Halloween Horror Nights tickets are on sale now - and you can save up to $66 per ticket when you purchase through Undercover Tourist! You can unlock even steeper savings when you bundle your ticket with a Universal Orlando hotel stay ... plus, you can lock in your hotel stay for a refundable $200 deposit!
Fast Facts
- 2025 dates and tickets are here! Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from Aug. 29 to Nov. 2, 2025, at Universal Studios Florida.
- Every year, there are 10 themed houses, five scare zones, entertainment and plenty of themed food, drinks and merch, featuring popular horror IPs and original concepts.
- With so much to cover in one night, we recommend taking advantage of an HHN Express Pass or HHN Early Entry to maximize your time.
- Halloween Horror Nights requires a separate ticket (and you can save up to $66 on HHN tickets through Undercover Tourist!).
Just like your recurring nightmare, Halloween Horror Nights returns year after year to haunt Universal Studios Florida — and tickets are now on sale! Save up to $66 when purchasing your single-night ticket through Undercover Tourist. To get you ready for the nation's premier scare event, we bring you everything we know about Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Florida. From the terror-filled haunted houses to the sinister scare zones, learn what you should expect and how to navigate this popular event! Already itching to hop back into the fog? Get ready for 10 terrifying haunted houses, five sinister scare zones, live entertainment and horror video game franchises "Fallout" and "Five Nights at Freddy's" taking over this year's event.
Overview of Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Florida
We're already having nightmares about Halloween Horror Nights 34 at Universal Studios Florida, where your favorite movies, TV shows and horror properties will be brought to (terrifying) life. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights. But first, a word of warning: Halloween Horror Nights is an intense event not suitable for all ages. Read at your own risk! (Looking for Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood information? Jump over to our full post about the opposite coast.)
Enter — if you dare — into The Conservatory. As soon as you cross through those turnstiles, from the lighting design to the musical score, you'll be immersed in Gothic tones and textures. Prepare for stained glass, vines and gargoyles aplenty at this year's eerily enchanting event.
Universal also teased that the beloved movie based on the video game franchise, "Five Nights at Freddy's," is "coming in a whole new way" to this year's event ... with the help of legendary Jim Henson's Creature Shop (who also did the animatronics for the film)! We're not sure exactly what this means, but we can only hope it involves pizza ...
Halloween Horror Nights Dates for 2025
What Are the Dates for Halloween Horror Nights 2025?
The event runs select nights from August through November at Universal Orlando Resort. In 2025, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida will kick off Aug. 29 and run until Nov. 2 — making this the earliest it has ever started! The event normally runs every Wednesday to Sunday and on Halloween night (except for the third week of September, when the event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 16, instead of Thursday, Sept. 18). While all nights are popular, the crowds generally increase as it gets closer to Halloween.
- Aug. 29-31
- Sept. 3-7, 10-14, 16-17, 19-21, 24-28
- Oct. 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29-31
- Nov. 1-2
What Is Premium Scream Night?
Returning this year, the one-night-only Premium Scream Night gets you into the fog before anyone else. On Aug. 28, 2025, the bravest of frogs can experience Halloween Horror Nights 34 with limited capacity, shorter wait times, haunted house entry staggered by group, all-you-care-to-enjoy food and non-alcoholic beverages, access to sinister scare zones, eerie live entertainment and some of Universal Studios' most hair-raising attractions, complimentary self parking and more. New this year, guests can even wear costumes, subject to Universal Orlando's Costume Policy. (No costume masks allowed.) Tickets are $375 per person, plus tax, available only through Universal directly.
What Are the Best Dates to Attend Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida?
Unlike many other fall theme park events that generally bring in families for one night, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida scares up a good portion of guests, especially locals, who attend multiple nights throughout the season to experience the fear over and over. The nature of the event and the number of locals have a significant impact on crowds. Saturdays are the busiest nights, with Friday nights not too far behind them. The very best nights to attend, as far as crowds go, are Wednesdays. It is nearly impossible to see everything in one night without upgrading your experience (which we'll get into later). Still, picking the best night to attend, as well as following our tips below, will help you see and do as much as you can.
What Time Does Halloween Horror Nights Start?
We recommend getting to the park at least 45 minutes ahead of the official opening at 6:30 p.m. to make the most of your time. Typically, Universal opens the gates earlier than the official starting time. (If you're staying at one of the Universal Orlando Resort properties — Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Endless Summer, Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Helios Grand Hotel — take advantage of the priority entrance gate until 8 p.m. to get in more quickly.) In our experience, the gates open for guests between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. On opening night in 2024, the gates opened precisely at 6:15 p.m.
When Does Halloween Horror Nights End?
Halloween Horror Nights ends each night at 2 a.m. That means you can get in line for a house as late as 1:59 a.m. This is a great strategy to utilize for houses with notoriously long wait times, since it means you won't waste any time during the actual event waiting in line for it! If you're planning to do this, we highly recommend sneaking in a (black) cat nap before arriving at the park so you don't lose steam early on in the night.
Do Day Tickets or Annual Passes Count for Halloween Horror Nights?
No, Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event, which means it's separate admission from general admission during the day.
Halloween Horror Nights Tickets for 2025
Halloween Horror Nights 2025 single-night tickets are now on sale! Save $66 (and take advantage of our 365-day return policy) by purchasing through Undercover Tourist so you can leave room in your budget for another helping of Twisted Taters or that all-important Express Pass which allows you to skip the regular lines one time at all haunted houses, plus at participating rides and attractions.
It's important to note that Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is a separately ticketed event. Halloween Horror Nights tickets will not get you into the theme parks during regular hours. No need to worry, though! We also offer discount tickets for Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe or Universal Volcano Bay if you want to visit during the day. Universal Studios Florida generally closes at 5 p.m. for those not staying for the event (though Universal Islands of Adventure will maintain its normal closing time if you have a park-to-park ticket and would like to hop). You'll also need regular park admission or a Scream Early ticket (which grants you access to Universal Studios Florida after 3 p.m.) if you want to take advantage of Halloween Horror Nights Early Entry. We've written a full post on how Halloween Horror Nights Early Entry works. And don't froget, you can bundle your hotel stay for an extra discount through us, too!
If you can't get enough screams in one night, there are multi-night passes available directly through Universal Orlando. In 2024, Frequent Fear passes that included Express all sold out early, so be sure to score yours ASAP! Multi-night tickets grant you access to: 1) the first 18 event nights with the Rush of Fear Pass; 2) every Sunday through Thursday, PLUS the first weekend with the Frequent Fear Pass; 3) every Sunday through Friday, PLUS the first and last Saturday with the Frequent Fear Plus Pass; or 4) EVERY night AND get free regular parking after 5 p.m. on all event nights with the Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass. When purchasing a multi-night pass, you'll need to select a start date. Your first visit using the pass MUST be ON or AFTER the selected start date.
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Special Experiences
From zombie punk rockers at Hard Rock Hotel to creatures from the depths of the sea at Universal Endless Summer Resort to man-eating foliage at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, themed photo opportunities (and spooky filters) awaited you in the different Universal Orlando hotel lobbies last year. Also, we were sure to drink in the spirit of the season at festively themed bars in Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel and Dockside Inn and Suites.
Those looking for an enhanced Halloween Horror Nights experience might consider one or two scary-good add-ons that take you through the gauntlet of ghastly creatures and a multitude of menacing maniacs. The Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour is a guided experience that grants V.I.P. access to everything Halloween Horror Nights has to offer. The tour includes exclusive V.I.P entrance to Universal Studios Florida, a guided walking tour of the event, priority V.I.P entry to haunted houses (once per house, based on itinerary), reserved seating at select shows, Universal Express Unlimited ride access at all participating rides and attractions for the date of your tour, a pre-tour reception with light appetizers, access to exclusive cash bar locations, complimentary valet parking and a commemorative tour credential, lanyard and button.
There's also a Private R.I.P. Tour option, which grants you all the same perks as the regular R.I.P. Tour. (The R.I.P. Tour can accommodate individual parties of up to six people, and will include multiple parties in a group. If your group has seven or more, you would need to book a Private R.I.P. Tour.)
The Halloween Horror Nights Behind-the-Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour gives guests a unique, lights-on look into the Art & Design team’s process as they transform our deepest fears into haunted houses. Guests can choose from the 3-Haunted House Unmasking the Horror Tour (up to two and a half hours) or the 6-Haunted House Unmasking the Horror Tour (up to five hours with a brand new buffet-style lunch included). The tours give you the chance to see houses with the lights on and a chance to photograph every gory detail of select rooms in select houses. You'll also get an exclusive commemorative pin. The tour is available on select dates/times starting Aug. 22.
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Houses + Park Plan
Every year, Universal's Entertainment team pulls out all the stops to bring to life ten terrifying haunted houses based on both beloved IPs and unique, original concepts. This year, you can expect familiar faces, such as Jason Voorhees from the "Friday the 13th" franchise and Hatchet and Chains from last year's Slaughter Sinema 2, as well as frightening new ghouls such as ... well, The Ghoul from Prime Video's "Fallout" and flesh-eating monsters from the underworld. Hop on over to our dedicated house blog for our full list of all the haunted houses coming to Halloween Horror Nights this year, as well as our plan on how to best tackle them during your night in the fog.
Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones
Second to the houses, but central to the terror, are the street experiences, more commonly referred to as "scare zones." The scare zones are in various open areas of the park with their own sets, sounds and, yes, even scents. Expect to be terrified and harassed by creatures of the night. These scare actors come out of nowhere and have no illusions about respecting your personal space (although they are not allowed to touch you, and you are not allowed to touch them)!
Here were the scare zones that awaited your arrival for Halloween Horror Nights 33. (Once we have 2025 info, we'll add it here!)
Duality of Fear
As soon as you entered the fog, you were forced to choose your fate. Bear right to follow SURR3AL, the incarnation of unearthly terror, or keep straight to follow SINIST3R, the manifestation of visceral horror. Remember ... fear comes in all forms.
Our otherworldly icons appeared in this zone and the very beginning and very end of the night to welcome and bid adieu to their loyal worshippers. Oh, and if you were looking for those iconic roaring chainsaws, well ... you didn't have to search far.
Demon Queens
Ah, Hollywood. An otherworldly nightmare if there ever was one. We met and bowed down to four merciless queens loyal to SURR3AL rule — surrounded by hordes of fanatical followers — in a scare zone ripped from the darkest corners of our minds. All hail.
This was where we found the goddess of psychological torment throughout the majority of the night. Word of advice: Don't let your guard down in here. SURR3AL's reign extends further than you think.
Swamp of the Undead
In the dark, murky and dank backwaters of Louisiana (a.k.a. Central Park), you unwittingly wander onto a bog-dweller's private property. Get out while you can because the toxic and terrifying remains of trespassers before you have arisen from the dead to make roadkill of you. Will you escape alive or end up swimming in the swamp for all eternity? (If you need us frogs, you know where to find us!)
Torture Faire
The Renaissance may be known as the Age of Rebirth ... but there's no rebirth without gloriously gory death. Enter SINIST3R's Renaissance faire in the streets of New York, where plague doctors, jesters, friars and executioners were just dying to meet you. Mingle with the Italian elite and be sure to make a good impression. You're one lost joust away from the Iron Maiden or Brazen Bull.
Don't miss out on the tongue-cutting and waterboarding ceremonies with the King and Queen on the main stage. And if you see SINIST3R in here, be prepared to show your unwavering loyalty.
Enter the Blumhouse
Get ready to face a terrifying gauntlet of Blumhouse's creepiest characters in the streets of San Francisco. Think you can outrun the deranged Grabber, the short-circuited M3GAN, the brutal Blissfield Butcher (in both bodies) and the vengeful Bayfield Babyface Killer? Enter the Blumhouse and see for yourself.
Not only were the villains out and about in this zone, but our heroes, too. We always love seeing the axe-wielding Tree from "Happy Death Day" and Finney and Vance from "The Black Phone!"
Halloween Horror Nights Entertainment
Every year, Universal produces electrifying entertainment so you can take a break from the terror. Here's a look at the 2024 ominous offerings (2025 info to come).
Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus
A fiery show has ignited Halloween Horror Nights the last two years, featuring nocturnal creatures, aerialists of the night and frightful fire performers. Set to pulse-pounding rock, metal and electronica music, this epic performance is loud enough to drown out the screams. Last year, the nightmares continued in a dark circus that carried a sinister curse.
On this All Hallow's Eve night, The Hero witnessed his beloved fall to her death in a heart-stopping aerial act. Trapped in a torturous nocturnal circus, he must relive her death over and over and over again until he can save her. Will he ... ? Well, you're just going to have to catch the show to find out.
Death Eaters Encounter
Once again, a group of Voldemort's most devoted followers roamed Diagon Alley on select dates looking to find others willing to join the Dark Lord's cause. Wands at the ready, witches and wizards, because they just might challenge you to a duel. In 2024, their sets hoppened about every 20 minutes with opening and closing performances on the Carkitt Market stage. Be sure to roam around Diagon Alley during their set to see them casting spells and recruiting followers.
Can't wait to see this dastardly bunch? Catch them in Diagon Alley Wednesdays through Sundays at 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Halloween Horror Nights Food and Merchandise
Universal's culinary artists always go all out for All Hallows' Eve. We loved devouring deviously delicious dishes themed to the 2024 houses, such as "Ghostbusters"-inspired Mini Stay-Puft S'more and The Frozen Death Chill, "Insidious"-inspired "Last Key" Pop and The Red Door and "Universal Monsters"-inspired In the Fog Fish 'n Chips and The Bride's Cake.
New last year, frogs got to enter The HHN Bar, a wicked watering hole featuring themed libations and photo opportunities with original content characters! The Tribute Store also offered some more sinfully sweet treats, such as the Cookies and Cream Top Hat.
Is your stomach growling already? Hop on over to our Halloween Horror Nights foodie guide, where we share everything you need to know about all the Halloween food and drink offerings resort-wide, from right outside the haunted houses to safe inside the hotels.
Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise
Each year, the event’s merchandise typically features all of the haunted houses and scare zones, so you’ll be sure to find a nice memento (whether it’s a sweatshirt or a souvenir cup) for Halloween Horror Nights 2025. Pop into Universal Studios' Tribute Store to get all your ghostly goodies.
Last year, an all-new Tribute Store had guests wandering through a dystopian city where an ancient evil had been unleashed. Fans visiting the highly themed retail space ventured through a variety of haunted urban-themed locations, from an abandoned warehouse to a creepy subway station and beyond.
You can usually find T-shirts, sippers, candles and other ghoulish delights here, as well as in Five & Dime and the Universal Studios Store in Universal Studios, the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk and the Islands of Adventure Trading Company and the All Hallows' Eve Boutique in Islands of Adventure.
Other Universal Studios Florida shopping venues open during the event are:
- Supply Vault
- The Film Vault
- Sahara Traders
- San Francisco Candy Factory
- Diagon Alley Shops
- Borgin & Burkes
- MIB Gear
- Simpsons Games
- Kwik-E-Mart
Tips for Attending Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Florida
Before you read any further, be sure to hop on over to our Halloween Horror Nights planning tips blog to get all the must-know info as you're preparing for your descent into the fog. Additionally, check out our terrifying tips to maximize your time. The night goes fast and every sinister second counts!
1. Consider an Express Pass
We always get asked if the Express Passes are worth it. Our answer is that it really depends on when you're going and if you want to hit all 10 houses in one night. We'd definitely recommend it on Fridays and Saturdays in October, especially closer to Halloween. Wednesdays and Thursdays are less busy days, and if you take advantage of early entry (see our next tip!), you have a better chance of hitting all 10 houses without an Express Pass.
Universal may sell Express Passes at kiosks throughout the park. So if you change your mind while you're there, you have that last-minute opportunity. You can also buy an Express Pass that's half the original price, but it only works after 11 p.m. Just keep in mind that both of these Express Pass options are subject to availability.
2. Arrive Early
We can't stress this enough: Arriving early is the single best way to ensure you make the most of your night. The event typically begins at 6:30 p.m., but Universal often lets guests in up to half an hour early. Universal Resort hotel guests also have a dedicated line from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the left side of the entrance. Even better is staying in the park after it closes for early entry, so you can hit a few houses before it gets super busy later at night.
3. Dress Light and Stay Hydrated
Is it just us, or is September in Orlando hotter than ever before? Despite taking place mostly after dark, we were still sweating our 'lil frog legs off all weekend at Halloween Horror Nights 33. Wear cool, comfortable clothes.
On top of being deceptively hot and humid, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is a pretty intense event. Bring a water bottle to make staying cool a breeze and save money (make sure it's empty before going through security or else they'll ask you to dump it; can fill it up once inside the park) or purchase the HHN Freestyle cup for a fun souvenir. Aside from that, only bottled water is available for purchase.
4. Eat Early
You'll find snacks for sale, as well as alcohol in abundance, throughout the park. Look for carts set up along the streets. Lines for food and drinks can get long at times! Fuel up before you leave or early in the evening, and you can spend more time getting the daylights scared out of you. We noticed that food lines started to decrease after midnight.
5. Splurge on Snacks
If you have time to dedicate to fun food and drinks, check out the event-exclusive goodies. Eating (and Instagramming, TBH) these goodies is always enjoyable.
6. Watch Out for the Creatures of the Night!
If you want to avoid the street creatures, although we can't imagine why you'd want to, they largely stick to the streets and leave guests on the sidewalks alone.
7. Respect the Scare Actors
Last but not least, please remember that the scare actors are people too! No matter how monstrous they may seem, the scare actors will not actually touch or hurt you ... so please treat them with the same respect! Keep your hands, food, drinks and any unkind words to yourself for the best experience for everyone involved. This event is all about having FUN! Avoid using flash to photograph any "creatures" in the scare zones, and just ask if you really feel the need. They'll usually be happy to pose for (or with!) you.
Are you planning on attending Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Florida? What questions do you have for us about the event? Share in the comments below.
Related: Early Entry at Halloween Horror Nights Orlando — How Does It Work?
Keep hopping!
