The 2026 Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies: What You Need to Know

From Heated Rivalry stars to the event’s iconic venues, here’s what you should be looking out for at the Winter Olympics 2026 opening and closing ceremonies.

Starting this week, all eyes are on Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics. While a few events have already taken place, the Games officially kick off on February 6 and wrap up February 22. They will be followed by the Paralympics, which will be held March 6 to 15.

The Olympic flame will arrive in Milan on February 5 before heading to San Siro stadium for the opening ceremonies on Friday. During the Games, there will be two Olympic flame cauldrons, one in Arco della Pace in Milan and another in downtown Cortina. The flame will also be at the Verona Olympic Arena for the closing ceremonies.

The opening ceremony, says Milano Cortina Olympics managing director Andrea Varnier, “represents the gateway to ...