The horror season is upon us! Halloween Horror Nights 2026 begins Thursday, Sept 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood.
If you’ve visited the event before, you know what to expect. For those who haven’t, get ready for some unforgettable horrific encounters…
Universal Studios Hollywood’s haunted houses are known for their incredible make-up, costuming, and set design.
Halloween Horror Nights 2026 features 8 haunted houses, 4 scarezones, the Terror Tram, a show, street experiences – as well as an insane offering of spooky-themed food & drink. Universal will also keep most of its popular attractions open during the event.
There is so much to do that it can be overwhelming. So we’re here to help as best we can, answer frequently asked questions, and share some veteran knowledge for your game plan.
We’ll update this page throughout the event to keep it as up-to-date as possible.
The Basics
Halloween Horror Nights 2026 takes place on select nights from September 3, 2026, through November 1, 2026. The event starts at 7 pm every night and closes at 2 am.
Before getting into this year’s lineup, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The event begins at 7 pm, but Early Access is available beginning at 5:30 pm with a valid Early Access ticket.
- Arrive early. Parking, security, and getting through the Front Gate can take time, especially on busy nights.
- Buy your tickets in advance. Event nights can sell out, and purchasing ahead of time also means one less thing to worry about when you arrive.
- Express is highly recommended, but not required. You can accomplish everything without it, but you’ll need to arrive early and have a solid game plan.
- Don’t underestimate the Terror Tram. Unlike a traditional haunted house, you’ll board a tram, travel to the Backlot, walk through the experience, and board another tram to return. It can take up a significant chunk of your night.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking — and probably even more if you’re trying to knock out all eight haunted houses.
- Know your priorities. There’s a lot to see and do in one night, so figure out your must-do houses and experiences beforehand and build your night around them.
We’ll get into all of this in more detail below, but a little planning can go a long way toward making the most of your night.
This year’s lineup features 8 haunted houses and the Terror Tram:
- Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness
Ozzy Osbourne’s shocking image was as haunting as his heavy metal hits. Now you’ll enter the Prince of Darkness’s kingdom where music and mayhem collide — and everything’s gone off the rails. Veer through a decaying world ripped straight from Ozzy’s lyrics in this haunted house inspired by one of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest legends. Let the madness begin! - Evil Dead Burn
The Book of the Dead has been reopened, and now an infernal force consumes a family home. In this haunted house based on the new film, Evil Dead Burn, dodge possessed Deadites hell-bent on bloodshed, encounter not just the root of evil, but the whole family tree. - Hellraiser
Enter a realm of pure pain in a haunted house based on the original Hellraiser trilogy. You’ll journey through the depths of Hell and bear witness to Pinhead and the Cenobites’ nightmarish rituals. Then hope you don’t get trapped in your own. - Stranger Things 5
The Upside Down is invading Hawkins, and this time no one’s safe. In this haunted house based on the final season of Stranger Things, join the gang in Hawkins for one last adventure as you try to survive Demogorgons and the Mind Flayer. Will you defeat Vecna once and for all? - Sinners
In 1930s Mississippi, libations flow freely and guitar screams fill the air at the Smokestack Twins’ juke joint. But the blues become red when Remmick’s troop of bloodthirsty vampires crash the party—and test blood’s true bonds—as you brave this terrifying haunted house based on the award-winning original horror film, Sinners. - Killer Klowns from Outer Space
In this haunted house based on Killer Klowns from Outer Space, try not to become the cotton candy-covered snack of some seriously unfriendly visitors from worlds unknown.
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KILLCEANERA: Music by Slash
Quince Años. Quince Velas. Quince Monstruos. In this haunted house featuring music by Slash, a vengeful birthday girl summons malevolent spirits to her quinceañera to exact monstrous vengeance on school bullies. - Dead. Deader. Deadest
When a miracle embalming drug backfires, the Deville Family Funeral Home’s permanent residents rise from their graves dead set on terrorizing the living in this haunted house. - Terror Tram Starring Art the Clown
Art the Clown arrives on the Backlot with his bloody bag of presents in tow. But when he realizes he’s too early for Christmas, he hijacks the Terror Tram for his own ho-ho-horrific holiday tradition. The soundtrack features Ice Nine Kills.
The 4 scarezones are:
- Fortnitemares
Drop from the Battle Bus into the chaos of FORTNITEMARES. The Storm is spreading through this scare zone, bringing new horrors with it.
- Hackerz
You can spot them from a mile away — and yet you still don’t stand a chance. Don’t get hacked to bits by a band of chainsaw-swinging freaks. - El Circo de la Muerte
This traveling circus is host to all sorts of atrocious acts. Come see for yourself and you’ll leave forever changed — if you leave at all. - Blood Bog
Venture deep into the murky swampland and encounter a mysterious bog: a hotbed for creatures that will make your blood run cold.
The show featured this year is:
- The Purge: Dangerous Waters
A fiery stunt spectacular puts you in the world of The Purge and brings the terror to life like you’ve never seen it before.
Additional Horror Nights experiences include:
- Watch out for Art the Clown as he lurks in the shadows, looms around corners, and terrifies you when you least expect him.
- Shriek of the Banshee: Follow your curiosity through the fog and stumble upon this sideshow featuring the strange, the unnatural, and the deadly.
- Murder of Crowz: You’ve foolishly ventured into a massive crow’s nest. Now the territorial flock will descend upon you and peck your bones clean.
- Universal Plaza will serve up a celebration in honor of Dia de Los Muertos featuring an array of Latin Folklore-themed food, snacks, and cocktails.
- The Ozzy Bar is located on the 2nd floor of Jurassic Cafe in the Lower Lot.
- In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Death Eaters, a group of Voldemort’s most devoted followers, roam Hogsmeade™village, looking to find others willing to show loyalty to the Dark Lord’s cause.
- Nikki from Obsession will also be roaming somewhere in the streets of Universal Studios Hollywood as a walkaround character.
The following rides will be open:
- Revenge of the Mummy
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
- The Simpsons Ride
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will only be available with limited access during Halloween Horror Nights with an R.I.P. Tour.
Tickets
Guests can choose from a variety of different ticket options, from single-night to multi-night passes, and even VIP experiences.
A single-night ticket to HHN starts at $77 per person, plus tax. A single-night ticket with Express starts at $259 per person, plus tax. This option allows one-time Express access to each participating house/attraction.
To get the Unlimited Express option, which allows multiple uses throughout the night, the price starts at $299 per person, plus tax.
We recommend purchasing your ticket ahead of time online to save money, as tickets at the front gate cost more.
There is also the After 2 pm Day/Night Combo ticket, which allows entry into Universal Studios Hollywood, with same-day admission and Early Entry into Halloween Horror Nights beginning at 5:30 pm. Ticket prices for the After 2 pm Day/Night Combo ticket start at $117, plus tax. If you’d like to have the Express ticket, prices start at $299, plus tax.
Prices for the Halloween Horror Nights Early Access Ticket, which allows guests early entry into Halloween Horror Nights starting at 5:30 pm, start at $20. To clarify, this is not an admission ticket. You must purchase a Halloween Horror Nights admission ticket separately for the same date.
Pricing varies by date and is subject to availability. Check Universal Studios Hollywood’s website for exact prices for your planned day of visit. Sellouts are possible, so if you’re planning a single-night visit – BUY your ticket as soon as you can.
If you have event admission the same night as your daytime theme park admission, you don’t have to exit and re-enter. Instead, when you get to the front gate turnstiles, present your event ticket to the attendant, and you’ll be given a wristband. Your wristband will allow you to stay inside the Park for Halloween Horror Nights. You may be asked to show a photo ID.
For multi-night tickets, there are several options – each with the ability to add Express.
- Frequent Fear Pass – Get up to 35 nights, with some blackout dates. The ticket price is $179, plus tax. Blackout dates: Oct. 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24.
- Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass – Where you can visit ALL event nights. The ticket price is $299, plus tax.
The Halloween Horror Nights Dining Pass is available for $64.75 and includes two eligible entrée items and four eligible side, snack, dessert, or beverage items at participating locations during Halloween Horror Nights, valid only on the selected date and requiring separate Halloween Horror Nights admission.
The R.I.P. Tour
Ticket includes:
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- A guided walking tour of the event.
- One-time R.I.P. entry to each haunted house as well as select rides and attractions (based on tour itinerary).
- Reserved VIP seating at a live show (based on tour itinerary availability) while on the tour with R.I.P. Tour Guide.
- Same-day limited access to Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (based on tour itinerary).
- Unlimited (per day) express access with R.I.P. Tour credential at each haunted house, ride, and attraction. Express access is a separate line with a shorter wait time. (Does not apply to food and retail locations or non-seated shows).
- Universal Backlot Halloween experience with a VIP trolley transportation.
- Gourmet dinner in the private VIP dining room (alcoholic beverages excluded).
- Special themed photo opportunities.
- Complimentary valet parking for one vehicle (not valid at self-parking).
- Special VIP entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood where you will receive your commemorative “R.I.P.” credential and lanyard.
- Daytime admission to the Park is not included.
- The ticket does not include early event access.
Is it Scary?
That depends on who you ask, as everyone’s definition of scary is different. Afraid of Clowns? Afraid of Dolls? Afraid of Blood? It’s all there. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly – if you will.
The event is a smorgasbord of horror, a little something for everyone – so there will most likely be SOMETHING that will try to eat at your fears.
We recommend combing through the lineup to see what’s what, so you know what to expect.
If you are easily startled, be on your guard. The actors focus on guests who aren’t paying full attention, so if you’re on your cell phone – expect to become a scare target.
To Express or Not to Express?
Express Passes let you skip the long lines at all open attractions. If you can afford it, we highly recommend purchasing them.
Express is definitely a luxury, but it is worth the peace of mind to enjoy the event at your own pace.
We also recommend NOT using your Express pass for anything under 20 minutes.
If you opt to go without Express, you must, must, MUST be there before opening, especially on busier nights if you want to accomplish everything. You can do everything without Express, but it will require you to take advantage of Early Entry and a committed schedule.
Be forewarned: If you arrive late on any night, it may take a while to get through the parking, security, and the turnstiles. This is why it is so important to buy your tickets in advance and arrive early.
Should I Start in the Lower Lot or the Upper Lot?
If you have Express, it’s totally your call. That’s the beauty of the perk.
The Lower Lot features Stranger Things 5 and Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness, so we anticipate that a bulk of the crowds will head there first. There’s also a good chance that people will flock to the first house they see, which is the other headliner, Sinners, near the Universal Plaza in the Upper Lot.
If you’re trying to get ahead of the crowds and don’t have Express, we recommend arriving early (consider the Early Access option) and going straight to the Lower Lot.
What is the Terror Tram?
The Terror Tram is one of the experiences that makes Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood unique. Rather than a traditional haunted house, guests board a Studio Tour tram and travel onto the Universal backlot, where they disembark and make their way on foot through a large-scale outdoor horror experience filled with scareactors, sets, and themed environments. Once you reach the end, you’ll board a tram again for the ride back to the theme park.
Keep in mind that the Terror Tram can be a lengthy experience. In addition to the posted wait, you’ll need to account for the tram ride, unloading, walking through the attraction, and boarding another tram for the return trip. Plan accordingly when deciding where to fit it into your night.
This year, the experience is Terror Tram starring Art the Clown. Art arrives on the Universal backlot with a bag full of Christmas presents, only to discover he’s a little early for the holidays. Naturally, that doesn’t stop him from creating his own twisted Christmas celebration, with gruesome takes on holiday traditions and familiar Christmas imagery throughout the backlot.
Food & Drink Menu
You can find all the information about this year’s food & drink here.
More FAQ
Q: Are express passes really needed?
A: This is a question that is asked the most. Express isn’t necessary, but it’s highly recommended if your budget allows because it dramatically reduces the planning and rushing required. They will ensure you can visit each house and attraction, and maybe even visit some houses multiple times. Crowds are always heavy, especially as it gets closer to Halloween.
Q: What is the alcohol situation?
A: Multiple stands and designated bars are set up with food and drink throughout the park.
Always remember to drink responsibly.
Q: What’s the best house?
A: This can’t be answered. Different strokes and all. But you must visit each house to voice your own opinion.
Q: Are children allowed?
A: Yes, however, Universal states that the event may be too intense for anyone under the age of 13. We don’t recommend bringing young children, but we understand every child is different and may be able to handle the scares. Ultimately, as a parent, you have to decide what feels right for your child.
Q: Can I use my Express Pass more than once?
A: It depends on your Express Pass. The Regular option allows Express once per attraction. The Unlimited option speaks for itself… It’s unlimited.
Q: Can I dress up for Halloween?
A: Costumes are subject to the costume policy. No costume masks allowed. You can find out more information on Universal’s Costume Policy here.
Q: If there was only one thing you could recommend to a first-timer, what would it be?
A: Decide beforehand what’s most important to you and construct your game plan around that. There is no cheat code to beat the wait times, so figure out what meets your needs and plan accordingly. If you have Express, you can take a more chill approach. If you’re opting to go without Express, you may need to arrive early and expect a bit of hustle.
Q: Why shouldn’t I use Express if the wait is so low?
A: Express is an expensive benefit, and rightfully so. We think it’s wasteful to use it on a line less than 20-30 minutes. In addition, though the wait time may show 20 minutes, your wait may be less, or the wait time may be incorrect. Keep that Ace in your pocket so you can use your Express benefit later in the night if you want to repeat a house.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: If your #1 goal is to avoid crowds, then the earlier in the event, the better. As we start getting into October – with school breaks, the Columbus Day holiday, and the Halloween spirit growing- it tends to be a lot busier.
Q: Should I get a Frequent Fear Pass?
A: Only if you see yourself making more than one visit during the event’s run.
Q: Can I touch a scareactor?
A: Absolutely not. Depending on the situation, it’s grounds for ejection from the event.
Q: Can I take photos or video?
A: Per Universal – officially – recording and flash photography are not permitted in the haunted houses. Outside the haunted houses, you are allowed to take as many photos and videos as you’d like.
Flash photography is also frowned upon in the scarezones, so please be kind to the actors. No one likes a sudden burst of bright light in their face. While it’s not a rule, security and leaders may ask you to turn off your flash.
And while photos are allowed, the actors are there to scare, so it is totally up to the actor whether or not to pose for a picture with you.
Additional Tips
- Buy tickets as early as you can to ensure you are guaranteed entrance.
- Wear comfy shoes. It seems silly to include, but you’d be surprised how often guests overlook this.
- We repeat… Never use Express on waits of less than 20 minutes.
- Don’t waste time doing the rides; this is Halloween Horror Nights! If you must do everything, including the rides, Express will benefit this game plan.
- If traveling in large groups, be aware of your party’s needs. If you have people who may want to skip a certain haunt, make sure they know where you will exit.
- If you plan to drink, please drink responsibly. A large number of law enforcement officers will be present to ensure no one gets disorderly. Also, don’t try to sneak in alcohol; the police will be looking carefully. Underage visitors, this means you!
