Halloween Horror Nights is back at Universal Studios Hollywood for its biggest season yet, with a record 42 select nights of scares between 3 September and 1 November 2026. After dark, the park transforms into eight movie-quality haunted houses, roaming scare zones, a fiery stunt show and the legendary Terror Tram, hosted this year by Art the Clown from the Terrifier films.
The full 2026 lineup is now confirmed, so we've pulled everything together in one place: the remaining dates, every haunted house, your ticket options and our favourite tips for making the most of your night. Let's dive in!
Quick summary:
- Dates: Select nights until 1 November 2026. Remaining dates are 14-18, 21-25 and 28-31 October, plus 1 November.
- Event hours: The event begins at 7pm (gates open from 6:30pm). Early Access tickets open select haunted houses from 5:30pm.
- Haunted houses: Eight in total, including Stranger Things 5, Sinners, Hellraiser and the original KILLceañera: Music by SLASH.
- Terror Tram: Terror Tram starring Art the Clown, with music from Ice Nine Kills.
- Ticket type: Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event, so you'll need an event ticket as well as (or instead of) your daytime ticket.
- New for 2026: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ open to all guests from 7pm to 10pm during the event
- Age guidance: Universal doesn't recommend the event for children under 13.
What is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Halloween Horror Nights is Universal Studios Hollywood's separately ticketed after-dark Halloween event. In 2026 it runs on 42 select nights from 3 September to 1 November, from 7pm, with eight haunted houses, the Terror Tram starring Art the Clown, five scare zones, The Purge: Dangerous Waters stunt show and a selection of the park's rides. It's recommended for guests aged 13 and over.
When is Halloween Horror Nights 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Halloween Horror Nights 2026 runs on 42 select nights between Thursday 3 September and Sunday 1 November 2026. Here are the remaining nights of the season:
- October: 14-18, 21-25, 28-31 (Halloween)
- November: 1 (Closing night)
The event begins at 7pm each night, and gates open from 6:30pm. Closing times vary by date, so check the official Universal Studios Hollywood app or website for your night.
Top tip: Halloween weekend and the final week are some of the most popular nights of the season. If you have flexibility, a Wednesday or Thursday night in mid-October gives you more choice of dates and ticket options.
The 2026 haunted house lineup
All eight haunted houses for 2026 have been revealed, with a brilliant mix of blockbuster franchises and Universal's own original stories.
- Stranger Things 5 - Head back to Hawkins for the final season of the Netflix hit. You'll walk through familiar locations, including the Wheeler house, as Demogorgons close in and Vecna waits for the final showdown.
- Sinners - Step inside Club Juke, the 1930s Mississippi Delta juke joint from Ryan Coogler's film, as red-eyed vampires crash the party. It's a beautifully detailed, atmospheric house full of characters straight from the film.
- Hellraiser - Inspired by the first three Hellraiser films, this house takes you into the realm of Pinhead and the Cenobites. Doug Bradley, the original Pinhead, lends his voice to the experience.
- Evil Dead Burn - Based on the newest film in the franchise, this house starts at a secluded family home in the woods and sends you running from possessed Deadites at every turn.
- Killer Klowns from Outer Space has you dodging cotton candy cocoons as the extraterrestrial clowns look for their next snack.
- Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness - A heavy metal tribute to the rock legend, spanning his solo career with music from albums including Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. Look out for a spectacular Crazy Train moment!
- Killer Klowns from Outer Space - The fan favourite returns! Dodge cotton candy cocoons and popcorn-firing alien clowns in a colourful (and deceptively cheerful) circus funhouse.
- KILLceañera: Music by SLASH - An original house continuing Universal Studios Hollywood's tradition of celebrating Latin American myths and legends. Lola turns her quinceañera into a festival of revenge, all set to an original score by SLASH, featuring Spanish guitar and an exclusive song, 15 Candles.
- Dead, Deader, Deadest - One of Universal's own original concepts. A miracle embalming drug at the Deville Family Funeral Home goes horribly wrong, and a century's worth of residents rise from their graves.
Top tip: If you're a big fan of a particular film or series, make that house one of your first stops of the night. Every house is included with your event ticket, so you can plan your route around your favourites!
Terror Tram starring Art the Clown
The Terror Tram is the experience that makes Universal Studios Hollywood's event one of a kind. The famous Studio Tour transforms after dark, taking you onto the real Universal backlot by tram before you step off and continue on foot through film sets brought to life with scares.
For 2026, Art the Clown from the Terrifier films is your host. He arrives on the backlot with his blood-soaked bag of presents, realises it's far too early for Christmas, and takes over the tram for his own twisted holiday celebration. Metal band Ice Nine Kills has created the soundtrack, giving classic Christmas songs a sinister twist.
Art doesn't stay on the backlot, either! Keep your eyes peeled, as he roams the whole park throughout the night.
Top tip: The Terror Tram involves a good amount of walking on the backlot, so comfortable shoes are a must. It usually finishes earlier than the rest of the event, so check its closing time in the app and plan it into the first half of your night.
Scare zones and street experiences
The scares carry on between the houses, with five scare zones and roaming characters across the park in 2026.
| Scare zone | What to expect |
|---|---|
| FORTNITEMARES | An all-new zone inspired by Fortnite's Halloween event, with the Battle Bus and game characters (including some exclusive to Halloween Horror Nights) in a living battleground |
| Hackerz | A troop of chainsaw-wielding killers on the prowl |
| El Circo de la Muerte | A sinister 1930s travelling circus from Mexico, by the exit of KILLceañera, with its own fun-house mini maze to explore |
| Blood Bog | A murky bayou full of moss monsters |
| Murder of Crowz | The returning favourite, with giant crows guarding their nest |
Look out for these street experiences too:
- Art the Clown - Roaming the Upper Lot, Lower Lot and backlot all night
- Freaky Nikki - The character from the horror film Obsession, who may appear on the Upper or Lower Lot
- Shriek of the Banshee - A carnival barker, his talking skeleton and a banshee on the loose
- Death Eaters - Prowling Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter after dark
The Purge: Dangerous Waters stunt show
The Purge: Dangerous Waters returns to the WaterWorld stage with a high-octane stunt show packed with fire, explosions, high falls and lawless chaos. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a seat and a spectacle between houses. Show times vary by night, so check the app when you arrive, and aim to take your seat a little before the show begins.
What rides are open during Halloween Horror Nights?
A selection of the park's daytime rides stay open during the event, so you can mix thrills with scares. Rides open during Halloween Horror Nights include:
- Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge (7pm to 10pm)
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff
- The Simpsons Ride
- Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride
- TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (7pm to 10pm, with select tickets or a separate add-on)
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ after dark:
New for 2026, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is open to all event guests from 7pm to 10pm, a rare chance to see the Mushroom Kingdom lit up at night.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
The park's newest coaster opened on 16 September 2026. Access during Halloween Horror Nights isn't part of general admission, and comes with select ticket types or a separate timed add-on from Universal for a one-time ride. Riders need to be at least 51 inches (129.5 cm) tall.
Top tip: The Studio Tour, WaterWorld and some daytime attractions and shows close for the event. If you'd like to experience them, a daytime ticket lets you enjoy them before the scares begin.
Your Halloween Horror Nights ticket
Our Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights ticket gives you one night of general admission to the event on the date of your choice, and it’s completely separate from daytime Universal Studios Hollywood admission, so make sure you’ve booked the right one for your visit!
Book with us and you’ll get:
- Guaranteed entry on the date you select
- Instant digital delivery, straight to your Customer Account and ready to add to your phone
- An official gate-ready ticket, so you’re all set to head straight in
- Savings of up to $40 on select event nights versus buying at the front gate
- A free 5% saving with code CAL5 at checkout
- A free 1GB eSim with every adult ticket, so you can stay connecting on the night
Halloween Horror Nights tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, so it’s worth being sure of your date before you book. If you’d like to explore the park by day too, take a look at our full range of Universal Studios Hollywood tickets here.
Food and drink at Halloween Horror Nights
Halloween Horror Nights comes with a deliciously spooky menu, with themed food booths, pop-up bars and limited-time treats across the park. Highlights for 2026 include:
- Ozzy's Bar - Ozzy Osbourne-themed cocktails and bites, including mocktail options
- The Día de los Muertos pop-up - a festive plaza with a food stand, a made-to-order margarita bar and carnival games
- House-inspired treats - snacks and dishes themed around this year's houses, plus seasonal Treehouse of Horror specials in Springfield
- The One Wish churro - a nod to the Obsession character encounter, on the Upper Lot
Top tip: Enjoy a proper meal before the event begins, either in the park or at Universal CityWalk, so you can spend more of your night in the houses.
Tips for getting the most out of your night
A little planning goes a long way at Halloween Horror Nights. Here are a few lesser-known details worth knowing before you go:
- Keep your phone charged. Your ticket is delivered digitally with a QR code for entry, so it’s worth packing a portable charger, especially if you’re taking photos and using the app throughout the night.
- Check your costume dimensions. Costumes can’t exceed 25 inches wide by 80 inches high, since Universal’s metal detection screening has to be able to process everyone quickly. If you’re planning something elaborate, this is worth checking before you leave your hotel or home!
- Face paint has rules too. You can wear face paint, but it can only cover up to half your face if applied vertically, unless it’s a design applied by one of Universal’s approved artists on-site.
- Bring valid ID if you fancy a drink. Alcohol is served at select locations during the event for guests aged 21 and over, and state or government ID will be checked, so don’t leave it in the hotel safe!
- Visit SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ after dark. It's open to all guests from 7pm to 10pm this year, a rare chance to see the land lit up at night rather than in daylight.
- Check the health guidance before you commit to a haunted house. The haunted houses feature strobe lighting, fog effects and enclosed spaces, and Universal advises against them if you’re pregnant or have heart conditions, so it’s worth choosing your houses with that in mind if it applies to you.
Costumes and age guidance
Costumes are welcome at Halloween Horror Nights, and a few simple guidelines help keep the night safe and fun for everyone:
- Keep your face visible. Costume masks and face coverings aren't permitted.
- Face paint can cover up to half your face (applied vertically), or you can choose a design by Universal's approved on-site artists. Prosthetic makeup isn't permitted.
- Costumes can be up to 25 inches wide by 80 inches high, so they pass smoothly through security screening.
- Leave prop weapons at home, along with anything that resembles a weapon.
- Choose an outfit that won't be mistaken for a Universal Team Member, a scare actor, the emergency services or the military.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate ticket for Halloween Horror Nights?
Yes. Regular daytime Universal Studios Hollywood tickets don’t grant access to the event, and your Halloween Horror Nights ticket doesn’t include daytime park admission. You’ll need a dedicated event ticket to get through the gates.
What time does Halloween Horror Nights start?
The event begins at 7:00pm each night, with gates opening at 6:30pm.
What’s included in my Halloween Horror Nights ticket?
The Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights ticket gives you one night of general admission to the event on your chosen date, with guaranteed entry, instant digital delivery and a free 1GB eSim included with every adult ticket.
How many haunted houses are there in 2026?
There are eight haunted houses: Stranger Things 5, Sinners, Hellraiser, Evil Dead Burn, Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, KILLceañera: Music by SLASH and Dead, Deader, Deadest.
What is the Terror Tram theme for 2026?
The 2026 Terror Tram is Terror Tram starring Art the Clown, based on the Terrifier films, with a twisted Christmas theme and music by Ice Nine Kills.
Will it be cancelled if it rains?
No. Halloween Horror Nights runs rain or shine, and there are no rain checks or refunds.
Can I use my Universal Orlando ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood?
No. Tickets for the Orlando event are only valid at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and can’t be used for the Halloween Horror Nights event at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles.
Ready to book your night of screams?
With eight incredible haunted houses, Art the Clown taking over the Terror Tram and a park full of scares, Halloween Horror Nights 2026 is one of the most exciting seasons yet at Universal Studios Hollywood. There are still plenty of nights left to enjoy it before it closes on 1 November, so pick your date, plan your must-dos and get ready to scream!
Browse our Universal Studios Hollywood tickets page to start planning the rest of your visit.
Looking for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort instead? Check out our guide for this event here.
