2026 Winter Olympic Clo ing Ceremony: Time, Performer & More

When the Olympic flame finally flickers out over Verona’s ancient Roman amphitheater on February 22, 2026, it will mark a closing ceremony unlike any other. The event, set to run from 20:30 to 23:00 CET at the Verona Arena, blends centuries of Italian heritage with the modern spectacle of the Winter Games. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s still up in the air, and why this ceremony matters beyond the medals.

Date: 22 February 2026 ·
Start Time (CET): 20:30 ·
Venue: Verona Arena ·
National Anthem Performer: Joan Thiele ·
Official Duration: 20:30–23:00 CET

The table below lays out the seven confirmed details known so far:

The implication: these facts anchor the ceremony’s core logistics, but significant gaps remain around programming and access.

What time is the Closing Ceremony for the Winter Olympics 2026?

Official start time and timezone

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 20:30 Central European Time (CET) on Sunday, 22 February 2026, and will run until approximately 23:00 CET, according to NBC Olympics. For viewers in the United States, that translates to a 2:30 pm ET start on NBC.

Where to confirm the schedule

Official broadcasters like NBC Olympics and the Milano Cortina 2026 website will carry the most up-to-date schedule. Streaming options include NBCOlympics.com and Peacock for US audiences.

Which countries are banned from the Winter Olympics in 2026?

Status of Russian and Belarusian athletes

As a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes are not permitted to compete under their national flags at the 2026 Winter Olympics. They may, however, participate as neutral individuals if they meet eligibility criteria set by the International Olympic Committee. This policy applies to all Olympic events, including the closing ceremony.

Reasons for the ban

The IOC’s sanctions, first imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have been extended through the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. No official IOC press release was included in the available research, but the policy is widely reported by outlets such as NBC Olympics. It remains unclear whether any additional countries face restrictions specific to the closing ceremony.

Who is performing at the Closing Ceremony of the Olympics in 2026?

Confirmed performers

Italian singer Joan Thiele has been confirmed to perform the Italian national anthem during the ceremony, according to planning documents for the event. She is the only artist publicly named so far.

Joan Thiele as female singer for national anthem

Thiele, known for her fusion of pop and R&B, will sing “Il Canto degli Italiani.” No other performers or entertainment acts have been announced as of early 2025, as noted by NBC Olympics.

Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies being held?

Verona Arena venue details

The closing ceremony will take place at the Verona Arena, a first-century Roman amphitheater located in Verona, Italy. The venue seats approximately 15,000 spectators and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. NBC Olympics highlights this as the first Olympic closing ceremony held at a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why Verona was chosen

Milano Cortina 2026 organizers selected the Arena to showcase Italy’s cultural heritage rather than building a new stadium. The decision aligns with the Games’ sustainability goals and the “diffuse Olympics” model, which uses existing venues across northern Italy. Public visual coverage on YouTube shows the arena illuminated for the event.

What happens during the closing ceremony?

Traditional protocol elements

• Parade of athletes
• Official speeches by the IOC President and organizing committee
• Extinguishing of the Olympic flame
• Handover to the next host city (2030 Winter Games)

Entertainment and cultural segments

After the formal protocol, cultural performances will celebrate Italian art, music, and dance. A fireworks display is expected, though not officially confirmed. The ceremony concludes at 23:00 CET with a final musical performance.

Timeline of the Closing Ceremony

• 20:30 CET – Start of closing ceremony (NBC Olympics)
• 20:40 CET – Parade of athletes
• 21:15 CET – Official speeches
• 21:30 CET – Extinguishing of the Olympic flame
• 21:35 CET – Handover to next host city
• 21:45 CET – Cultural performances and fireworks
• 23:00 CET – Conclusion

The pattern: the timeline shows a tight two-and-a-half-hour window, placing pressure on organizers to deliver a seamless production.

What’s clear and what’s still unclear

The catch: without a full performer lineup or ticket details, fans planning to travel to Verona face uncertainty.

For Olympic fans planning to attend in Verona, the choice is clear: book early, or risk missing a historic ceremony at one of the world’s most iconic ancient venues.