Your watch plan for Milan-Cortina — times, streaming, performers, and the torch’s final run
About 2,900 of the world’s best athletes on snow and ice are about to take over Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Games are making history before they even start, because this is the first time the Winter Olympics are being hosted by two cities. Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will share the spotlight for the next chapter of Olympic moments.
The Opening Ceremony is the official start of it all. That includes the Parade of Nations and the lighting of the cauldron. Here’s everything you need to know for the 2026 Milan Cortina Opening Ceremony.
When is the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The Opening Ceremony takes place Feb. 6.
What time is the opening ceremony?
The ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. ET, with a prime-time encore at 8 p.m. ET.
How can fans watch the opening ceremony?
The ceremony will air on NBC and stream on Peacock. It will also be available on the NBC app, NBC Sports app, and on NBCOlympics.com and NBC.com.
Where is the opening ceremony?
The Opening Ceremony will be held at San Siro Stadium.
Who is hosting the opening ceremony?
Terry Gannon will host the coverage alongside three-time Olympic snowboarding champion Shaun White. Mike Tirico will contribute remotely from Northern California as he prepares to call Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara.
Who are the flag-bearers for Team USA?
Team USA named Erin Jackson (long track speedskating) and Frank Del Duca (bobsledding) as flag-bearers.
Who is performing during the opening ceremony?
Mariah Carey is scheduled to headline the ceremony. She will be joined by Lang Lang, Cecilia Bartoli, Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, plus actors Pierfrancesco Favino, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Matilda De Angelis.
What is the theme of the opening ceremony?
The theme is “Armonia” — harmony in Italian — described as a tribute to Italian values, history, and culture, and the country’s connection to the Olympic spirit.
How does the Olympic torch relay work?
The modern Olympic torch was first used at the 1936 Summer Olympics. Inspired by ancient Greece, the torch relay signals the start of the Olympic Games, with the goal of spreading peace and friendship along its route.
For the 2026 Winter Olympics, the torch began in Olympia on Nov. 26, 2025. It arrived in Rome on Dec. 4. From there, it will travel through every region of Italy before making its way to San Siro Stadium in Milan for the official start of the Games.
