At a Glance
- The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony starts on Feb. 6, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET.
- Coverage airs live on NBC and Peacock, with a primetime re-air from 8-11 p.m. ET.
- The ceremony takes place at San Siro Stadium in Milan and features hosts Savannah Guthrie, Terry Gannon, and athlete Shaun White.
- Why it matters: Fans can watch the ceremony on cable, streaming services, or mobile apps, ensuring no one misses the historic start of the Games.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games, will bring athletes from around the world to Italy for the third time the country has hosted the Winter Olympics. NBC will broadcast the Games for the eighth time, following its coverage of previous Winter Games.
When and Where the Ceremony Begins
The opening ceremony will take place on Feb. 6, 2026 at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, a venue built nearly a century ago that is home to A.C. Milan and Inter Milan. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. ET, which is 8 p.m. CET, making it an early afternoon event for U.S. viewers.
| Time (ET) | Event | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| 2 p.m. | Live coverage starts | NBC, Peacock |
| 8 p.m. | Primetime re-air begins | NBC, Peacock |
| 8-11 p.m. | Enhanced re-air | NBC, Peacock |
The live broadcast will feature a traditional parade of nations, the raising of the host nation’s flag, and the lighting of the Olympic torch. The torch relay began in Greece in November 2025, arrived in Rome in December, and will travel across Italy before the cauldron is lit in Milan.
How to Watch
Viewers can watch the ceremony on multiple platforms:
- Cable: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, the NBC app, and the NBC Sports app
- Authenticated users: Full coverage on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app
For those without cable, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com offer free streaming with a login, while the NBC Sports app provides live coverage for authenticated users.
Hosts and Special Guests
The ceremony will be co-hosted by Savannah Guthrie, who has covered three previous Winter Olympic opening ceremonies, and Terry Gannon, who is appearing in this role for the first time. The hosts will be joined by American Winter Olympic icon Shaun White, marking his first appearance as a host.
> “We’re excited to welcome fans to the start of the Games,” said Savannah Guthrie.
Terry Gannon will provide commentary, while Mike Tirico will contribute remotely from Santa Clara, California, as he prepares to call Super Bowl LX for NBC on Feb. 8, 2026.
Performers and Highlights
Key performers include Mariah Carey and Italian actress Matilda De Angelis, who will deliver musical acts during the ceremony. The event will also showcase the new Olympic and Paralympic medal designs unveiled by the organizers.
Torch Relay Timeline
The torch relay follows a historic route:
| Date | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 2025 | Greece | Relay begins |
| Dec. 2025 | Rome | Torch arrives |
| Jan. 2026 | Various Italian cities | Relay continues |
| Feb. 6, 2026 | Milan | Torch lights cauldron |
The lighting ceremony will be a focal point of the opening day, symbolizing the start of the Games.
What Happens During the Ceremony
The opening ceremony includes several traditional elements:
- Parade of Nations: Competitors march under their national flags.
- Flag Raising: The host nation’s flag is raised and the national anthem is played.
- Torch Lighting: The Olympic cauldron is lit, marking the official start.
- Performances: Musicians and dancers perform, including appearances by Mariah Carey and Matilda De Angelis.
Organizers have emphasized that the ceremony will celebrate all competition venues in a unique way, highlighting the diverse locations where athletes will compete.
Key Takeaways
- The ceremony starts at 2 p.m. ET on Feb. 6, 2026.
- Live coverage is on NBC and Peacock; a primetime re-air runs from 8-11 p.m. ET.
- Hosts include Savannah Guthrie, Terry Gannon, and Shaun White.
- The event features a torch lighting, musical performances, and the unveiling of new medal designs.
- Viewers can watch via cable, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, and NBC Sports app.
The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony promises a blend of tradition and modern spectacle, inviting viewers worldwide to celebrate the beginning of the Games.
