For a limited time, Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day FREE for General Admission Tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood! Valid for visits through Dec. 17, 2025.
The heart-thumping highlight of the Halloween season is surviving the terrifying Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. The annual event that runs on select nights in the fall takes thousands of guests through movie set-quality haunted houses, scare zones and a Terror Tram. This preternaturally popular event can sell out most nights. Luckily, you've got us as your fearless froggy guides so that you can experience as much as you dare at this must-do event!
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2025 takes place Sept. 4 through Nov. 2. Tickets are on sale now! Five Nights at Freddy's has been announced as a new experience. This video game turned Blumhouse movie is about a shut-down pizzeria with some killer animatronics. Literally – killer. Plus, two of the houses have also been announced! Keep reading to find out while we eagerly wait on more news about this year.
Overview of Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2025
When does Halloween Horror Nights Start at Universal Studios Hollywood? The event starts at 7 p.m. and Early Access starts at 5:30 p.m. You can purchase Early Event Access separately, which means even if you purchase your discount Halloween Horror Nights ticket from Undercover Tourist, you can still purchase an Early Access ticket from Universal before they sell out. The Early Access houses are in the Lower Lot. Alternatively, you can save on the After 2 p.m. Day/Night Combo Ticket, and that also gets you Early Event Access to the houses that open at 5:30 p.m. Ribbit!
Let's go over Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights tickets, dates, a park plan and tips for 2025. Then we will uncover the houses, scare zones and other entertainment as the details trickle in and update once we attend Opening Night.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 Tickets and Dates
2025 Halloween Horror Nights Dates
Halloween Horror Nights takes place the following nights:
- Sept. 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28
- Oct. 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30 and 31
- Nov. 1 and 2
Best Days to Attend
Since most nights are likely to sell out, the crowds may be consistent. Generally, the earlier you go in the season, the lower the ticket price (the same goes for any dates after Halloween if they get added later). Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday nights are usually the least expensive and least crowded, and Saturdays tend to be the priciest (especially Halloween weekend) and most crowded, followed by Fridays. Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood may add more dates as the season progresses, so those new dates may make for a less-crowded night to visit. Most of the days do eventually sell out. Saturdays might be the easiest day to attend for people who work Monday through Friday, but Saturday costs more.
We usually attend opening night, which is a Thursday, and it is noticeably less crowded than dates later in the season. It is also much hotter than dates later in the season, so keep that in mind. (Want more deets on the best times to visit Universal Studios Hollywood? Jump here!)
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 Tickets and Prices
Halloween Horror Nights is a separate ticket from regular park admission. Universal Studios Hollywood also sells a Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express Pass (formerly called Front of Line Pass). The HHN Universal Express Pass is good for one-time Express access for each house and ride. It also includes priority seating for the live events.
Halloween Horror Nights ticket prices vary per night. Keep in mind that ticket prices can continue to go up throughout the season, and even sell out for some nights. The key is to purchase as early as you can. You can purchase Early Event Access separately, which allows you to enter the park and access Early Access houses at 5:30 p.m.
Want to save more green? You can get discount general admission tickets or single-night HHN tickets from your favorite froggy friends. If you're not planning to arrive early and want to save up to $53 per ticket, our discount Halloween Horror Nights General Admission ticket is a screamin' deal! You can still add on Early Event Access (if not sold out) through Universal with these tickets.
Here are the one-day ticket options available in 2025:
(These are the initial prices but some prices will creep up as the dates approach and availability may vary throughout the season. The sooner you purchase, the better the price!)
- Halloween Horror Nights General Admission - from $77 (Does not include Early Event Access but can purchase separately. No Super Nintendo World access during the event.)
- Halloween Horror Nights General Admission from Undercover Tourist - from $76. The savings on this ticket become larger as the season goes on. (Does not include Early Event Access but can purchase separately. No Super Nintendo World access during the event. You may be able to upgrade to Express at the park.)
- Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express - from $229 and includes admission to the event and one-time Express access to each participating house, ride and attraction. (Does not include Early Event Access but can be purchased separately. Super Nintendo World access 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express Add-On - from $152, this exciting new add on is combinable with your discount Undercover Tourist ticket! It includes admission to the event and one-time Express access to each participating house, ride and attraction. (Does not include Early Event Access but can be purchased separately. Super Nintendo World access 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Separate event admission for same date required.
- Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express Unlimited - from $269 and includes admission to the event and unlimited Express access to each participating house, ride and attraction. (Does not include Early Event Access but can be purchased separately. Super Nintendo World access 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night - from $114.70 through Undercover Tourist, and allows admission to the park at 2 p.m. and same-day evening admission to Halloween Horror Nights. Also includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. but may be subject to virtual line. (Includes Early Event Access houses at 5:30 p.m.)
- Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night Universal Express - from $299 and allows admission to the park at 2 p.m. and same-day evening admission to Halloween Horror Nights. Ticket includes one-time Express access to each ride, attraction and seated show during the day PLUS one-time Express access to each house/ride/attraction during Halloween Horror Nights. Also includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Includes Early Event Access houses at 5:30 p.m.)
You may have noticed that the discount Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night ticket is back through Undercover Tourist! We highly recommend this option. The After 2 p.m. Day/Night tickets allow you to visit daytime attractions, some of which will be closed during Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood. Since Secret Life Of Pets, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Kung Fu Panda, Studio Tour and shows are typically closed for Halloween Horror Nights, the combo ticket might be of interest to you if you have not yet experienced these attractions. Likewise, if you want to experience Super Nintendo World, this is the way to do it! Access to Super Nintendo World for this ticket is limited to 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
If you are in the park with a daytime ticket or your annual pass, you can check in inside the park. There is a check-in point near the Box Office and near the turnstiles so you can get a wristband to stay in the park after it closes to the public. Annual passholders no longer get Early Event Access included with their pass.
When you purchase the Universal Express ticket online via Universal, an option to upgrade to Universal Express Unlimited for an additional fee pops up (if available)! There is a Universal Express Unlimited ticket option on the main menu, as well.
We will let you in on a little secret. Even if Express is sold out, the park may offer an After 11 p.m. Universal Express starting at $89. If you visit on a crowded night and haven't hit many houses by 11 p.m., that might work in your favor. Check wait times before you purchase. Alternatively, you can always ask about a full Express upgrade at the Box Office when you arrive for the night. Even if it's sold out in advance, you might get lucky and get to upgrade.
Early Event Access Tickets (starting at $15)
Early Event Access is a new add-on to any Halloween Horror Night ticket. These limited-capacity add-on tickets will sell out, well, early, just as Early Access tickets do for Super Nintendo World in the morning. People who purchase Early Access tickets can access select houses an hour and a half earlier than guests who arrive at 7 p.m. People with Early Access tickets must have an admission ticket for Halloween Horror Nights. You can purchase dated Early Access tickets through Universal Studios Hollywood, even if you purchased your discount Halloween Horror Nights tickets through Undercover Tourist. This might be a way to save money but hit a lot of houses if Universal Express is out of your budget.
People with Early Access do not have daytime access to the rest of the park included in this ticket. We go over the pros and cons of Early Access and other ways to get in early in a separate Early Access post.
Frequent Fear Passes include:
- Halloween Horror Nights Frequent Fear Pass - from $179 and allows users to experience the scares over and over with General Admission to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights for up to 33 nights. No blackout dates for the first visit, then choose from a selection of dates for the next 32 visits.
- Halloween Horror Nights Ultimate Fear Pass - from $299 and allows users to experience the scares over and over to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights for access to ALL nights. This pass has no blackout dates.
Special Experiences — R.I.P. Tour - from $419
For a killer experience, spring for the R.I.P. Tour. The 2025 R.I.P. Tour offers the following:
- Admission to Halloween Horror Nights (no daytime admission or Early Event Access)
- Guided walking tour of the event
- One-time R.I.P. entry into each house as well as select rides and attractions while on tour with a guide (based on tour itinerary)
- Reserved seating at a live show (based on tour itinerary) while on tour with R.I.P. guide
- Express UNLIMITED access (per day) to select rides, houses and attractions
- Complimentary valet parking (one vehicle)
- Special VIP entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood where you will receive your commemorative R.I.P. credentials and lanyard
- Exclusive Universal Backlot Halloween experience with private VIP trolley transportation
- Gourmet dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded) in the private VIP dining room
- Special themed photo opportunities
- Access to cash bar locations available during the tour (must be 21 years old or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages with a valid photo ID)
The tour includes access to Super Nintendo World from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Daytime park access is not included. R.I.P. This ticket does not include Early Access. Guests have a separate line for the houses that is even shorter than the Express line!
Arrive at R.I.P. Reception 30 minutes early. Tours are mixed parties with up to 12 people per tour. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while taking part in any R.I.P. Tour. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. HHN Universal Express tickets can sell out scary-fast, so buy them well in advance.
Are you a Universal Studios pass member? Annual pass members can take advantage of special pass member pricing for themselves and friends for some tickets. You can check out available deals here.
Platinum Annual Passholders get one free night to Halloween Horror Nights. In 2025, Platinum Annual Passholders must reserve their complimentary Halloween Horror Nights visit in advance.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Houses
We are eagerly awaiting confirmation on what houses we will see in 2025! Here's what we know so far:
Fallout
Based on the hit Prime Video series and iconic video game, the Fallout experience drops guests into the year 2296—where nuclear war has turned the world into a violent, mutant-filled Wasteland. The journey begins in Vault 33 as Lucy MacLean escapes a brutal massacre and uncovers a dark secret. From there, guests head to the surface, dodging Scavengers, Raiders and giant RAD Roaches. Along the way, they’ll explore the Super Duper Mart, face off with the radiation-scarred Ghoul and meet Maximus in his massive T-60 power armor. Packed with scares and immersive scenes, this haunted house brings the horrors of Fallout to terrifying life.
The T-60 armor is set to be one of the biggest works put together for Halloween Horror Nights. And although the house will be featured on both coasts, the Power Armor will be a full animatronic in Hollywood, and an entire battle moment in Orlando.
Jason Universe
On both coasts, Halloween Horror Nights unleashes horror icon Jason in an all-new haunted house, Jason Universe, inspired by the infamous "Friday the 13th" films. For 45 years, Jason has terrified audiences and earned his place as one of cinema’s most chilling slashers. This fall, the twisted team behind Halloween Horror Nights resurrects the legend in a terrifying tribute that’s set to haunt longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Jason Universe takes guests deep into the cursed summer camp where it all began. From the rotting floorboards of Jason’s cabin to the crumbling lodge and shadowy forest, there’s no escape. Every turn reveals brutal scenes from Jason’s bloody legacy as he stalks, slashes and reminds everyone why the legend of Camp Crystal Lake never dies.
Let's take a look at all the details and houses from the 2024 event while we wait for the chilling details for 2025:
A Quiet Place
Silence your screams as you enter this post-apocalyptic world in an all-new haunted house based on Paramount Pictures' "A Quiet Place" and "A Quiet Place Part II." In this world "if they hear you, they hunt you" so be ready for some excruciating silence. Sightless creatures with acute hearing come to life through a unique sound design with special effects and spine-tingling scare actors.
Following the storyline of the Abbott family, Halloween Horror Nights incorporates the use of American Sign Language for the first time ever to transport guests straight into the films. From the Abbott family's farmhouse shelter to the root cellar where Evelyn gives birth, the larger-than-life predators lurk your every footstep — so keep them quiet! This house will also be available at Universal Studios Florida.
Before entering this house, guests will be presented with a video in open captioning and ASL. You will learn key phrases in ASL that will be essential to surviving the post-apocalyptic world.
Monstruos 2: The Nightmares of Latin America
Some of the most creepy creeps come from Latin American folklore, and this year you can expect face-to-face action with the worst of the worst! From the devil dog El Cadejo, to the boogeyman El Cucuy, to the soul-collecting rider El Charro, you'll have to watch your back your whole way through. This house in its past iterations has been known as one of the scariest of all.
Dead Exposure: Death Valley
When a super soldier experiment goes wrong, it goes really wrong. In this top-secret government facility, you'll be faced with radioactive zombies who've just escaped the moment you arrive.
There have been two iterations of "Dead Exposure" in the past over at Universal Orlando, and one thing we expect to see is total darkness and some serious jump scares.
There is some brutal testing on animals depicted in this house, so if this is a trigger for you, we suggest you skip.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Get ready to be transported to New York City where "something strange" is in the neighborhood. Inspired by Sony Pictures' newest film in the franchise, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," you can expect that perfect mix of terrifying and hilarious the movies are known so well for.
New creatures and characters, as well as iconic ghosts and familiar faces, will be seen in this sinister world. The Spengler family joins forces with the original Ghostbusters to fight the spirit of Garraka, set free by an ancient relic. Passing through Ray's Occult Book shop, into the sewer system, and all the way up to the Ghostbuster's high-tech lab and containment facility, you might start to feel the ice in your veins as Garraka attempts to freeze everyone to death. But don't worry, Ghostbusters new and old will be by your side to help you escape the army of bone-chilling creatures and save the world from a second Ice Age. Let's hope they can!
Insidious: The Further
Are you brave enough to pass through the Red Door and into the sinister Red-Faced Demon's lair? Enter the Further where spine-chilling demons will try to ensnare you around every corner. Somewhere between Heaven and Hell, the Further is a dark and empty dimension where many souls are infinitely trapped. No living being is meant to set foot in this terrible place, but you are being welcomed through the front door.
Inspired by the hit "Insidious" film franchise, this all-new haunted house follows the footsteps of the Lamberts, an unfortunate family haunted by evil forces. While their son is in a comatose state after being possessed by a demonic entity, the family enters into the Further.
With familiar sets and scares such as the Red-Faced Demon, the Bride in Black and the Man Who Can't Breathe it won't take long to realize these paranormal creatures have no intention of leaving. From red door to red door, you'll go deeper and deeper into the Further. Beware of KeyFace as he tries to unlock your fears, lock up your spirit and keep you in the Further forever.
The final scare of this house might just make you jump! And so will the final-final scare. And the final-final-final scare. Five final scares are stacked on top of each other to end your time in the world of Insidious.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Legacy of Leatherface
For the 50th anniversary of the 1974 movie, Halloween Horror Nights is bringing this classic house back to Hollywood! Leatherface and his cannibalistic friends invite you into their gore-filled slaughterhouse. This house takes you through the legacy story never seen on screen.
The Legacy of Leatherface celebrates the Texas Chainsaw Massacre films by including all 10 iterations of Leatherface seen on screen across nine movies.
Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines
What's better than a slasher film? How about a SLASH house? That's right, SLASH is returning with a brand-new score for this all-new haunted house. This will be the GRAMMY Award-winning artist's sixth season in collaboration with Halloween Horror Nights. A limited edition vinyl featuring this new composition as well as his past Halloween Horror Nights scores will be available for purchase at the event.
With legendary monster movies such as Dracula and Frankenstein filmed in Sound Stage 12 on the back lot at Universal Studios Hollywood, it's only unnatural to host the Classic Universal Monsters haunted house in the same place. This house celebrates the birth of the original horror genre, created at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The all-female house features The Bride of Frankenstein, She-Wolf of London, Dracula’s Daughter and Anck-Su-Namun, the undead Egyptian princess. In this story, however, The Bride of Frankenstein might just be saving your skin! She and Saskia Van Helsing (daughter of the famous Dracula killing Abraham Van Helsing) have formed an unlikely alliance. And you're caught right in the middle of the life-or-death battle between the hunted and the hunters.
Only one bloodline can survive, and let's hope you do too!
The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy
The Weeknd returns with an all-new house. This haunted house spawns from After Hours, Dawn FM and a horrifying new tale. Get caught up in iconic moments inspired by The Weeknd's music videos and live performances.
The Weeknd has been working on a trio of albums and has just announced the concluding album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow." Nightmare Trilogy is not only a representation of the albums, but the singer's interpretation of Danté's Divine Comedy. Its three parts are Inferno, Purgatory and Paradise. In the house we see these elements in his life through jarring scenes of giant paparazzi eyeballs, the hands of fans literally ripping him apart and more.
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Park Plan
One of the most terrifying parts of Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood is not getting to experience all of the houses because of the lines. There is more to do this year, so Express is even more critical. Most Universal Halloween Horror Nights sell out. Save your terror for the houses and cut the lines with a Halloween Horror Nights Front of the Line ticket. Buy in advance because Universal only offers a very limited number of Universal Express passes for each night, and they sell out as quickly as the potential victims flee Michael Myers. You'll want to look at the park map to get a sense of where things are and map out your plan of attack.
You can get a jump start on the fear … oops, we mean fun! The event usually begins at 7 p.m. and ends at either 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., depending on the night.
Usually, three or four houses (and sometimes the Terror Tram) open during Early Access. Early Access houses are typically in the Lower Lot. Even those lines get long during Early Event Access, so you'll want to arrive as soon as you can and make your way to the houses. This year, two of the Early Entry houses are in the upper lot (subject to change)!
People with the After 2 p.m. ticket have a HUGE advantage in being able to line up earlier than the Early Event Access guests. Arriving early can save your night because you can visit several houses before the event officially begins and then move on to the other houses as other guests make their way down the escalators. There are a few pros and cons to early arrival.
Pros:
- If you do not like scare zones or the dark, you can start your night much more gently.
- You start in the light.
- Experience shorter lines for an hour and a half.
- You can get through more houses and maybe even do a favorite house twice.
- You can make it an earlier night.
Cons:
- The scare zones are not open until 7 p.m.
- There is a less eerie/dramatic effect walking into the park.
- You might miss the Opening Scaremony in the Upper Lot. (In 2023, there was no Opening Scaremony. The monsters do get released at once but it's not a huge moment. Instead, there are moments throughout the night when the monsters gather and then get released once again into the crowd. We saw that hoppen in the scare zone at the entrance.)
Having Universal Express means no stress. You can easily do it all in any order you want, even if you do not arrive early — although arriving early can mean doing some houses twice. Just do not scan the Universal Express Pass the first time you go through, and then use the pass later when there is a line you want to skip. With Early Event Access and Universal Express, you can hit most or all of the Early Event Access houses before 7 p.m. If you have R.I.P., then you have unlimited Universal Express access.
Universal no longer distributes lanyards for Universal Express. Instead, you have to pull the paper ticket (about the size of a credit card) out each time to have it scanned. Bring a lanyard with a clear plastic pouch to make your life toadally easier, or wear clothing with a secure pocket. Universal also sells lanyards. We bought a lanyard in 2019 and have brought it back each year. It was well worth it. We put two tickets back to back in it for easy scanning at each house and ride.
If you can’t get Universal Express and you miss Early Event Access, save the year-round rides for after you have done your favorite houses and scare zones (you can ride the rides any other day of the year).
A longer line does not always represent the quality of the house. A house based on a popular show can get a long line, but it doesn't mean it's the best house. Sometimes we find that the houses we are least excited about are among our favorites, and the ones we most look forward to are not at the top of our list. But all houses are usually very good. Try as many as you can and do not stress if you miss one.
Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app so that you can check wait times and showtimes. Select Halloween Horror Nights from the pull-down menu to access the wait times and food options. There are also displays throughout the park for status updates. You are going to want to follow the shortest lines.
Complete everything you want to do while you are down in the Lower Lot and then move back up after that. If special menu items are in those areas, you might want to grab a bite while you are down there, as well. You don’t want to spend valuable time going up and down the four long escalators to and from the Lower Lot more than once in each direction. For even more tips, hop over to our full post on how to maximize your time at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood.
What if I don't have Universal Express or Early Event Access?
There is a scary amount to accomplish in a limited amount of time. You will need to cut some houses, so be sure to identify your priority houses. Most people are already in the park when Early Access starts to fill the lines in the Lower Lot, so we suggest starting in the Upper Lot and hitting the Lower Lot last. Just keep an eye on wait times and leave enough time to do your priority houses and dining in the Lower Lot.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Scare Zones
We frogs jump (even higher than usual) in terror at Halloween Horror Nights — usually when we least expect it in a scare zone. Be prepared for the unexpected ghoul to emerge from the darkness.
2024 Scare Zones
Luchadores Monsrtuosos
Two luchadores square up to a whole horde of masked monsters in this Lucha Libre horror house. Be careful not to get caught right in the middle of the fight!
Murder of Crowz
Ever thought crows were a little ominous? Well, they are terrifying when you enter their territory at Halloween Horror Nights! A murder of giant crows might just peck your bones clean as you navigate their scare zone.
Chainsaw Punkz
Right at the front of the park chainsaw-wielding punk rockers with mohawks and masks are ready to greet you. How welcoming! Don't worry, they just want to get you revved up for your terrifying night.
Skull Lordz
Gothic kings and queens defend their rule in this court of the undead. Beware while you cross through their spectral kingdom. You might just find a dead end.
@undercovertourist We are smiling BIG over here because Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood is BACK 👻👻👻 The most incredible line up of Haunted Houses awaits you, including The Weeknd, Ghostbusters, A Quiet Place, Insidious and more 🪦💀🦇 Plus the BLUMHOUSE TERROR TRAM ????? So COOL What are you most excited for ?? If you are attending the event this year, be sure to head to the link in our bio, or in our stories to check out our blog posts that have all of the tips and tricks for a great time! 🎃🎃🎃 #halloweenhorrornights #universalstudioshollywood #hhn #halloweenhorrornightshollywood #hhnhollywood #hallwoeen #halloweentime #spookyseason #hauntedhouse #hhn2024 #unistudios #hollywood #socal #losangeles ♬ original sound - Undercover Tourist
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Entertainment
Here are the must-see shows, moments and experiences outside of the actual scare zones and houses.
(New!) “Late Night with Chucky” Live Talk Show in the DreamWorks Theatre
An all-original, killer talk show will taunt guests with Chucky's special brand of mischief and mayhem. (And maybe offer a little comic relief.) The interactive, humorous show invites guests to submit questions for Chucky to answer. Ask questions via a QR code in the lobby. But be careful what you ask. If the temperamental doll host doesn’t appreciate your question, you may end up like his production team. (They've been eliminated from their position… permanently.)
Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse
"M3GAN." "The Black Phone." "Freaky." "The Purge." "Happy Death Day." Blumhouse has become synonymous with horror, and on this year's Terror Tram, you'll encounter characters from these frightening films.
The moment you step off the tram you are greeted by M3GAN. She then tells you "this is the part where you run" and a bunch of her Blumhouse friends appear with chainsaws to chase you away with. Talk about terrifying!
The Purge: Dangerous Waters
A new live show in 2023 brought "The Purge" franchise into unfamiliar territory — uncharted waters. A politician and his entourage escape to a deserted island to avoid The Purge, but freedom is fleeting when a group of Purgers finds them. The fiery EDM show features adrenaline-filled action sequences, stunts, lighting and laser effects, high-fall fire burns and massive explosions.
The show has great special effects and offers a place to sit and rest ... or escape the scares. But if you have to cut something from the night, we feel like this could be it. The seats fill up, so you want to arrive about 20 minutes early to get a seat. We arrived 20 minutes early and the wait and show combined took about 40 minutes from our night. The show does have some graphic violence.
There are four shows a night. You can find showtimes in the Universal Studios app.
What Rides Are Open During Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood?
Some of the regular rides dare to operate during Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. (Attractions close to daytime guests as of 5:30 p.m.) If you need to escape from the houses, get your thrills on Transformers 3-D, Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic World (closed early) or the Simpsons Ride. The Wizarding World is open, but unfortunately with no Death Eaters. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (closes early) and Flight of the Hippogriff are open!
If you have a Universal Express, Universal Express Unlimited, After 2 PM Day/Night or After 2 PM Day/Night Universal Express ticket, you will be able to access Super Nintendo World between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. You have to pull out your tickets to get in. It was so nice to escape the screams to play in a nearly empty Super Nintendo World. No wait for Mario Kart or the challenges? Sign me up for this access every single time!
As mentioned above, the normal Studio Tour will not be running. Instead, you get the Terror Tram.
Regular shows, Kung Fu Panda and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem are closed. Secret Life of Pets and Super Nintendo World will not be open.
Hogwarts Castle has special projections forming in front of your eyes. Listen for hissing voices. We do not speak Parseltongue, so don't ask us what they are saying.
Access to Super Nintendo World During Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
Super Nintendo World is closed to general admission tickets during the event. Four ticket types grant access to Super Nintendo World:
- Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night (save money by buying through Undercover Tourist) - Includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. but may be subject to virtual line. (Also includes Early Event Access to select houses at 5:30 p.m.)
- Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night Universal Express - Includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Also includes Early Event Access to select houses at 5:30 p.m.)
- Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express - Includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. but may be subject to virtual line. Does not include Early Event Access.
- Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express Unlimited - Includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. but may be subject to virtual line. Does not include Early Event Access.
These tickets do not include daytime access to Super Nintendo World. Access is just offered during Horror Nights.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Food and Merchandise
There are always treats to die for at Halloween Horror Nights. We've got a full guide on all the treats and eats here. This year’s terrifying menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items for those with every type of appetite.
Here are some devilish delights and concocted drinks for 2024:
Studio Scoops:
- Mini Stay Puft S'more (only available after 7pm)
The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy Bar (located in Lower Lot by “Jurassic World — The Ride”)
- Saw Blade Flatbread (Short Rib) – braised short rib, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, spicy tomato sauce and ranch drizzle
- Saw Blade Flatbread (Mushroom) – mushrooms, roasted tomato, mozzarella cheese, green pepper, crispy onion and spicy tomato sauce
- Too Late – tequila, raspberry puree and peach and lime juice garnished with a grenadine-filled syringe and red light up cube
- Out of Time – cola, raspberry and ginger syrup and a red light up cube, topped with strawberry heart jellies
- How Do I Make you Love Me? – rum, peach and passion fruit puree and lemonade served with an orange light up cube and dark chocolate butterfly
- Is There Someone Else? – vodka, blue curaçao, lime juice and Sprite soda garnished with a multicolor light up cube and a gummy eyeball
Chucky’s Dive Bar (located behind Animation Studio Store)
- Cult of Chucky – spicy tamarind vodka, strawberry syrup, lemon juice and club soda with a chamoy and tajin, topped with chamoy gummy bears
- Friend Till the End – tequila, Sprite soda, blue curaçao, lime juice and orange popping pearls with an orange sugar rim and a rainbow lollipop
- Chucky’s Got Jokes – bourbon, amaretto, corn simple syrup, lime juice and ginger beer topped with chamoy drizzled corn and cinnamon powder
City Snacks featuring “A Quiet Place” (located in Upper Lot)
- Wooden Board Éclair – dark chocolate mousse filled éclair dripped in chocolate ganache
- Abbot’s Corn Chowder – creamy stew with shrimp, corn, vegetables and cornbread croutons
Dia de Los Muertos (located in Universal Plaza)
- The Walking Taco – Taco fixings over Fritos scoops and served in a Fritos bag
- Carne Asada Nachos – fried corn tortilla chips topped with carne asada, pico de gallo, queso fresco and guacamole
- Beef Birria Tacos with Red Sauce – corn tortilla tacos with birria de res served with onions, cilantro and red consomé sauce
- Pineapple Spears – pineapple spears with chamoy
- Esquites – Corn off the Cob – corn sliced off the cobb topped with grated cotija cheese, cilantro and tajin
- Nachos Muertos – cinnamon sugar chips, strawberry topping, oreo bits, chocolate sauce and whipped cream
- El Cadejo Mangorita – tequila, triple sec, mango puree, lime juice and margarita mix served with chamoy, tajin and a dried chili covered mango
- Muerte Michelada – Modelo beer, michelada mix, jalapeno syrup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce garnished with chamoy, tajin and a lime wedge
- El Charro – spicy tamarind vodka, pickle brine, margarita mix and triple sec served with chamoy, tajin and a chocolate dipped pickle spear
- Horror-Chata – rum, horchata, banana syrup served with whipped cream and dried banana chips
- Spicy Strawberry Vodka Margarita – spicy tamarind vodka, strawberry syrup, lemon juice served with chamoy, tajin and a tamarind straw
- Piña Margarita – reposado, cucumber jalapeno tequila, triple sec, agave syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice garnished with a chamoy drizzled pineapple spear
Monster Eats (located in Lower Lot)
- Into the Fog Fish ‘n Chips – crispy beer battered cod nuggets with tartar sauce and chips
- The Fiery Bite Corn Dog – spicy Korean-style corn dog with spicy ketchup and chips
- She-Wolf Midnight Delight Cheesecake – fried cheesecake dusted with powdered sugar and strawberry claw marks
- The Bride’s Cookie – black and white cookie
Leatherface’s BBQ (located in Lower Lot)
- Pam’s Brisket Sandwich – smoked brisket sandwich with Coca-Cola BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw served with a side of potato salad and BBW baked beans
- Franklin’s BBQ Ribs – Coca-Cola BBQ ribs served with a side of potato salad and BBQ baked beans
- Drayton’s Chili Cheese Dog – all-beef hot dog topped with chili and cheddar cheese and served with a side of potato salad
- Grandpa’s Porch Pounder – vodka, mezcal, passionfruit puree, Sprite soda, citrus sour and grenadine topped with bloody bone candy
The park map shows themed dining locations in the Upper and Lower Lots.
Most restaurants and shops offer themed treats such as decorated cookies and cupcakes. Additional dining locations are found around the park. The Universal Studios Hollywood app has more details for the day of your visit.
The following dining locations may be open for your visit:
- Three Broomsticks
- Hog's Head
- Butterbeer carts
- Starbucks Upper and Lower Lot
- Krusty Burger
- Cletus' Chicken Shack
- Luigi's Pizza
- Moe's Tavern
- Lard Lad's Donut
- Phineas Q. Butterfat's Ice Cream
- Suds McDuff's Hot Dogs — "Dufftober Fest" at Duff Gardens and Suds McDuff's
- Panda Express
- Studio Cafe
- Mummy Eats
- Jurassic Cafe
- Isla Nu-Bar
- Many temporary snack locations throughout the park and near houses, including the ones with a long walk.
You can purchase a souvenir refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup. It's $19 (plus tax) for one or $17 each if you buy two. It's refillable throughout the day (every 10 minutes).
Some Universal CityWalk restaurants offer discounts before you enter HHN. Re-entry is allowed. (Get a hand stamp when you exit). Find limited-time offerings at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Voodoo Doughnuts and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.
Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise
In 2024, you can find shirts, glow items and other new items for sale from apparel and accessories to souvenirs and homeware. Enjoy a variety of new merchandise collections featuring your favorite fiends and haunted houses. Everyone’s favorite killer doll Chucky is back with a new popcorn bucket (with new phrases) and a classic Lil Boo popcorn bucket.
Fan favorite character Lil Boo — a cute but creepy baby pumpkin — comes to life in an all-new collection:
- Popcorn bucket
- Shoulder plush
- Backpack
- Headwear
The new Halloween Horror Nights collection features sickening house tees, a pierced, reversible bucket hat, bat-eared beanie, skull shot glass and more.
Shop for exclusive products inspired by “The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy” house and the Dia de Los Muertos activation at Universal Plaza. You can find them only at Universal Studios Hollywood and in Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
We always return with our Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights lanyard to hold our Express Passes. If you do not have a lanyard, we highly recommend getting one, especially if you use Universal Express.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Tips
Follow these tips to have a frighteningly good time:
1. Leave the Kids at Home
This terrifying event is recommended for very brave 13-year-olds and up. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Of course, in 2019, we did come across the cutest Ghostbuster who was brave enough to visit the house for his most-favorite movie. You know your kids, so use your best judgment. If horror movies are their jam, then they may be able to handle it. The teenage years are a good time to visit for most kids.
2. Dress Light and Stay Hydrated
Be sure to dress for the weather so you will be comfortable (layers are your friend). Early September dates can be surprisingly hot the whole night. You may bring an umbrella if the forecast calls for rain. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll find that there is a lot of walking — our devices usually measure between 13,000 and 17,000 steps!
Stay hydrated — all of that screaming can dry you out like a mummy! (You can purchase water bottles but you can also get free water at restaurants with fountain drinks.) You can bring an empty water bottle into the park with you. You'll have to dump any liquids out.
3. Halloween Costumes and Masks
There are new costume guidelines for this year!
In 2024, guests may wear costumes while attending Halloween Horror Nights in both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
There is, however, a lengthy list of guidelines for said costumes:
- Guests must be fully clothed, including shoes and shirts.
- Guests may not wear clothing or accessories that may create a false impression that guests work for Universal or as emergency personnel, including, without limitation clothing or items identified with law enforcement, security, firefighters, emergency responders or the military.
- Guests may not wear any covering that fully or partially obscures a person’s face, including costume masks, facial coverings, and face applications.
- Face painting is permitted only if it covers no more than one-half of the face (applied vertically only) or is applied in a pre-approved design by professional artists at Universal.
- No prosthetic makeup is permitted.
- Clothing that Universal determines is indecent, exposes excessive portions of the skin, or that Universal views as inappropriate for a family environment is prohibited.
- Service animals may not wear or be part of a costume.
- No weapons of any kind are permitted. Any item that resembles a weapon or is manufactured in the shape of a weapon is not permitted.
- No special or atmospheric effects, including, without limitation, balloons, smoke, fog, powered effects, and sound effects, are permitted.
- No veils, long trains, stilts, or oversized costumes that could pose a safety hazard to guests or team members are permitted.
- Costumes may not interfere with security screening. Costumes cannot exceed 25 inches wide x 80 inches high to meet Universal’s metal detection regulations.
- Universal reserves the right to preclude any costumes that may cause confusion that the guest is part of the Halloween Horror Nights experience. Impersonating a theme park entertainment or character or performing, frightening or otherwise disrupting other guests or event operations is prohibited and may result in expulsion from Universal’s property.
You can see the full costume guidelines and Code of Conduct here.
4. Only Bring the Necessities
We recommend traveling light, especially since you'll be walking through crowded houses and being spooked in scare zones. You wouldn't want anything spilling out of your bag or pockets if you fall to the ground ;)
Also, note that you cannot bring in food or drink — not even water. Do not bring gum into the park either.
5. Eat Early
Arrive with a full belly if you can. Food lines are scary long! You don't want to waste precious time waiting for food. However, if you do get hungry, we recommend the Little Cocina food stand in the Central Plaza.
6. Follow the Rules or Beware
You may not record, take flash photos, or bring laser pens, food and drink into the houses. Do not touch or harm the actors or jump the lines unless you want to be sent out of the park in a body bag without your ticket.
7. Need to Escape?
If you need to leave the park, ask about re-entry before you leave. Take your ticket with you and you may need to get a hand stamp! If you want to escape while inside the park, the monsters do not follow you into stores, restrooms or restaurants (some special event dining zones do have scare actors in them though). The Lower Lot has no loose scare actors. Springfield U.S.A. does not have a scare zone in the Upper Lot.
8. Be Aware of Accessible Options
If someone in your party uses a wheelchair, most standard wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) can go through the houses. (But you may be asked to transfer to a manual wheelchair.) Ask an attendant if you need assistance.
Universal recently implemented a new Attraction Accommodation Program for guests with disabilities. Hop over to our post on the new protocol guests with disabilities must undergo before picking up an Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) at the park. Arrive early and take care of it as soon as you can. Then you may receive return times for the houses. There is alternative transportation available for those with physical disabilities to access the houses that are through the Wizarding World and in the Lower Lot.
You can get return times from the Upper Lot Houses directly. A podium outside the Wizarding World offers return times for the two houses past the Wizarding World. There is another podium to get return times near the Stellar Bar entrance in the Lower Lot. You can get return times for all the Lower Lot houses at once if you like. You'll get a timed card to hand to the attendant at each entrance along with your AAP card.
9. Consider Your Daytime Visits With Small Children During This Time
Even though no scary monsters are out during the day, except for the likes of Beetlejuice, Frankenstein and Monster Minions, there are some scary props you cannot avoid. We get a lot of questions about what the park is like during the day.
Every day of the season from Sept. 5 through Nov. 3, you'll encounter props from Halloween Horror Nights — something to consider for trips during September and October (as well as reduced park hours) with kids.
Follow these rules and tips, and you will survive Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. Most of all, have fun!
Have a question about Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights? Share it in the comments below! Get a hoppin' discount on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets anytime with Undercover Tourist.
Related: Best Times to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Keep hopping!
