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The Closing Ceremony marks the official end of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Set for Sunday, February 22, the event’s theme, “Beauty in Action,” will serve as a homage to Italian culture, creativity, and the harmonious unity of sport and art. The stage design draws inspiration from a water droplet, symbolizing the connection between the mountain venues and the urban Po River Valley.
In a historic first, the ceremony will be hosted at the Arena di Verona, which has been renamed the Verona Olympic Arena for the duration of the Games. This ancient Roman amphitheater, dating back 2,000 years, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is globally acclaimed for its summer opera festivals.
The venue is anticipated to accommodate approximately 12,000 spectators, fostering a more intimate atmosphere compared to the 60,000-seat capacity of the Opening Ceremony. The performance lineup will feature a curated blend of classical and contemporary Italian artists.
A unique moment will occur as two cauldrons are extinguished simultaneously in both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, celebrating international togetherness.
Instead of fireworks, which are banned in Verona to protect local animals, the night will end with a stunning, massive choreographed light show, making the finale truly magical.
The Sporting News is monitoring all significant highlights from the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milan Winter Games.
MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer’s guide | Day-by-day schedule
Olympics closing ceremony updates, highlights from 2026 Winter Games
(All times Eastern)
3:20 p.m.: The Olympics pay tribute the European Union during the closing ceremony. How interesting…
3:10 p.m.: Here’s what Bates and Knight had to say regarding their selection as Team USA’s flagbearers:
Two legends, one massive honor. 🇺🇸
Evan Bates and Hilary Knight reflect on the moment they were chosen to lead Team USA into the #WinterOlympics Closing Ceremony.
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.: The flagbearers are now inside the stadium. Japan’s flag is carried by famed figure skater and silver medal winner Kaori Sakamoto.
2:43 p.m.: The flagbearers are starting to stride onto the red carpet.
2:40 p.m.: Lots of flowing dresses, intricately woven suits and Gothic stage design in Verona Olympic Arena thus far. That can only mean one thing: we’re at the opera.
2:30 p.m.: And we’re off. “Beauty in Action” is underway!
1:45 p.m.: You can find a list of all the flagbearers for each of the 92 delegations taking part in the closing ceremony here.
1:30 p.m.: The U.S. delegation will be spearheaded by hockey star Hilary Knight and figure skating standout Evan Bates.
Five Games of dedication. One unforgettable honor.🇺🇸
Hilary Knight and Evan Bates will carry the flag for Team USA at the Closing Ceremony.#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/Kya039tJwB
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 20, 2026
1:20 p.m.: Here’s a look at the venue for today’s event, Verona Olympic Arena.
It’s almost time. It’s almost the #MilanoCortina2026 Closing Ceremony at the Verona Olympic Arena! 🔜
Where will you be tuning in from tonight?#Olympics #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/zDVxJ9eEsw
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 22, 2026
1:00 p.m.: The IOC enlisted a number of noteworthy musical acts, including Major Lazer, to soundtrack today’s spectacle. We’ll see if the performance proves as memorable as the entity would desire.
Closing ceremony, we’re gonna light it up 🌎 pic.twitter.com/L1pFEjNLNA
— MAJOR LAZER (@MAJORLAZER) February 22, 2026
12:30 p.m.: Luminaries are expected to fill into Milano Cortina before long.
Olympics closing ceremony start time
- Date: Sunday, February 22
- Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
The 2026 Milan Closing Ceremony officially begins this Sunday, February 22, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
How to watch Olympics closing ceremony
- TV channel: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock
The Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics will air live on NBC, the long-standing home of the Olympic Games.
Terry Gannon will host the broadcast, joined by figure skating analysts Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir. Reporters Andrea Joyce and Lewis Johnson will deliver live updates from the Arena di Verona.
MORE WINTER OLYMPICS NEWS:
How long is the Olympics closing ceremony?
The 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony is set to be a memorable event, lasting about 2.5 hours and filled with Olympic traditions. Around 1,500 athletes will march through Piazza Bra and into the Arena, symbolizing unity and camaraderie.
During the ceremony, the final medals for the women’s 50km classic mass start cross-country skiing will be awarded.
The Olympic flag will be lowered and handed over to the welcoming hosts of the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. After the two cauldrons are extinguished simultaneously, followed by the choreographed light show that will conclude the ceremony.
