Are you looking for the ultimate survivor’s guide to the 2025 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood?
If you are reading this, then that means I have officially survived HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood!
It was such a different and fun experience for someone who is used to the terrifying event overt at Universal Studios Florida.
I learned quite a bit and I’m super excited to tell you about everything there is and how to survive your own first visit to HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood!
I have quite a bit to cover so let’s dive into the scares.
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Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 at a Glance:
- HHN runs from September 4 to November 2, 2025!
- Tickets start at $77
- You can purchase the Universal Express from $259 to skip the lines
- There will be 8 haunted houses and 4 scare zones
- After 2 PM Day/Night Tickets Start at $117
- Capture the most incredible photos with a group of your beloved Hipster Friends
- Be sure to grab the latest HHN merchandise
- Take the challenge and go ALONE!
- Eat your way through the haunted event with the ghoulish cuisine (my favorite thing to do)!
Keep reading to get a full guide on how to conquer this California event like a pro!
What is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event that takes place at Universal Studios Hollywood on select nights during September and October (occasionally the first couple of dates in November).
It is filled with plenty of haunted houses, scare zones, entertainment, food and so much more!
History of HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood
Hollywood’s Horror Nights started on Oct 9, 1997, over 25 years ago. Meaning it started 6 years after Universal Studios Florida found success with their own version.
It tried to emulate the success of the sister park in 1992 but failed with a lackluster event.
After the 1997 launch it ran until 2000 when it took a long hiatus relaunching in 2006 where it has continued since then.
From 2007 until 2014, Universal Studios Hollywood featured its permanent attraction, House of Horrors, each year during HHN.
But it has not been all doom and gloom for Hollywood as in recent years, it has found its stride and has steadily grown in popularity.
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Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood vs Orlando: Is HHN Hollywood or Orlando better?
In a way, yes, but I feel saying yes completely would be a disservice to both parks.
Each version of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios offers each person something that will interest them.
The layout of HHN Hollywood and how the scareactors conduct themselves are different for sure as well as food and beverage offerings. And just the whole vibe in California is different.
The most similar things I found for both Halloween events were the houses.
Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood did get a few of the same houses for both coasts this year, but this is standard.
However, even some of the same themed houses have their own twist and differences making it fun to be able to visit both events in America.
What are the dates for Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2025?
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood runs on select nights from September 4 to November 2, 2025.
You can get the complete dates for this season here on Universals’ website.
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How Much is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood?
With most theme parks these days, the price is determined by the date. The cost of HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood starts at $77.
However, you can find cheap Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights tickets on Groupon!
Also remember that the closer to Halloween you go, the higher the price of the event.
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Night ticket options such as:
- General Admission starting at $77
- Universal Express starting at $259
- After 2 P.M. Day/Night starting at $117
- R.I.P. Tour starting at $449
- Early Access Ticket where you can get a head start on your night 1.5 hours before the event begins starting at an additional $15
- Frequent Fear Pass ($179) and Ultimate Fear Pass ($299)
Frequent Fear HHN Pass
| Pass | Frequent Fear | Ultimate Fear |
| Price | $179 | $299 |
| Number of Nights | Up to 33 | Up to 40 |
| Dates | September 4–7, 11–14, 18–21, 25–28 October 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 26, 29–31 November 1, 2 | All event dates are valid |
| Blackout Dates | October 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 | No blackout dates |
Hipster Power Tip: You must select any available event night for your first visit, starting September 4, 2025.
Passholders
If you’re an Annual Passholder, you can take advantage of different discounts for you and your friends.
You will also be eligible for receiving a free ticket if you’re a Platinum Annual Pass Member. For more information about each ticket type visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Dates
The HHN hours are from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. but last year I was able to enter the park as early at 5:00 p.m. with the earliest house that opened around 6:15 p.m.
Hipster Power Tip: Get the Halloween Horror Nights After 2pm Day/ Night upgrade that gives one (1) After 2:00 p.m. Daytime General Admission to the Park, and same-day evening General Admission to Halloween Horror Nights event. The ticket includes same-day access to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. plus early event access to select haunted houses starting at 5:30 p.m.
What’s Included in Your Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Ticket?
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood includes access to the haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, fun character photo-ops, exclusive food and drink options to purchase AND more!
Everything that is featured in this event can be very overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the layout.
Don’t worry, I will break it down for you!
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2025 Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Houses
Let’s start with the most obvious inclusions and that is the haunted houses.
- Five Nights at Freddy’s: Get ready to be chased by the terrifying animatronics known as Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy while you dash through those spooky, deserted hallways!
- Terrifier: You won’t believe what you’re in for at this chilling haunted house inspired by all three of Damien Leone’s Terrifier movies.
- Fallout: Get ready to tackle your fears in a post-apocalyptic LA, wrecked by nuclear war, inspired by the popular Fallout game and show. You’ll explore the vaults and face off against raiders with Lucy by your side.
- Jason Universe: Get ready to meet the legendary horror villain Jason Voorhees as you run through the woods and find yourself in his eerie shack and recognizable summer camp.
- The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks: Here you’ll step into the spooky world of The Wyatt Sicks, where you’ll walk through a creepy doorway and delve into the twisted thoughts of Uncle Howdy, Rambling Rabbit, Mercy the Buzzard, Abby the Witch, and Huskus the Pig.
- Poltergeist: Remember those restless spirits from that classic movie? Yeah, they’ve taken over that creepy house sitting right on top of a cemetery, and guess what? They’re totally drawn to you! The glowing whispers from the TV are going to pull you up into the house, and before you know it, you’ll be crossing over into a whole new world.
- Scarecrow: Music by Slash: At a deserted farm from the Great Depression, a quest for revenge begins to sprout. Scarecrows are getting back at those who destroyed the land. The only thing that will be harvested is you. Plus, there’s a unique score created by Slash!
- Monstruos 3 – The Ghosts of Latin America: La Llorona, La Muelona, and La Siguanaba are lurking in the shadows. These three legends are ones La Muerte wants you to get to know, but trust me, you’ll probably wish you hadn’t.
Recommended: What to Bring to Halloween Horror Nights: HHN Packing List
2025 Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones
At Hollywood this year, there is one main scare zone with smaller, unofficial ones throughout the park.
At first glance, the themes seem a bit tame, I can assure you the scare actors truly bring the zones to life.
- Noche de Brujas: You know those wicked, cackling witches from Latin American stories? They’ll come after you, weaving dark spells to trap you!!
- Murder of Crowz: You’ve wandered into a huge crow’s nest without thinking. Now that scary bunch is swooping down to peck you to the bone.
- Chainsaw Clownz: Get ready for a wild night of thrills the moment you walk in. Masked clowns rocking chainsaws and demented gear are gonna surround you!
- Murder of Crowz: You’ve made a risky move by wandering into a huge crow’s nest. Now, that intimidating flock is about to swoop down on you!
I have to point out that unlike Orlando’s HHN, the actors can get very close to you and can follow you on the sidewalks.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Terror Tram 2025
The HHN Terror Tram was easily one of the highlights of my trip to HHN Hollywood.
Universal’s Terror Tram is a Halloween overlay of Universal Studio Hollywood’s Studio Tour, which runs during the daytime until 4 p.m. on event nights.
Although this is not technically labeled as a scare zone, the way it’s setup feels like an attraction and scare zone in one.
This year the Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse takes guests to the renowned Universal backlot, immersing you with the spooky Blumhouse characters are running the Terror Tram!
Get ready to meet the killer android M3GAN, The Grabber, and a bunch of others!
What to Expect on the HHN Terror Tram
I have ridden the Tram Tour in the past and as a big movie buff, particularly of the golden age of Hollywood, I always love this section!
What I didn’t realize in my first visit to HHN Hollywood is that a good chunk of this tour is a walking experience.
It does get hilly at some points so be mindful and there is options for those who need accessible options.
Entertainment and Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2025
A big part of what I was impressed with when it came to this event was the entertainment that was provided in previous years.
One of the big draws for me personally when it comes to haunt events like this are the shows or entertainment outside of the houses and scare zones.
Personally, I like to enjoy the talent that they hire outside of the houses and scare zones and it allows me to get a break from them.
Sometimes the sensory aspects of the event can be a bit much, so this allows a brief reprieve.
HHN Shows
- The Purge – Dangerous Waters: This awesome stunt show drops you right into The Purge like you’ve never experienced it before.
- Chain Man – The Chaos: Dive into an exciting and unique story where Anime characters like Denji, Aki, and their friends take on the Devil from Halloween Horror Nights.
Rides Open for Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood
While you’re at HHN Hollywood, be sure to ride some of the best theme park attractions that will be open during the event such as:
- Jurassic World—The Ride
- Transformers™: The Ride-3D
- Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride
- The Simpsons Ride
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
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Halloween in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hollywood
You’ll be happy to know that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be open during Halloween Horror Nights!
This means that you’ll be able to enjoy the magic rides of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff.
As darkness falls upon Hogsmeade, the darker side of the Wizarding World makes takes over.
There’s also Voldemort’s followers, the Death Eaters, who roam the corridors of Hogsmeade threatening muggles, witches and wizards alike (final details pending for 2025).
This is actually a bit scary as you are taken through a back alley filled with green fog, coming face-to-face with the Death Eaters. But on the other side, they are really cool to interact with!
While walking through in the past, I have watched one challenge someone to a duel with the Hogwarts Castle in the backdrop. It was such a cool thing to see!
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2025 Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Food and Drink Offerings
Admittedly, I was not terribly impressed with the HHN food and drink offerings for a bit as they seemed very limited.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Food Menu
Here you will find specialty cocktails and food inspired by the films represented this year such as:
- Loaded Cram Fries (Fallout at Hollywood & Dime): Crispy chili-glazed spam served over pub fries.
- Yum Yum Deviled Eggs (Fallout at Hollywood & Dime): Coconut panna cotta filled with Chamoy pineapple bits and topped with mango topping and Tajin.
- Rad Away – Non Alcoholic (Fallout at Hollywood & Dine): Chipotle pineapple brown sugar lemonade served in a blood bag.
- Sunflower Glasses (Terrifier at H Lot Cart): Lemon raspberry cookie sandwich.
- Pamela’s Smoked Brisket Mac and Cheese (Jason Universe Barbecue at Panda Tent): Creamy mac and cheese topped with smoked brisket and Angry Orchard BBQ sauce.
- Jason Universe Mask Smore (Location – Panda Tent): Fire Roasted Marshmallow, Graham cracker, milk chocolate, and blood splatter.
- Slash’s Top Hat (Location – Slash Bar in Jurassic Terrace): Vanilla bean sponge cake with tropical habanero compote and coconut lime mousse.
- Camp Creamy Gouda Fondue (Jason Universe Barbecue at Panda Tent): Gouda and Angry Orchard Fondue served in a sourdough bread bowl with sliced apples.
2025 Merchandise at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
You will find the standard Halloween Horror Nights merchandise for the event such as t-shirts, cups, magnets, pins, sweaters, hoodies and other collectibles.
So, don’t forget to get all of your Halloween Horror Nights merchandise to remember this year’s houses!
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7 Beginner Tips for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
Now that you know what to expect at HHN Hollywood, let’s go through a few of the best tips to help you make the most of your time!
1. Stay Hydrated
You are going to be doing A LOT of walking and lots of waiting in lines, unless you get an Express Pass.
Bring your own bottle to fill up and make sure to drink throughout the evening, especially if you plan on drinking alcohol.
2. Arrive Early
You can enter Universal Studios Hollywood at 5 p.m. although the earliest houses don’t open until about 5:30 p.m. for guests with the Daytime Upgrade.
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3. Check Out HHN Vlogs and Videos
Despite me going to these haunts, I’m still a big scaredy cat. Sometimes and don’t really like going into the unknown.
But mainly, I find myself watching HHN Vlogs and POV videos on YouTube to see if which houses have lots of strobe light usage, as I’m sensitive to them.
There is absolutely no shame in watching the HHN videos so you know what you are walking into, haha!
4. Get Express Passes
One of my biggest tips for this event is to invest in Express Passes.
My friend and I had Halloween Horror Nights Express Passes and they were the main reason we got through all the houses.
I left a bit earlier than my friend last year and she managed all the houses with the Express Pass and all the entertainment by 11:30 p.m. (we started at 6 p.m.).
The lines were extremely long with the highest being up to 190 minutes in the past for Halloween and the runner up being 75 minutes for La Llorona back in 2022 .
How much are the Halloween Horror Nights Express Passes at Universal Studios Hollywood?
HHN Express Pass pricing depends on the date and can range from $259 for a Regular Express Pass. This upgrade allows you to go through each house once.
Unlimited HHN Express Passes starts at $299 while the After 2 PM Day/Night Universal Express starts at $319.
If you do the HHN RIP Tour, it is included in your cost that starts at $449.
5. Consider Getting the After 2 p.m. Tickets
Speaking of the After 2 p.m. tickets, this ticket lets you into Universal Studios Hollywood as well as same day admission to the event.
The price starts at $117 depending on the date and allows you to get ready for the event and ride some rides too.
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6. Start Low and Work Upwards
The strategy I found best was to start with the houses in the Lower Lot and then work your way up through Lower Lot.
In the past, once I got the the Upper Lot, I would take a break with Terror Tram. I’d then worked my way through the houses in the Upper Lot.
7. Scareactor Word of Caution
The scareactors in the scare zones and houses are lawless and way different than what I’m familiar with in Orlando’s HHN.
They are very in your face, intruding on your boundaries and they WILL follow you.
Sidewalks are not safe, and they will wait for you if you seek refuge in stores or restrooms.
Due to how crowded the zones can get, they can sneak up on very easily. My best advice is to pay attention and try not to look scared because you will automatically be a target, haha!
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My Final Thoughts on Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2025
Attending Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights gave me such an amazing insight on how different and unique each event is due to the culture and climate of the locations.
I absolutely enjoyed the offerings although I have felt that the food and drink offerings could have been a bit better so I didn’t eat too much while I was there.
I’m always obsessed with the entertainment and as far as the haunted houses, I ALWAYS enjoy!
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Is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood worth it?
The scareactors and Team Members were phenomenal and I genuinely feel that you will get their money’s worth with this event.
Personally, I know when I come back to California this year, I will be adding this event to my visit!
Have you visited HHN Hollywood this year and if so, what were your thoughts? Let us know in our Facebook Group!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
Contributors
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home.
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
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(Original Article Date: October 18, 2022/Updated by Editor on September 22, 2025)