2024 First-Timer’s Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood: Houses, Tickets and more!

Are you looking for the ultimate survivor’s guide to the 2024 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.

The Weeknd After Hours Nightmare Bar Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood 2023

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Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2024 at a Glance:

  • HHN runs from September 5 to November 3, 2024!
  • Tickets start at $77
  • You can purchase the Universal Express from $229 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 to Expect on This Guide TODAY: hide

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.

Walking Dead Attraction Dead Inside Door Universal Studios Hollywood California
Former Walking Dead Attraction

It is filled with plenty of haunted houses, scare zones, entertainment, food and so much more!

Universal Studios Hollywood Guide Blog Banner

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.

Sign Entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood California

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.

Chucky Characters at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood 2023

From 2007 until 2014, Universal Studios Hollywood featured its permanent attraction, House of Horrors, each year during HHN.

Victoria Wade and Norman Bates in Terror Tram Backlot Studio Tour with Bates Motel Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023

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.

Terror Tram Backlot Studio Tour with Bates Motel Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023

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.

Transformers the Ride 3D behind The Weeknd After Hours Nightmare House and Killer Klowns from Outer Space Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023
HHN Hollywood 2022

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 2024?

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood runs on select nights from September 5 to November 3, 2024.

Victoria Wade and Scooby Doo Characters at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood 2023

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!

Victoria Wade meeting Hello Kitty Character at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023

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 $229
  • After 2 P.M. Day/Night starting at $117
  • R.I.P. Tour starting at $409
  • Early Access Ticket where you can get a head start on your night 1.5 hours before the event begins starting at an additional $10
  • Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass

Frequent Fear HHN Pass

PassFrequent FearUltimate Fear
Price$179$299
Number of NightsUp to 33Up to 40
DatesSeptember: 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29
October: 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31
November: 1, 2, 3
All event dates are valid
Blackout DatesOctober: 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26No blackout dates

Hipster Power Tip: You must select any available event night for your first visit, starting September 5, 2024.

Passholders

If you’re an Annual Passholder, you can take advantage of different discounts for you and your friends.

The Weeknd After Hours Nightmare House Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
2022 HHN Hollywood Haunted

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 p.m. with the earliest house that opened around 6:15 p.m.

The Weeknd After Hours Nightmare Bar Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood 2023

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!

Victoria Wade Meeting Scooby Doo characters Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023

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!

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

2024 Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Houses

Let’s start with the most obvious inclusions and that is the haunted houses.

The Weeknd Nightmare Trilogy House at Halloween Horror Nights Universal Studios Hollywood 2024
Image Courtesy of Universal Parks
  1. A Quiet Place: You will feel the thrill all over again in those classic scenes from the first two movies as the growls of those massive predators will creep up on you at every scary twist and turn.
  2. Ghostbusters – Frozen Empire: You are in for a wild ride alongside the Ghostbusters, as you run into iconic ghosts who slime and shady villains seeking revenge, all while trying to dodge a bunch of spooky creatures eager to crack bones and turn your veins to ice.
  3. Insidious – The Further: Here you’ll get caught up in The Further while creepy demons try to snag you as you step into the Red-Faced Demon’s hideout through The Red Door. 
  4. Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines: Get ready for an awesome showdown where Saskia Van Helsing and the Bride of Frankenstein take on Dracula’s daughter and her creepy crew.
  5. The Weeknd – Nightmare Trilogy: The Weeknd is back with a spooky haunted house vibe inspired by After Hours, Dawn FM, and a chilling new story. Dive into some of the coolest moments pulled straight from his music videos and live shows.
  6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – The Legacy of Leatherface: Leatherface and his creepy family are ready to draw you into their bloody slaughterhouse. Get ready to experience a chilling original tale that pays tribute to the 1974 film’s 50th anniversary.
  7. Monstruos 2 – The Nightmares of Latin America: Watch out for the creepy rider El Charro or you might just lose your soul. Don’t turn away from the devil dog El Cadejo, or you’ll be stuck forever. And seriously, you better mind your manners or the boogeyman El Cucuy will come for you.
  8. Dead Exposure: Death Valley: Step into a super hush-hush government lab where an experiment to make super soldiers totally backfired, transforming folks into radioactive zombies. And they break free right as you stroll in!

Recommended: What to Bring to Halloween Horror Nights: HHN Packing List

2024 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.

Victoria with Famous Terror Tram Studio Tour Clown Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood (2)

At first glance, the themes seem a bit tame, I can assure you the scare actors truly bring the zones to life.

  1. Luchadores Monstruosos: Get ready to dive into a wild Lucha Libre horror flick where two wrestlers take on some crazy masked monsters!
  2. 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.
  3. Chainsaw Punkz: Get ready for a wild night of thrills the moment you walk in. Masked punk rockers rocking chainsaws and mohawks are gonna surround you!
  4. Skull Lordz: Welcome to the spooky hangout of the undead, where the goth kings and queens chill. Just a heads up—step into their ghostly realm if you dare!

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 2024

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.

2023 Terror Tram Backlot Studio Tour with Jordan Peele's Nope and Us Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror 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.

Blumhouse Terror Tram at Halloween Horror Nights Universal Studios HHN 2024
Image Courtesy of Universal Parks

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!

Terror Tram Backlot Studio Tour with Bates Motel Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023

What I didn’t realize in my first visit to HHN Hollywood is that a good chunk of this tour is a walking experience.

Victoria Wade, Norman Bates, and Friend on Terror Tram Backlot Studio Tour with Bates Motel Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023

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 2024

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.

Jabbawockeez Show Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
Jabbawockeez Show 2022

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.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space House Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
HHN Hollywood 2022

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.
  • Late Night with Chucky: Chucky’s your host and he’s all set to roast. Come hang out in the audience of his awesome new live talk show. 

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:

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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!

Dark Arts on Hogwarts Castle in Harry Potter World Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood

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.

Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle

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 2024).

Dark Arts on Hogwarts Castle in Harry Potter World Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

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!

new Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle with NIkkyJ and Deatheater at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
New Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle with Editor NikkyJ and Death Eater

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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2024 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.

Victoria Wade at The Weeknd After Hours Nightmare Bar Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
HHN Hollywood 2022

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Food Menu

Here you will find specialty cocktails named after some of the tracks from the Weeknd’s past albums.

The Weeknd After Hours Nightmare Bar Cocktail and Drink Menu and Pizza Fries Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy Bar

  • Three cocktails: Too Late, Is There Someone Else, How do I make you love me?
  • Out of Time drink
  • Short Rib Saw Blade Flatbread
  • Mushroom Saw Blade Flatbread
  • Heartless Gummy Heart

City Snacks

  • Wooden Board Éclair
  • Abbotts Corn Chowder
2024 Halloween Horror Nights HHN 33 A Quiet Place Food Booth

Chucky’s Dive Bar

  • Three cocktails**: Cult of Chucky, Chucky Got Jokes, Friend Till the End

Dia de los Muertos Bar

  • Four cocktails: Horror-Chata, El Charro, El Cadejo Mangorita, Muerte Michelada
  • Two specialty margaritas**: Spicy Strawberry Vodka Margarita, Piña Margarita

Leatherface’s BBQ

  • Pam’s Brisket Sandwich
  • Franklin’s BBQ Ribs
  • Drayton Chili Cheese Dog
  • Three cocktails: Grandpa’s Porch Pounder, Frozen Jack & Coke, Canned Jack & Coke
Food Menu of Killer BBQ from Outer Space Brisket and Fries and Pie Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

Monsters Minion Café

  • Evil Takis Mac and Cheese
  • Frankenbob Cookie
  • Monster Bob drink

Monster Eats

  • Into the Fog Fish ‘n Chips
  • The Fiery Bite Corn-dog
  • She Wolf Midnight Delight Cheesecake
  • The Bride’s Cookie
2024 Halloween Horror Nights HHN 33 Ivan’s NYC Deli and Ghostbusters Food Menu

Studio Scoops

  • Mini-Stay Puft S’mores

Killer Snacks

  • NY All Beef Hot Dog with Chips
  • Popcorn
  • Churros
  • Pretzels

Another fun treat I found were a few photo spots throughout the Weeknd’s bar and great views!

2024 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!

2024 Halloween Horror Nights HHN 33 Tribute Store Blumhouse shirt

Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!

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!

Universal Monsters Merch Universal Studios Hollywood HHN Halloween Horror Nights 2022

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.

The Weeknd After Hours Nightmare Bar Stairs Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

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.

Universal Studios Hollywood Gate with Hilton Hotel in the background

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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.

Terror Tram Backlot Studio Tour with Jordan Peele's Nope and Us Rules Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

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.

Jurassic World Water Ride behind Monsters Legends Collide House Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

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 $229 for a Regular Express Pass. This upgrade allows you to go through each house once.

Michael Myers Halloween House Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

Unlimited HHN Express Passes starts at $269 while the After 2 PM Day/Night Universal Express starts at $289.

If you do the HHN RIP Tour, it is included in your cost that starts at $409.

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.

Transformers the Ride 3D Universal Studios Hollywood California

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.

Terror Tram Studio Backlot Experience Fast and Furious Area Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

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.

The Disaster Zone Terror Tram Studio Backlot Experience War of Worlds Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

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 2024

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.

Scarecrow the Reaping House Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

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.

2024 Halloween Horror Nights HHN 33 Tribute Store Food Dessert Ghost Trap Blondie

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.

Survival Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
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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!

Authors: Victoria Wade and NikkyJ

UP NEXT: 23 First Timer Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood (Complete Planning Guide)

(Original Article Date: October 18, 2022/Updated by Editor on September 5, 2024)

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