The 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony promises a spectacular night at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, featuring international stars, unforgettable performances, and the historic lighting of the Olympic cauldron.
When and where: San Siro hosts the Opening Ceremony
The grand event will take place on 6 February 2026 at Milan's San Siro Stadium, one of Italy’s largest sports venues. For the occasion, it will be temporarily renamed San Siro Olympic Stadium, welcoming tens of thousands of spectators, including athletes, delegations, and international dignitaries. The ceremony is set to start in the evening, around 8:00 pm, coinciding with the official opening of the Games.
For the first time in Winter Olympics history, there will be two Olympic cauldrons: one in Milan and one in Cortina, marking a unique twist in Olympic tradition.
Star-studded guests and ceremony highlights
As tradition goes, athletes from every participating country will march in the Opening Parade. The parade will be complemented by musical and artistic performances, featuring a selection of internationally acclaimed and Italian stars. Confirmed performers include:
- Mariah Carey – international pop diva known for her extraordinary vocal range.
- Pierfrancesco Favino – one of Italy’s top actors, performing alongside violinist Giovanni Zanon.
- Sabrina Impacciatore – acclaimed actress, recognised for The White Lotus.
- Laura Pausini – Italy’s most beloved voice worldwide, bringing a symbolic connection between Italian and international audiences.
The highlight of the evening will be the arrival of the Olympic flame and the lighting of the San Siro cauldron, perfectly synchronised with the Cortina cauldron – the ultimate moment of the night.
Opening Ceremony tickets: prices and hospitality packages
Tickets for the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan are expected to be among the most sought-after of the Games. Prices vary depending on the stadium section, visibility, and included services:
- Category A: €2,026
- Category B: €1,400
- Category C: €700
- Category D: €260
For a VIP experience, there are Hospitality Packages with lounge access, aperitifs, or dinner, starting from €3,250.
How to watch the Opening Ceremony live
If you cannot attend in person, the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony can be watched live from home, with coverage available worldwide in multiple languages.
- In Italy: The ceremony will be broadcast live by Rai on TV, online, and via the Rai app. HBO Max will also provide streaming on digital channels.
- In the UK: Viewers can watch the opening ceremony live on BBC, which holds the Olympic broadcasting rights, as well as via BBC iPlayer for online streaming.
This ensures fans in both countries can follow every moment of the parade, performances, and the historic lighting of the Olympic flame.
Closing ceremony: Verona’s Arena
The Closing Ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games will take place in Verona’s Arena, a historic open-air theatre. This event marks the finale, with athletes saying farewell and the Olympic flag passing to the next host city.
Living in Milan during the Olympics
Attending the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan is also a chance to experience the city itself. Milan has become one of Europe’s most dynamic hubs, offering:
- Excellent transport links: metro, trams, buses, and suburban trains.
- Cultural attractions: museums, theatres, concert halls, exhibitions, and festivals.
- Economic opportunities: finance, communication, digital, fashion, design, consulting, and start-ups.
Explore property listings in Milan, both for long and short stays, with idealista: