The 2026 Winter Olympics will once again bring together thousands of athletes from around the world for a global celebration of winter sports, culture, and international unity. Hosted across multiple cities in Italy, the Milan-Cortina Games will feature a mix of historic venues and modern settings, with NBCUniversal providing comprehensive coverage across its broadcast, cable, and digital platforms. As anticipation builds for the Opening Ceremony’s pageantry and performances, viewers have more viewing flexibility than ever — from live broadcasts to on-demand access — making it easier to follow along throughout the Games.
When Is the Olympics 2026 Opening Ceremony?
The 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. local time in Italy).
How Can I Watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony?
U.S. viewers can watch the Opening Ceremony live on NBC starting at 2:00 p.m. ET, with live streaming available on Peacock. NBCUniversal will also offer replays, highlights, and primetime coverage across its platforms.
When Do the Olympic Games Start?
While the Opening Ceremony airs on Feb. 6, competition officially begins earlier, with select events starting on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5, 2026, many of which will air in the early morning ET hours due to the time difference.
