Of all the Christmas movies I watched in my youth — which were many — few have stayed with me like “The Snowman.”

The animated short film has been considered a Christmas classic my entire life, and for good reason. Adapted from the wordless 1978 children’s book, “The Snowman” follows a boy who builds a snowman which magically comes to life. Warmly and delicately animated, “The Snowman” is also a somewhat heavy story, as the boy must deal with the snowman melting in the morning sun. It’s smart, thought provoking and slightly spooky at times — aimed at youth without ever condescending to them. I vividly remember how captivated I was when I first saw it.

The Utah Valley Symphony is hosting a special screening of the movie Wednesday and Dec. 3 at the Covey Center for the Arts. The symphony will be playing the soundtrack in real time as the movie plays, bringing added life to a film that is all about bringing things to life. The symphony also will be playing other classical and holiday works.

The event begins at 7:30 each night. Tickets are $12-$15, available at coveycenter.org. The Covey is located at 425 W. Center St. in Provo.

– Court Mann