The closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics — officially the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games — will serve as the grand finale of the Games, celebrating athletic excellence, international unity, and Italian culture on a global stage.
Date & Location
The Closing Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the historic Arena di Verona in Verona, Italy. The Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater built in the first century, will provide a dramatic and historic backdrop as the Olympic flame is extinguished and the Games officially come to an end.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will run from February 6 through February 22, 2026.
What Happens at the Closing Ceremony
The Olympic closing ceremony traditionally has a more relaxed and celebratory tone compared to the opening ceremony. Key elements typically include:
Parade of Athletes
Athletes from all participating nations enter together rather than by country, symbolizing unity and shared achievement.
Medal Presentation
The final medals of the Games — often for cross-country skiing events — are awarded during the ceremony.
Cultural Performances
Italy is expected to showcase music, art, and visual performances reflecting its history and modern identity.
Flag Handover
The Olympic flag will be formally handed over to representatives of the next host city for the 2030 Winter Olympics.
Extinguishing of the Olympic Flame
The Olympic cauldron will be extinguished, marking the official close of the Games.
How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
How to Watch in the United States
NBCUniversal holds exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
TV Broadcast
- NBC will air the Closing Ceremony live on February 22, 2026.
- A primetime presentation is also expected later that evening for U.S. viewers.
Streaming Options
- Peacock will stream the Closing Ceremony live and on demand.
- NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app will offer streaming access with a valid TV provider login.
Viewers should check local listings closer to the date for exact broadcast times.
How to Watch Internationally
Broadcast availability varies by country based on rights agreements.
- In much of Europe, coverage will be distributed through national broadcasters in partnership with the European Broadcasting Union and Warner Bros. Discovery.
- In Canada, coverage is typically available through CBC and affiliated networks.
- In the United Kingdom, the BBC traditionally provides Olympic coverage.
- Additional global streaming and highlight clips may be available through official Olympics digital platforms, depending on regional rights.
Check your country’s official Olympic broadcaster for confirmed details as the event approaches.
What Time Does the Closing Ceremony Start?
The exact ceremony start time has not been finalized publicly, but it will take place on the evening of February 22, 2026, local time in Italy. For U.S. viewers, that typically means an afternoon live broadcast in Eastern Time, followed by an evening primetime replay.
As the date approaches, official schedules will be released through Olympic and broadcast partner websites.
Why the 2026 Closing Ceremony Matters
The closing ceremony represents more than the end of competition. It is a symbolic celebration of international cooperation, athletic achievement, and the Olympic spirit. With the historic Arena di Verona as its stage, the Milano Cortina 2026 Closing Ceremony is expected to blend ancient architecture with modern production to deliver a memorable global event.
For fans worldwide, February 22, 2026, will mark the conclusion of one of the biggest sporting events on the planet — and a moment that officially closes the chapter on the 2026 Winter Olympics.