The 2026 Winter Olympics officially begin Friday with an Opening Ceremony that will look unlike any other in Olympic history.
While select competitions are already underway, the Games’ traditional start arrives Feb. 6 with a ceremony split across two host cities. Organizers confirmed the main event will take place at San Siro Stadium in Milan, while a simultaneous celebration unfolds in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The dual-location format marks the first time an Olympic Opening Ceremony spans multiple sites. Officials say the approach highlights unity between Milan and Cortina as co-hosts of the 2026 Games.
Here’s everything viewers need to know about the Opening Ceremony, including timing, cauldron lighting, performers, and how to watch.
Opening Ceremony Date and Start Time for Winter Olympics 2026
The Milan Cortina Opening Ceremony takes place Friday, Feb. 6, beginning at approximately 2 p.m. ET. That corresponds to 8 p.m. local time in Italy, according to NBC’s official Olympics site.
Organizers expect the ceremony to last roughly three hours.
As with past Olympics, officials are keeping the minute-by-minute rundown under wraps. Viewers can expect the traditional Parade of Nations, athlete flagbearers, and the formal opening of the Games.
For Team USA, speedskater Erin Jackson and alpine skier Frank Del Duca will serve as flagbearers.
Beyond that, producers promise surprises woven throughout the broadcast.
Olympic Cauldron Lighting Is Making History
There is no exact time scheduled for the Olympic cauldron lighting, but organizers say both flames will likely ignite near the end of the ceremony.
With the Opening Ceremony expected to run about three hours, viewers should anticipate the cauldrons being lit during the final 30 to 45 minutes.
History will be made when two separate cauldrons are lit simultaneously — a first for the Olympics.
One cauldron sits in Milan at Arco della Pace. The second is located in Cortina d’Ampezzo at Piazza Dibona.
Olympic officials said the dual cauldrons symbolize harmony between the two host cities. The design also draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s knot motifs, which appeared in both his paintings and manuscripts.
Opening Ceremony Performers at Milan Cortina Games
Several internationally recognized artists will take part in Friday’s ceremony.
Six-time Grammy winner Mariah Carey is among the featured performers. She will be joined by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Chinese pianist Lang Lang, and Italian actor Sabrina Impacciatore.
Organizers have not revealed the full performance order or which artists will appear at each location.
As with other Opening Ceremonies, producers are expected to blend music, visuals, and storytelling to showcase Italy’s culture while introducing athletes from around the world.
How to Watch the Milan Cortina Opening Ceremony Live
The Opening Ceremony will air on NBC and stream on Peacock.
Peacock will carry the ceremony live starting around 2 p.m. ET. NBC will rebroadcast the event in primetime at 8 p.m. ET.
Viewers can also expect extended coverage across NBC’s digital platforms throughout the day.
The Opening Ceremony officially marks the start of more than two weeks of competition, culminating in the Closing Ceremony later this month.
Winter Olympics 2026: Opening Ceremony Date, Schedule, Time and Performers at Milan Cortina Games