The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony is set to deliver a breathtaking start to the Games, blending Italian culture, world-class production, and the unforgettable emotion of the Parade of Nations. If you’re wondering how to watch the Opening Ceremony live, what time it starts, where it’s happening, and who is performing, this complete guide covers everything you need—quickly and clearly.
Opening Ceremony Date, Time, and Venue
The Opening Ceremony takes place on Friday, February 6, 2026, and the main celebration will be hosted at the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan. Known worldwide for its iconic football history, San Siro will transform into an Olympic stage for one of the biggest nights in global sport.
Start Time (Eastern Time)
- Live coverage: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Expected duration: around 3 hours
- Primetime encore (enhanced replay): 8:00 p.m. ET
This means fans can enjoy the event either live in the afternoon or later with a primetime version designed for maximum entertainment.
Milano Cortina Winter Olympics – Official Channels
Find the complete list of official broadcasters and streaming options for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
TV Channel: Where to Watch on Television
Watching on traditional TV is simple.
✅ TV Channel: NBC
NBC will carry both the live broadcast and the tape-delayed primetime coverage, making it easy for viewers to tune in without needing additional streaming devices.
How to Stream the 2026 Milan Cortina Opening Ceremony Online
For cord-cutters and mobile viewers, streaming options are even more flexible.
✅ Streaming Platforms:
- Peacock
- NBCOlympics.com
- NBC.com
- NBC app
- NBC Sports app
The easiest option for most fans is Peacock, which offers full live coverage and Olympic access in one place.
Opening Ceremony Live Streaming Schedule (ET)
Here’s the official streaming schedule (times Eastern and subject to change):
Friday, Feb. 6
- 2:00–5:00 p.m. ET: Opening Ceremony (LIVE)
Stream: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com - 8:00–11:00 p.m. ET: Opening Ceremony (Primetime Coverage)
Stream: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com
📌 Note: The primetime encore also airs at 7 p.m. CT, 7 p.m. MT, and 8 p.m. PT.
Cable Login vs Peacock Subscription: What You Need
There are two main ways to stream:
1) Subscribe to Peacock
After subscribing, go to PeacockTV.com/Olympics or open the Peacock app and head to the Olympics section.
2) Authenticate With a TV Provider
If you have a cable subscription, you can log in and stream on:
- NBCOlympics.com
- NBC.com
- NBC app
- NBC Sports app
This works across phones, tablets, smart TVs, and web browsers, giving you multiple ways to watch anywhere.
Who Is Hosting NBC’s Opening Ceremony Coverage?
NBC’s broadcast team includes major names, giving the event a premium presentation.
- Savannah Guthrie (TODAY Show host)
- Terry Gannon (NBC Sports veteran)
- Shaun White (three-time Olympic snowboarding champion) will join coverage for the Parade of Nations
- Mike Tirico will contribute as part of NBC’s primetime coverage
Theme of the Ceremony: “Armonia” (Harmony)
The Milan Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony theme is “Armonia”, meaning harmony in Italian. The concept focuses on emotion, unity, and powerful visual storytelling—celebrating Italy’s culture while staying true to the Olympic spirit.
Director and Performers
The ceremony is being overseen by Italian creative director Marco Balich, a highly experienced Olympic producer with involvement in multiple Olympic ceremonies, including Torino 2006.
Confirmed Key Performers
⭐ Mariah Carey will appear as a featured global performer.
🎭 Matilda De Angelis, Italian actress, will play a major narrative role during the show.
With nearly 3,000 athletes expected to participate in the celebrations, the night will be packed with iconic moments from start to finish.