Halloween Horror Nights is Universal Studios Hollywood’s after-dark scare event, with haunted houses, scare zones and a Terror Tram takeover across the park. The 2026 edition runs on 42 select nights from September 3 through November 1, and each night starts at 7 p.m. For 2026, Universal adds two new original houses, Dead, Deader, Deadest and Killceañera: Music by SLASH, plus a Terror Tram led by Art the Clown.
This event suits teens and adults who enjoy intense, close-range scares. There is no daytime family version, and the content is built for mature audiences, so check Universal’s official page for its current age guidance before you bring children. Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event, so a regular theme park ticket does not get you in. Buy a night-specific ticket or a multi-night pass, and check the park calendar for which dates are on sale.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, California
- Dates: September 3 to November 1, 2026
- Event nights: 42 select nights, check the park calendar
- Haunted houses: 8, plus the Terror Tram
- Scare zones: 6, plus roaming characters
- New for 2026: Two new original houses: Dead, Deader, Deadest and Killceañera: Music by SLASH
- Ticket: Separate ticket
What’s new for 2026
Two of the eight houses are new originals made for Hollywood. Dead, Deader, Deadest is set in an abandoned funeral home, and Killceañera: Music by SLASH follows a quinceañera revenge story with an original score by Slash.
The Terror Tram is also refreshed. This year’s version stars Art the Clown on the Universal backlot with a holiday theme and new music from Ice Nine Kills. A stunt show, The Purge: Dangerous Waters, joins the entertainment schedule at the WaterWorld venue. A daytime add-on, the Unmasking the Horror Tour, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the event is built.
Haunted houses and scare zones
The eight houses are Sinners, Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser, Evil Dead Burn, Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Dead, Deader, Deadest and Killceañera: Music by SLASH. The Terror Tram Starring Art the Clown is sold as a separate experience alongside them, and some guides count it as a ninth house.
Universal lists six scare zones: Fortnitemares, El Circo de la Muerte, Hackerz, Blood Bog, Shriek of the Banshee and Murder of Crowz. El Circo de la Muerte is a traveling circus with monstrous acts. Hackerz puts chainsaw-wielding performers near the main entrance. Blood Bog is a swamp area along the walkway toward the Terror Tram. Shriek of the Banshee is a sideshow near Fast & Furious, and Murder of Crowz is built around a giant crow’s nest. Roaming characters include Art the Clown, Nikki Freeman from Obsession and a Death Eaters encounter in the Wizarding World. Some guides group the roamers differently, so expect small differences between sources.
Daytime and family activities
Halloween Horror Nights does not have a daytime or family programme. Event nights start at 7 p.m., and closing times are not clearly published, so check the calendar for the night you pick. Early Access lets ticket holders into select houses from 5:30 p.m.
Some regular attractions stay open during the event, including The Simpsons Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D and Super Nintendo World. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is available in the evening with a separate add-on or select tickets, so check the ticket details. Themed food and drinks are sold across the park during the event.
Tickets, passes and Fast Lane
Single-night general admission ranges from $77 to $107 depending on the date. Universal’s line-skipping product is called Express, not Fast Lane. A single-night ticket with Express, which gives one ride per attraction, starts at $259. With Express Unlimited it starts at $299. Express Select is an add-on from $60. An After 2 p.m. Day/Night ticket starts at $117.
For repeat visits, the Frequent Fear Pass is $179 and covers 35 event dates. The Ultimate Fear Pass is $299 and covers all dates. Other add-ons include Early Access from $20, a Dining Pass at $64.75 and the Unmasking the Horror Tour at $20. The R.I.P. Tour starts at $479 per person as a standalone ticket. Prices come from a 2026 event guide and can change, so confirm on the official Universal Studios Hollywood site before you buy.
Tips for your visit
Lines for the most popular houses tend to grow as the night goes on, so arrive when the event opens and head to the busiest houses first. If you want to see all eight houses in one visit, Express or Express Unlimited is the practical way to do it. Otherwise, plan on a second night with a pass.
We did not find a published height rule for the houses, so check the official page for the latest guidance. Dress for a late night outdoors and wear comfortable shoes, since the event spreads across the park. Parking rates for event nights are listed on the park website, so check them before you go.
Explore more: every theme park Halloween event for 2026, by state.
Halloween Horror Nights 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood FAQs
When does Halloween Horror Nights 2026 start and end?
Halloween Horror Nights 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood runs from September 3 through November 1, 2026, on 42 select nights. Each night begins at 7 p.m. Check the park calendar for the exact dates.
Is Halloween Horror Nights included with park admission?
No. It is a separately ticketed event. Single-night tickets range from $77 to $107, and the Frequent Fear Pass ($179) and Ultimate Fear Pass ($299) cover multiple nights. Express and Early Access are sold as add-ons or packages.
Is Halloween Horror Nights too scary for kids?
The event is designed for mature audiences. The houses and scare zones involve close-range scares, loud effects and strong horror themes. Check Universal’s official page for its current age guidance before bringing children.
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Photo: Alec GeoSimonian / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.