As the world turns its eyes to Milan’s San Siro Stadium for Friday’s Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, viewers can expect one of the most ambitious and visually sweeping productions in Winter Games history.
The ceremony—rooted in the theme “Armonia,” or harmony—will blend Italian artistry, music and culture across multiple venues in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Audiences will see the unprecedented lighting of two Olympic cauldrons, dynamic parades that span four locations across northern Italy, and live performances by global stars including Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, and Sabrina Impacciatore.
The Opening Ceremony will air live on NBC starting at 11 a.m. PT, with a primetime encore at 8 p.m., and will stream exclusively on Peacock, where every medal event of the Milano Cortina Games will also be available
How to watch Winter Olympics opening ceremony
The opening ceremony for the Milano Cortina Olympics will be aired nationally and internationally on NBC. You can stream the opening ceremony on Peacock, NBC’s subscription streaming service.
When do the 2026 Winter Olympics start?
Though the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina are officially set to begin on Friday, Feb. 6, with the opening ceremony, the first events actually occured a couple of days earlier. The 2026 Winter Games started with the curling competition on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The Milano Cortina Olympics will then run until Sunday, Feb. 22. The Winter Paralympic Games will begin on March 6 and run until March 15.
Where will the 2026 Winter Olympics be held?
Italy will be hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics for the third time, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as the official hosts.
How to watch 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics will be broadcast nationally in the United States by NBC and its partners. Events will be televised on NBC, USA, CNBC. All of the events at the 2026 Winter Games will be streamed exclusively on Peacock.
Watch 2026 Olympics with Peacock
California athletes to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics
California is sending a deep roster of homegrown talent across nearly every discipline. Here’s a look at the athletes with direct ties to the Golden State competing for Team USA — plus several California‑connected Olympians representing other nations.
(And a note: This list isn’t comprehensive and will be updated as more information about California athletes are released)
Figure Skating
(Note: Some partnerships include non‑California teammates, such as Evan Bates skating with Chock.)
Ice Hockey
Alpine Skiing
Freestyle Skiing
Snowboarding
Bobsled
Biathlon
Cross‑Country Skiing
Athletes with California Connections (Competing for other nations or listing other hometowns)
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How to watch Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony
Reporting by Mark Giannotto and James Ward, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
