Are you ready for the torch flame? The Olympic opening ceremony has become one of the most talked about events of the Games, growing in scope and spectacle over the years. opening of 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina is set to continue that creative legacy. Featuring artists from some of the world’s greatest artists and the two torchbearers of Milan and the Alpine town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, it will be a must-open event.
The event will be hosted by sportscaster Terry Gannon, and will include the Parade of Nations, performances by Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli and many more. According to the official page of the Olympics, the opening ceremony will not only take place in Milan’s San Siro Stadium, but throughout “the entire city and the Olympic venues will come alive with satellite events and symbolic moments.”
While the opening ceremony notes the official start of the Olympicssome events started on Feb. 4, and many will continue until Feb. 22, where the closing ceremony will take place. Here’s what you need to know to watch the opening ceremony.
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When is the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Live coverage of the 2026 opening ceremony begins Friday, Feb. 6, at 2 pm ETand viewers can expect it to last around three hours. Both NBC and Peacock will telecast the event at 8 pm ET.
How to watch the opening ceremony without cable
You can sing along to the opening ceremony by streaming it all on Peacock. It can also be broadcast on NBC on a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, DirectTV or Hulu Plus Live TV. (Note that due to ongoing contract issues between NBC Universal and Fubo, coverage of the Olympics will not be available on Fubo this year.)
Peacock offers access to live sporting events such as the 2026 Winter Olympics and Super Bowl LX in both of its subscription plans. Peacock Premium with ads costs $11 per month, and the ad-free Premium Plus plan is $17.
YouTube TV offers more than 100 live channels, including NBC, which you’ll need to watch the opening ceremony and other 2026 Winter Games. From now until March 17th, new subscribers can sign up for the YouTube TV Base Plan for $60 per month for your first two months.
Who will be performing at the opening ceremony?
In addition to hosting Terry Gannon, Olympic figure skater Shaun White will be on hand to broadcast the Parade of Nations and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at Milan’s San Siro Stadium. Sportscaster Mike Tirico will be reporting remotely from San Francisco, where he will cover Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8.
The opening ceremony will also include performances from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Pierfrancesco Favino, opera star Cecilia Bartoli and singer Laura Pausini. Italian actress Sabrina Impacciatore, best known for her role in The White Lotus, and pianist Lang Lang are also scheduled to participate. And as always, the Parade of Nations will include every participating athlete from every country represented at the Games.
When is the closing ceremony?
If you plan ahead, the closing ceremony of the Winter Games will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock on Sunday, Feb. 22, from 9 pm to 11 pm ET/PT.
