If the Opening Ceremony is about anticipation, the Closing Ceremony is a giant, global party. The formal barriers of the Parade of Nations are gone, and athletes from all countries enter the stadium together to celebrate their achievements. For 2026, this farewell takes place on Sunday, February 22, at the historic Verona Arena. This revamped ancient Roman amphitheater provides one of the most unique backdrops in Olympic history.
Unlike the kickoff event in Milan, this finale is expected to leverage Verona’s operatic history for a sophisticated and emotional farewell. The ceremony will feature the extinguishing of the Olympic flame and the iconic “handover” segment, where Italy passes the Olympic flag to the next host: the French Alps (2030).
Because the ceremony takes place in Italy, U.S. viewers will have two distinct ways to watch: a live daytime broadcast and a curated primetime special later that evening. I’ve detailed exactly where to find both options below so you can witness the final moments no matter where you are stateside.
What channel is the Closing Ceremony on?
You can watch the Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony on NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock.
While NBCUniversal hasn’t officially confirmed the commentary lineup for the finale, viewers can expect a mix of seasoned journalists and culturally savvy analysts. Mike Tirico typically anchors NBC’s primetime coverage, guiding viewers through the evening’s emotional handovers.
When is the Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony?
The 2026 Closing Ceremony will take place live on Sunday, February 22, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Because Verona is six hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast, the live event actually kicks off at 8:30 p.m. local time in Italy.
These ceremonies are often less scripted than the openers, allowing for more whimsical and creative expressions of the host nation’s pop culture. This relaxed vibe makes the live broadcast a fun watch. But if you can’t tune in during the day, NBC will air a polished primetime presentation later that evening at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony TV schedule
Data effective as of post date.
Best ways to watch the Closing Ceremony
History has given us some truly unforgettable Olympic finales. Who could forget the giant inflatable polar bear shedding a tear during Sochi 2014, or the spectacular “Tokyo Handover” in Rio 2016 when Japan’s Prime Minister appeared dressed as Super Mario?
Because the Closing Ceremony happens on a Sunday, it’s the perfect time to settle in and recap the highlights of the Olympics. Whether you want to see the handover live or enjoy the polished production later, here are three reliable ways to watch.
- Streaming: Peacock is the best overall way to watch the Closing Ceremony. Because it streams live, you get to see the handoff to the next host city in real time. It also offers the most flexibility. If you want to re-watch a specific musical performance or the final fireworks display in Verona, the on-demand replay is available immediately after the live feed ends.
- Live TV: For the best traditional TV experience, YouTube TV is my top recommendation. It provides access to your local NBC station for the live daytime broadcast and primetime recap. With its unlimited DVR, you can also record the ceremony and Best of Milan Cortina 2026 highlights show to watch whenever you need a boost of Olympic inspiration.
- Over the air: The simplest way to watch the complete Closing Ceremony on your local NBC station without a monthly bill is to use an indoor antenna. But first, I recommend visiting Antennas Direct’s Transmitter Locator to verify that NBC is available in your area. Then, you can head to our Best OTA Antennas guide to check out our favorite antennas.
What happens during the Olympic Closing Ceremony?
The 2026 Closing Ceremony, titled “Beauty in Action,” promises a mesmerizing production set against the ancient backdrop of the Verona Arena. Produced by Filmmaster, the show will transform the Roman amphitheater into a dynamic stage built around the concept of a “drop of water,” blending opera, cinema, and dance. International ballet star Roberto Bolle has been confirmed as a headline performer, leading a cast that aims to celebrate the connection between Italy’s mountains and cities.
The focus will eventually shift to the future during the “Antwerp Ceremony.” In this key protocol, the Olympic flag passes from the current mayors to the IOC President, and finally to representatives of the French Alps 2030. This official handover marks the transition to the next Olympiad, featuring a cultural performance that offers our first glimpse of the 2030 Winter Games.
Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony FAQ
Can I watch the Closing Ceremony for free?
Yes, the live daytime and primetime broadcasts on NBC are available for free with a digital antenna. If you have a clear reception of your local NBC station, you can watch the entire finale without a subscription. You can also get a free trial to DIRECTV or YouTube TV to tune in without paying.
Where is the next Winter Olympics?
The Olympic flag will travel to the French Alps for the 2030 Winter Games. Interestingly, the IOC has already locked in the 2034 host as well: Salt Lake City, Utah. So, while the immediate focus is on France, expect plenty of American anticipation to build over the next eight years.
Why are medals awarded during the Closing Ceremony?
By tradition, the final medals of the Games—typically for the men's and women's Cross-Country Skiing mass start events—are presented during the Closing Ceremony. It's meant to honor the endurance and spirit of the athletes on the final day of competition, giving them the unique experience of receiving their medals in front of the entire gathering.
Why do athletes enter all at once at the Closing Ceremony?
This tradition began at the 1956 Melbourne Games. Unlike the Opening Ceremony, where athletes march strictly by nation, the Closing Ceremony sees them enter as a single group to symbolize "global unity." It's often the most fun part of the night, as you'll see athletes from rival countries taking selfies and celebrating together.
Why you should trust us
CableTV.com contributor Ian McLaren analyzed the official NBCUniversal broadcast lineup to map out the viewing options for the 2026 Closing Ceremony. He specifically looked for services that bridge the gap between the live daytime stream and the primetime encore. Finally, Ian compared the DVR capabilities and pricing of Peacock against top live TV providers to make sure you have the best setup for the Games’ finale.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
