Wondering how to watch the Winter Olympics 2026 Opening Ceremony via live stream? Look no further. And you'll want to watch: no matter who you're rooting for, there's something for everyone. Figure skating! Hockey! Skiing! Bobsleigh! Mariah Carey! Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie and ENHYPEN's Sunhoon carrying the torch! (OK, that already happened, but they might pop up throughout the events!)
The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted in both Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, are officially upon us, which means we'll be tuned in for a little over two weeks of winter sport excellence from athletes like figure skater Alysa Liu, snowboard star Chloe Kim, and so many others.
The Olympics always kick off with a dazzling, over-the-top, can't-miss-it Opening Ceremony, and the 2026 installment will be as delightful as ever. Ahead, learn how to live stream the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony or watch it on live TV and get a peek at some of the performers.
When is the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony?
The Opening Ceremony begins on Friday, February 6, kicking off at 2 p.m. ET.
How can I watch the Opening Ceremony live stream?
If you have cable or basic television, you can tune in on NBC. If you stream your TV, you'll need a Peacock subscription to watch the ceremony, as its parent company, NBC, is the official home of the Olympic Games. The ceremony will air live, but you can also catch encore re-airings on both the TV channel and Peacock. Peacock's premium plan costs $10.99 per month.
Who is performing at the Winter Olympics 2026 Opening Ceremony?
Two words: Mariah. Carey. The iconic musician is one of the headliners for the event, which also includes legendary singer Andrea Bocelli, Italian musician and Golden Globe winner Laura Pausini, actor Sabrina Impacciatore from The White Lotus season two, Chinese pianist Lang Lang, and rapper Ghali, among others.
The Opening Ceremony also invites viewers to experience the host country and discover what makes it unique, so we'll see what the Italian organizers have planned.
How long will the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony be?
The ceremony usually takes several hours, so clear your schedule! According to Deadline, the event will mostly take place in Milan and includes tributes to famous Italians like Leonardo da Vinci and Giorgio Armani. The opening ceremony will include “3,500 athletes and more than 1,300 performers, feature 182 original designs, more than 1,400 costumes and 1,500 pairs of shoes, with 110 make-up artists and 70 hair stylists working behind the scenes.” Wowsa!
What else do I need to know about the 2026 Winter Olympics?
There's a new sport this year! It's been over 20 years since a new Winter Olympics sport was introduced, so get excited for ski mountaineering, also known as “skimo.” It's best described as a fusion of cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and climbing.
