Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Dazzles Worldwide

The world’s eyes are firmly fixed on Italy this Friday, as the 25th Winter Olympics—officially known as the Milan Cortina 2026 Games—roar to life with an Opening Ceremony that promises to blend tradition, spectacle, and a dash of Italian flair. While some qualifying events, like curling, have already rolled out earlier this week, today marks the official curtain-raiser for one of sport’s most cherished global gatherings. The action unfolds at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, setting the stage for an unforgettable night that will be broadcast live at 2 p.m. ET on NBC and streamed on Peacock, with a primetime replay at 8 p.m. ET for those who can’t sneak away from work.

From its humble beginnings in Chamonix, France, back in 1924, the Winter Olympics have grown into a sprawling celebration of athletic prowess and international camaraderie. Now, 102 years later, the Games return for their 25th edition, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo sharing hosting duties. This year, the organizing committee is pulling out all the stops to ensure the Opening Ceremony is a showstopper. Not only will the world’s top winter athletes parade in their national colors, but viewers will also be treated to performances from a star-studded lineup: five-time Grammy Award-winner Mariah Carey, Golden Globe winner Laura Pausini, legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, acclaimed actor and producer Pierfrancesco Favino, and Emmy-nominated Sabrina Impacciatore. If that doesn’t whet your appetite for spectacle, what will?

But the festivities aren’t confined to Milan alone. For the first time in Olympic history, the Opening Ceremony will feature two simultaneous cauldron lightings—one at the Arco della Pace in Milan and another at Piazza Dibona in Cortina d’Ampezzo. According to the Olympics’ official website, these twin cauldrons are “a powerful symbol of harmony between the two Host Cities and the territories of the distributed Games.” The innovation doesn’t stop there: mini ceremonies and athlete parades will take place in Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, ensuring that the Olympic spirit radiates well beyond the main stadium.

For those eager to catch every moment, NBC and Peacock have you covered. Live coverage of the Opening Ceremony begins at 2 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local time in Italy), with a primetime rebroadcast at 8 p.m. ET. If streaming is more your style, Peacock offers exclusive access to the ceremony and all Olympic events. While Peacock’s free trial is no longer available directly, clever viewers can snag a 30-day free trial through Walmart+, which includes Peacock Premium with ads. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you’re not planning to stick around—otherwise, you’ll be signed up for the standard $12.95 monthly fee. For the truly dedicated, bundles with Apple TV are also on offer, making it easier than ever to stay glued to every moment of Olympic action.

Today’s Olympic schedule is jam-packed, starting with figure skating at 3:55 a.m. ET and rolling through a full slate of curling, alpine skiing, hockey, and snowboarding events. Whether you’re a fan of mixed doubles curling or men’s snowboard big air, there’s something for everyone. But make no mistake: the Opening Ceremony is the day’s marquee event, and anticipation is sky-high. NBC’s coverage kicks off with a red carpet segment at 10:15 a.m. ET on Peacock, leading up to the main event at 1:40 p.m. ET and again at 8 p.m. ET. For those on the West Coast, KING 5 will broadcast live at 11 a.m. PST, with primetime coverage at 8 p.m. PST.

The Parade of Nations remains a beloved centerpiece of the Opening Ceremony, as athletes from around the globe proudly represent their homelands. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment. US speed skater Corinne Stoddard, returning for her second Olympics, shared her excitement: “It’s really cool. I participated in Beijing, but we did race the next day. That was a little bit stressful. ... I was like, I really want to do this because this is my first Olympics. But this year in Milan, we don’t race the day after the Opening Ceremony, so that’ll be really nice to just be able to enjoy the opening ceremonies and take everything in this time.”

Her sentiment is echoed by Finnish forward Eeli Tolvanen, who recalled his own Olympic debut: “Behind the scenes, you wait for a couple hours in the cold. It’s not as glamorous as it looks like, but it’s a cool experience.” For first-timers like US ski team member Anna Gibson, the moment is almost surreal: “I’ve always loved watching the Opening and Closing ceremonies, and just getting to see all the athletes from all the sports together, and all the nations. I have no idea what that’s even gonna feel like, but I cannot wait to wear the Ralph Lauren outfit and just walk and experience the whole thing.” US curlers Luc Violette and Ben Richardson, both making their Olympic debuts, are equally enthusiastic. “It’s going to be very special,” Violette said. “We’re really looking forward to it, and it’s going to be a very unique, but awesome Olympic experience for us.”

As the world tunes in, the lighting of the Olympic flame stands as the night’s emotional crescendo. The two cauldrons—one in Milan, one in Cortina—will be lit in a synchronized display, symbolizing unity and harmony across the host regions. Starting Saturday, February 7, the Arco della Pace cauldron will feature a public 3-5 minute show daily, delighting locals and tourists alike until the flame is extinguished on February 22. When the Paralympics begin in March, both cauldrons will be relit, carrying the Olympic spirit forward until the final curtain falls at the Closing Ceremony.

Though the Games have technically begun, with qualifying events already underway, the Opening Ceremony remains the true heart of Olympic tradition—a moment when athletes, fans, and nations come together in celebration. As the XXV Winter Olympics officially launch in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the world prepares for more than two weeks of jaw-dropping athletic feats, heartwarming stories, and unforgettable memories.

With the cauldrons lit and the Parade of Nations complete, the 2026 Winter Olympics are finally underway. Whether you’re watching from your living room or following along on your phone, there’s no denying the excitement in the air. The Games have begun, and the world is watching.