymond Briggs’ classic winter tale returns to screens for Christmas 2020

Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman stands as one of the most beloved children’s Christmas books of all time, and the film adaptation has endured just as well.

Telling the story of a boy whose snowman comes to life at Christmastime, The Snowman was first shown on Channel 4 in 1982, and has remained a staple of the TV Christmas calendar ever since.

Told through pictures, hand-drawn animation and music, the 27-minute-long film is also known for originating the festive Howard Blake song “Walking in the Air”, sung in the film by Welsh chorister Aled Jones.

The Snowman later spawned a sequel, entitled The Snowman and the Snowdog, which aired on Channel 4 in 2012.

In the UK, The Snowman is not currently streaming anywhere, although it can be purchased or rented digitally on Amazon, Sky Store and TalkTalk TV.

The Snowman and the Snowdog was the 2012 sequel to the original hit animation (© Universal Studios)

The Snowman will, however, air on Channel 4 at 7.20am and 5.10pm on Christmas Eve, followed immediately by The Snowman and the Snowdog.

It will then air at 12:25pm on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, as well as several times on E4 and 4Seven over the festive period.

In the US, The Snowman is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.