Winter Olympic Closing Ceremonies | Pictures
The Coolest, Craziest Moments From Closing Ceremonies Past
Image Source: Getty / JACQUES DEMARTHON
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.
Calgary hosted a gorgeous fireworks show in 1988.
Image Source: Getty / Getty Images
The stadium was filled with spectators holding up red candles.
Image Source: Getty / Pascal Rondeau
In 1992, there was a round outdoor arena in Albertville, France.
Image Source: Getty / Pascal Rondeau
Dancers sported very-French stripes during the closing ceremony.
Image Source: Getty / Shaun Botterill
1994 saw a gorgeous moon over the festivities.
Image Source: Getty / Nathan Bilow
And dancers were lit in a fiery red glow.
Image Source: Getty / Clive Brunskill
Performers made their way down a giant slope during the ceremony.
Image Source: Getty / Nathan Bilow
Meanwhile, dancers sported traditional garb for the big night.
Image Source: Getty / Clive Brunskill
Including these furry white costumes.
Image Source: Getty / Shaun Botterill
The sky lit up in Nagano, Japan, for the 1998 ceremony.
Image Source: Getty / Clive Brunskill
Japanese traditions were on display during the performances.
Image Source: Getty / Alex Livesey
Salt Lake City brought big names and big lights in 2002.
Image Source: Getty / JACQUES DEMARTHON
Christina Aguilera hit the stage ahead of her Stripped album.
Image Source: Getty / Brian Bahr
And Bon Jovi wrapped himself in the American flag.
Image Source: Getty / Elsa
There was a disco-ball appearance from Gloria Estefan.
Image Source: Getty / Elsa
And the guys of *NSYNC showed off their harmonies.
Image Source: Getty / Brian Bahr
Earth, Wind & Fire performed in bright puffy vests.
Image Source: Getty / Elsa
While KISS stuck to their usual ensembles.
Image Source: Getty / Elsa
Also present? The 2002 Games chief executive: Mitt Romney.
Image Source: Getty / Matthew Stockman
No fireworks show is complete without dinosaur skeletons.
Image Source: Getty / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Or dinosaur tails.
Image Source: Getty / JACQUES DEMARTHON
There were a whole bunch of white balloons in the crowd.
Image Source: Getty / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
The Olympic torch was all aglow.
Image Source: Getty / JOHN MACDOUGALL
Ice skater Scott Hamilton took the spotlight, lantern in hand.
Image Source: Getty / Brian Bahr
Crazy sparks came out in the performers' wakes.
Image Source: Getty / Elsa
And a "Child of Light" held up a glowing lantern.
Image Source: Getty / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Fast forward to 2006, when Turin, Italy, saw neon lights.
Image Source: Getty / Ezra Shaw
Dancers took to center stage with hula hoops.
Image Source: Getty / Elsa
And UFO-style lights rose up from the center of the stadium.
Image Source: Getty / Ezra Shaw
Avril Lavigne performed "Who Knows" during a Vancouver highlight.
Image Source: Getty / Elsa
And stilt-walkers showed off their moves.
Image Source: Getty / Elsa
White maidens carried lit-up lilies while forming the "Dove of Peace."
Image Source: Getty / JEAN-PIERRE CLATOT
Pagini's dragon harp blew fire during the ceremony.
Image Source: Getty / Pascal Le Segretain
And acrobats floated in mid-air.
Image Source: Getty / Pascal Le Segretain
A bunch of people were dressed as playing cards.
Image Source: Getty / Jed Jacobsohn
And performers took the spotlight with their aerial acrobatics.
Image Source: Getty / JEAN-PIERRE CLATOT
Actors wore elaborate, circus-style costumes.
Image Source: Getty / JAVIER SORIANO
And the athletes sported red clown noses.
Image Source: Getty / JEFF HAYNES
Vancouver was a Winter wonderland in 2010.
Image Source: Getty / MARTIN BUREAU
Lots of maple leaves made their way to the stadium.
Image Source: Getty / ROBYN BECK
So many leaves.
Image Source: Getty / DIMITAR DILKOFF
A mime performed before the Olympic cauldron was lit.
Image Source: Getty / Clive Rose
And blowup versions of the mascots arrived.
Image Source: Getty / ROBYN BECK
Pink and blue glowing balls came out.
Image Source: Getty / Richard Heathcote
And Russian ballet dancers performed during a Sochi moment.
Image Source: Getty / Clive Rose
Canadian group Nickelback took the stage with a whole lot of fire.
Image Source: Getty / Streeter Lecka
And Canadian singer Alanis Morissette performed.
Image Source: Getty / Cameron Spencer
Ditto Canadian singer Neil Young.
Image Source: Getty / ADRIAN DENNIS
And Canadian singer Michael Bublé.
Image Source: Getty / Richard Heathcote
Also there? Canadian actor Michael J. Fox.
Image Source: Getty / ADRIAN DENNIS
And Canadian actress Catherine O'Hara.
Image Source: Getty / Cameron Spencer
Giant images of hockey players were on display.
Image Source: Getty / Jasper Juinen
Plus a few hockey pucks for good measure.
Image Source: Getty / Richard Heathcote
