Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Commences in Milan with Spectacular Show
The Winter Olympics officially get underway today, Friday 6 February 2026, with a vibrant Opening Ceremony that marks the start of two thrilling weeks of elite winter sports competition. The ceremony, themed 'Harmony', celebrates the dual host cities of Milan and Cortina, the latter of which previously hosted the Winter Games in 1956.
Ceremony Venue and Unique Mountain Parades
The main event unfolds at Milan's iconic San Siro Stadium, one of the final major occasions at this historic venue before its planned demolition. In a distinctive twist reflecting the Games' dispersed nature across northern Italy, additional athlete parades will occur in mountain clusters such as Cortina, where events like curling, bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge are scheduled.
How to Watch the Opening Ceremony Live
Viewers in the United Kingdom have multiple options to catch the ceremony live. TNT Sports and the streaming service discovery+ will provide comprehensive coverage, starting with build-up from 5:30pm GMT. The BBC will also broadcast the event on BBC Two, with coverage running from 6:30pm to 10pm GMT. The ceremony itself is set to begin at 7pm GMT.
Star-Studded Performances Headline the Event
A glittering array of international stars will grace the stage, complementing the athletic spectacle. Headliner Mariah Carey is slated to perform, with speculation rife over whether she will deliver her classic 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' or opt for a well-known Italian song. Andrea Bocelli, the globally acclaimed tenor who previously performed at the 2006 Turin Winter Games closing ceremony, returns to the Olympic stage, bringing his Grammy-nominated operatic prowess.
Adding to the musical excellence, Grammy-nominated pianist Lang Lang, renowned for revitalising classical music, makes a comeback after his appearance at the 2008 Beijing Games opening ceremony. The event will also feature an appearance by Snoop Dogg, who serves as Team USA's honorary coach and contributes to NBC's coverage team.
This Opening Ceremony promises to be a memorable fusion of sport, culture, and entertainment, setting the tone for an exhilarating Winter Olympics.
