The 2026 Winter Olympics, also the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, have finally come to a close.
Just over two weeks of grand competition and viral moments are now concluding, with the closing ceremony taking place at the Arena di Verona, a majestic venue that will bid all the athletes farewell.
The athletes file into the grand colosseum to the tune of this year’s operatic theme, “Beauty in Action,” aiming to spotlight the beauty and grace in the Winter Olympics amid all the nonstop competition and heightened emotions.
Follow along with HELLO! as we recap some of the best moments from the closing ceremony in photos…
© Getty ImagesRigoletto
The entire 2026 closing ceremony takes on an operatic tone, kicking off things with a chaotic look behind the creation and staging of an opera. Leading it all, our court jester, Rigoletto, who will helm the proceedings for audiences.
© Getty ImagesTeam U.S.A.
Hockey captain Hilary Knight and ice dancer Evan Bates, both of whom are walking away with gold this year, are the flag bearers for Team U.S.A. The country walks away in second place after the Games with 33 total medals (including 12 golds), behind Norway’s 41 medals (and 18 golds).
© Getty ImagesThe flame
The symbolic flame has entered the arena, marking the closing of the Games and a passing of the torch (figuratively and literally) to the next host, the French Alps, in 2030.
© Getty ImagesThe past and the present
After the parade of nations, the ceremony proceeded with a futuristic dance that represented the effort and training put in by athletes at the Games, before kicking off a few closing podium and medal ceremonies.
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