Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Dates: Opening on Feb 6, Closing on Feb 22, 2026.
- Dual Locations: Opening Ceremony split between San Siro (Milan) and Cortina.
- Theme: "Harmony" for Opening, "Beauty in Motion" for Closing.
- Torch: Minimalist silver design; journey covers 60 stops.
All eyes are turning to Italy as the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics begins. With a unique dual-city hosting arrangement shared between Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the ceremonies promise to be a spectacular display of Italian culture, history, and innovation.
Here is your complete guide to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the torch design, and what to expect from the Games.
AI Illustration by Toolbly
The Opening Ceremony: A Tale of Two Cities
Date: Friday, February 6, 2026 Locations: San Siro Stadium (Milan) & Snowflake Arena (Cortina)
For the first time in Winter Olympic history, the Opening Ceremony will take place simultaneously in two different locations. This ambitious format reflects the "spread out" nature of these Games and allows more athletes to participate without enduring long travel times the night before competitions.
Milan: The Grand Stage at San Siro
The main event will be hosted at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan. This legendary venue, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, will transform into a theater of lights and sound.
Concept Art: San Siro Stadium illuminated for the Opening Ceremony. AI Illustration by Toolbly.
The creative director, Marco Balich, has revealed the general theme as "Harmony". The show will explore the union between the city and the mountains, nature and humanity. Expect a tribute to Italian excellence, from Leonardo da Vinci to Giorgio Armani, featuring over 4,000 performers, musicians, and volunteers.
Cortina: The Alpine Celebration
Simultaneously, a second celebration will ignite in Cortina d'Ampezzo, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dolomites. An Olympic cauldron will be lit in Piazza Dibona, ensuring that the mountain communities feel the spirit of the Games just as intensely as the metropolis.
Two cauldrons will burn throughout the Games: one at the Arco della Pace in Milan and another in downtown Cortina.
The Closing Ceremony: History in the Making
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026 Location: Arena di Verona
The Games will conclude with a historic Closing Ceremony at the Arena di Verona, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.
Concept Art: The historic Arena di Verona in winter. AI Illustration by Toolbly.
Titled "Beauty in Motion", the closing show aims to capture the Italian spirit. Creative director Alfredo Accatino promises to show the ancient arena "as you have never seen it," using advanced technology to blend the venue's millenary history with modern spectacle.
Over 800 performers will take the stage to celebrate the athletes' achievements and participate in the traditional handover to the French Alps, hosts of the 2030 Winter Olympics.
The Olympic Torch: Sleek and Modern
The 2026 Olympic torch features a minimalist, sleek metallic design. Narrow and slightly curved at the top, it is designed to draw all attention to the flame itself rather than the object holding it.
The Journey:
- Started: November 25 in Olympia, Greece.
- Distance: Nearly 7,500 miles across Italy.
- Stops: 60 stops touching all 110 Italian provinces.
- Torchbearers: Over 10,000 people, including athletes, volunteers, and celebrities like Jackie Chan.
Venues: Milan and Cortina
These Games are unique because they bridge the gap between the urban energy of Milan and the pristine alpine environment of Cortina.
Concept Art: The snowy landscape of Cortina d'Ampezzo. AI Illustration by Toolbly.
- Milan: Ice hockey, figure skating, short track.
- Cortina: Alpine skiing, curling, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton.
- Val di Fiemme & Antholz: Nordic skiing, ski jumping, biathlon.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to be a landmark event, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist in perfect harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the 2026 Winter Olympics start?
The Games officially begin with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Where is the 2026 Opening Ceremony being held?
For the first time, it will be held in two locations: San Siro Stadium in Milan and Piazza Dibona in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Who designed the 2026 Olympic Torch?
The torch features a modern, metallic design inspired by the dynamic movement of fire, created to symbolize the union of the two host cities.
Who are the mascots?
The mascots are Tina and Milo, two stoats. Tina (light coat) represents Cortina, and Milo (brown coat) represents Milan.
Where can I find more Olympic news?
Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates on the Winter Games and other major events.