The Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony promises a groundbreaking celebration on February 6th, as Milano-Cortina 2026 becomes the first Winter Games officially co-hosted by two cities.
The three-hour showcase kicks off at 2 PM ET on NBC, with global superstars and Italian icons coming together around the theme of "Armonia" (AKA harmony) inside Milan's San Siro Stadium.
Five-time Grammy winner Mariah Carey headlines the Opening Ceremony bill, joined by renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who returns to the Olympics 20 years after performing in Turin. Other confirmed participants include Grammy-nominated pianist Lang Lang, Golden Globe winner Laura Pausini, opera star Cecilia Bartoli, and White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciatore.
What to Expect at the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
The 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony breaks tradition, instituting an innovative dual-location approach. While 77,000 spectators gather at San Siro Stadium for the Parade of Nations, simultaneous events will also occur in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno, allowing athletes across all venues to join in on the celebration. It marks the most geographically broad Winter Games in Olympic history, with competition sites spanning more than 400 kilometers.
For the first time, two identical Olympic cauldrons inspired by Leonardo da Vinci will light up at the same time — one at Milan's Arco della Pace and the other in Cortina's Piazza Dibona, where large screens will broadcast San Siro's Opening Ceremony, creating a unified experience across both cities.
Bobsledder Frank Del Duca and speed skating gold medalist Erin Jackson will carry the flag for the US contingent, while Italy's alpine skiing legend Federica Brignone and curling champion Amos Mosaner will bear the host country's flag.
What to Expect at the Closing Ceremony
The 2026 Winter Olympics wrap up on February 22nd, staging the Closing Ceremony at historic Roman amphitheater and UNESCO World Heritage site Verona Arena. Ballet star Roberto Bolle, principal dancer at La Scala Theatre Ballet, will headline the event before Milano-Cortina officially passes the torch to the French Alps for the 2030 Winter Olympics.
How to Watch the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony kicks off on Friday, February 6th at 2 PM ET, live on Peacock.
NBC will later air a primetime encore with special coverage at 8 PM ET.
