Image Source: Euronews.com
The winter olympics 2026 have taken a festive turn in Milan, where the city’s iconic Christmas tree has become the focal point of a spectacular celebration. Located in the bustling Piazza del Duomo, the tree’s lighting ceremony not only marked the start of the holiday season but also served as a countdown to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, set to commence in February 2026.
Thousands gathered for the annual tree-lighting ceremony, which unveiled a magnificent 29-meter tall tree, adorned as part of TCL’s “Wishes for Greatness” campaign. This festive initiative celebrates the spirit of the Olympics while beautifully integrating technology with traditional festivities.
Creating a Winter Wonderland in Milan
The holiday festivities, dubbed the “Wishes for Greatness” winter wonderland, will remain open to the public until January 6, 2026. This unique setup features five igloo installations, each representing the five Olympic rings and symbolizing unity through sport across the continents. The initiative encourages visitors to embrace their dreams and aspirations while engaging with TCL’s latest innovations.
Stefan Streit, Chief Marketing Officer of TCL Europe, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “This is a landmark event in Milan. It’s important for us to connect with the local community in this festive moment alongside the latest milestone in our Olympic campaign.”
Interactive Experiences and Community Connection
As part of the winter wonderland experience, attendees can look forward to various interactive displays. The “Harmony Theatre,” for instance, allows visitors to immerse themselves in a stylized opera-house setting, complete with TCL’s state-of-the-art X11K QD-Mini LED TV and sound systems, simulating a figure skating performance.
Moreover, TCL’s RayNeo AR glasses provide an augmented reality view of the performances, replicating an impressive display equivalent to a 201-inch screen. “We believe that sport is a great platform to talk about inspiring greatness,” Streit commented, drawing parallels between the pursuit of athletic excellence and personal aspirations.
Team TCL: Champions of Inspiration
As a way to keep the Olympic spirit alive, TCL has introduced Team TCL, comprised of winter athletes who epitomize the idea of “Inspire Greatness.” This team includes renowned athletes such as freestyle skier Eileen Gu and Italian alpine skier Alex Vinatzer, alongside other sports personalities tailored to connect with local audiences.
Each athlete’s journey resonates with the community’s dreams and fills them with hope as the countdown to the winter olympics 2026 continues. TCL aims to further amplify this message through various advertising campaigns, social media, and community events leading up to the Games.
Bringing the Olympic Experience Home
Besides the festive atmosphere, TCL is committed to transforming how audiences engage with the Olympic Games. The company will play a significant role in equipping the Olympic Broadcasting Services in Milan, ensuring that the vibrant energy of the Games reaches viewers worldwide through its innovative products.
Streit pointed out that their technology would also enhance the living conditions of athletes by providing amenities in the athletes’ village, developing ‘chill-out corners’ for relaxation between competitions and allowing instant connections via video feeds to family after events.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Interestingly, the festive tree promotes sustainable practices as well. The tree was sourced from a location in the Dolomites for safety reasons and will be repurposed into wooden boards after the festive season, contributing to community initiatives. “Sustainability is a very important topic for us,” Streit emphasized, aligning the project with TCL’s environmental ethos.
The Unofficial Countdown to 2026
Milan’s Mayor, Giuseppe Sala, has praised the collaboration with TCL, recognizing the tree as “a beloved symbol for the people of Milan” while thanking the company for strengthening the bond between the city and the upcoming Games.
Looking toward the winter olympics 2026, this month-long celebration in Piazza del Duomo sets the stage for a series of engaging events that will further connect locals with the spirit of the Olympics. As TCL rolls out additional installations and public exhibits, this vibrant holiday ambiance marks a significant step toward uniting the community through shared hopes and aspirations.
FAQ Section
When do the Winter Olympics 2026 take place in Milan?
The Winter Olympics will commence in February 2026.
What is TCL’s involvement with the winter wonderland in Milan?
TCL is sponsoring the winter wonderland as part of its “Wishes for Greatness” campaign to celebrate the upcoming Olympics and engage with the local community.
How does the Christmas tree promote sustainability?
The tree is from a sustainable source and will be repurposed for future community initiatives after the holidays.
What experiential activities are available at the winter wonderland?
Visitors can enjoy interactive displays and augmented reality experiences showcasing Olympic-themed performances and technologies.
Who are some of the athletes included in Team TCL?
Team TCL includes athletes like freestyle skier Eileen Gu and alpine skier Alex Vinatzer, representing the spirit of athletic excellence.
