Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Airs Today on NBC Palm Springs

The wait is over. The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games officially kick off today with an opening ceremony promising performances across Northern Italy that showcase the country's history, culture, and style.

NBC Palm Springs will air the ceremony at 11 a.m. PST, with a primetime re-broadcast at 8 p.m. The event will also stream on Peacock.

Organizers have kept most details under wraps, but confirmed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and pop legend Mariah Carey will perform. The ceremony's theme is "Harmony," highlighting Italian excellence, creativity, and fashion.

About 1,200 volunteer performers from 27 countries have rehearsed for months—logging nine-plus hours daily over the past two weeks—to pull off the production.

"To actually get to be on the field is such a crazy feeling," said volunteer Ariel Fuchs. "I'm definitely a little bit nervous, but I'm also very excited, and we all have been working super hard, so I think it will all work together."

Team USA will be led into the ceremony by flag bearers Frank Del Duca, a bobsledder and U.S. Army sergeant, and speed skater Erin Jackson. The honor was given to them by their fellow Olympians.

Because of the 11 a.m. ceremony broadcast, there will be no midday newscast on air. NBC Palm Springs will stream during that time instead. NBC Palm Springs will continue Olympic coverage throughout the Games.