The Coolest, Craziest Moments From Closing Ceremonies Past

Updated on 2/21/2014 at 5:55 PM

The 2014 Olympics have carried a whole lot of drama and excitement, but they will come to an end with Sunday's closing ceremony. The creative director, Konstantin Ernst, says it will have an "art house" feel, with performances related to Russian history, another appearance from the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics mascot, the Olympic Bear, and a performance put on by the next host city: Pyeongchang, Korea. In anticipation of Sunday's festivities, take a look at some of the standout moments from past closing ceremonies — fireworks, *NSYNC, and all.

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The Coolest, Craziest Moments From Closing Ceremonies Past

Calgary hosted a gorgeous fireworks show in 1988.

The stadium was filled with spectators holding up red candles.

In 1992, there was a round outdoor arena in Albertville, France.

Dancers sported very-French stripes during the closing ceremony.

1994 saw a gorgeous moon over the festivities.

And dancers were lit in a fiery red glow.

Performers made their way down a giant slope during the ceremony.

Meanwhile, dancers sported traditional garb for the big night.

Including these furry white costumes.

The sky lit up in Nagano, Japan, for the 1998 ceremony.

Japanese traditions were on display during the performances.

Salt Lake City brought big names and big lights in 2002.

Christina Aguilera hit the stage ahead of her Stripped album.

And Bon Jovi wrapped himself in the American flag.

There was a disco-ball appearance from Gloria Estefan.

And the guys of *NSYNC showed off their harmonies.

Earth, Wind & Fire performed in bright puffy vests.

While KISS stuck to their usual ensembles.

Also present? The 2002 Games chief executive: Mitt Romney.

No fireworks show is complete without dinosaur skeletons.

Or dinosaur tails.

There were a whole bunch of white balloons in the crowd.

The Olympic torch was all aglow.

Ice skater Scott Hamilton took the spotlight, lantern in hand.

Crazy sparks came out in the performers' wakes.

And a "Child of Light" held up a glowing lantern.

Fast forward to 2006, when Turin, Italy, saw neon lights.

Dancers took to center stage with hula hoops.

And UFO-style lights rose up from the center of the stadium.

Avril Lavigne performed "Who Knows" during a Vancouver highlight.

And stilt-walkers showed off their moves.

White maidens carried lit-up lilies while forming the "Dove of Peace."

Pagini's dragon harp blew fire during the ceremony.

And acrobats floated in mid-air.

A bunch of people were dressed as playing cards.

And performers took the spotlight with their aerial acrobatics.

Actors wore elaborate, circus-style costumes.

And the athletes sported red clown noses.

Vancouver was a Winter wonderland in 2010.

Lots of maple leaves made their way to the stadium.

So many leaves.

A mime performed before the Olympic cauldron was lit.

And blowup versions of the mascots arrived.

Pink and blue glowing balls came out.

And Russian ballet dancers performed during a Sochi moment.

Canadian group Nickelback took the stage with a whole lot of fire.

And Canadian singer Alanis Morissette performed.

Ditto Canadian singer Neil Young.

And Canadian singer Michael Bublé.

Also there? Canadian actor Michael J. Fox.

And Canadian actress Catherine O'Hara.

Giant images of hockey players were on display.

Plus a few hockey pucks for good measure.

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