Screams and Thrills Unleashed: Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023!

By Renuka Soren

Experience screams and thrills like never before at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights. 

This year the park welcomes a new world of horror with various chilling haunted houses inspired by renowned names in the genre.

Prepare for the intensity of ‘The Last of Us’ and uncover more terrifying surprises as Universal Studios reveals its horrifying lineup. 

The heart-stopping haunted houses, thrilling rides and captivating live entertainment will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

This Halloween event dates range from 7 September to 31 October, including weekends and weekdays.

The Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights ticket grants you access to an array of spine-tingling haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, captivating live entertainment and thrilling rides.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the event, from the dates and ticket information to the thrilling activities and entertainment. 

Discover the best time to visit and how to maximize your experience while saving on ticket prices. 

Halloween Horror Nights Hours

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023 will occur on select nights from 7 September to 31 October 31. 

The event starts at 7 pm, with Early Access available from 5.30 pm.

You can purchase Early Access tickets separately, even if you have already bought discounted Halloween Horror Nights tickets. 

The specific dates for Halloween Horror Nights 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood are as follows:

  • September 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 and 30
  • October 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31

With 38 nights of scares and thrills, you have ample opportunities to participate in this haunting event. 

To make the most of your experience, we recommend planning and considering attending earlier in the season for lower ticket prices and slightly fewer crowds.

Halloween Horror Nights Tickets 

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights requires a separate ticket from regular park admission. 

Halloween Horror Nights 2023 tickets are available for purchase now and are likely to sell out quickly.

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights tickets prices can vary depending on the selected night, and it’s worth considering that ticket prices may increase as the season progresses, with some nights even selling out. 

We recommend securing your tickets early to avoid missing out on this spine-chilling event. 

You can also get the Early Event Access ticket, allowing you to enter the event at 5.30 pm and providing a head start before the official start time of 7 pm.

Make sure to purchase Early Event Access separately, even if you’ve already purchased your Halloween Horror Nights ticket.

For those seeking ultimate convenience, Universal Studios Hollywood also offers the Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express Pass, which provides one-time express access to each haunted house and ride and priority seating for the live show.

Plan Your Visit

To make the most of your experience at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights, consider attending earlier in the season for reduced ticket prices and nights with slightly fewer crowds.

Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to have lower attendance than Fridays and Saturdays.

Remember that some houses may have shorter wait times later in the evening. 

You can use Early Event Access and plan your route to maximize your time and avoid long queues. 

Download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app for show schedules, park maps, and updates.

With a Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights map, you can navigate through the terrifying realm of horror, guiding you through the various attractions.

Haunted Houses

Haunted Houses
Image: Usatoday.com

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights is known for its spine-chilling haunted houses that immerse guests in terrifying experiences. 

While only some of the houses for 2023 have been announced, some exciting attractions are already confirmed for this year’s event.

  • The Last of Us: Step into the post-pandemic world of the popular video game, where you’ll encounter infected creatures and face survival challenges.

As you navigate through a labyrinth filled with infected creatures, including Runners, Stalkers, Clickers and Hunters, you’ll face survival challenges like Joel and Ellie. 

The haunted house stays true to the game’s atmosphere and locations, including The Hotel Grand, ensuring an authentic and spine-chilling experience. 

  • Chucky-Themed House: Join the sinister world of Chucky, the infamous Good Guy doll, as he wreaks havoc and creates mayhem.

Several houses from the previous year are also making a comeback, offering new twists and scares:

  • La Llorona: Dive into the legend of La Llorona, the weeping woman who seeks revenge on the living for the loss of her children. Prepare for terrifying encounters and haunting scenes.
  • Universal Horror Hotel: Check into this haunted hotel, where the vengeful spirit of the original owner lurks. Escape his clutches before becoming a permanent resident of the Horror Hotel.
  • Scarecrow: The Reaping: Mother Nature seeks vengeance as scarecrows come to life, seeking retribution against the sins of the homesteaders. Brace yourself for a thrilling encounter with these wrathful creatures.
  • MGM’s ‘Killer Klowns from Outer Space’: Step into a twisted circus of murderous clowns, where cotton candy and fun acts hide a sinister reality. Prepare for surprises and scares.
  • The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare: Enter the twisted mind of The Weeknd, the musical artist, as you navigate through a haunted house inspired by his ‘After Hours’ album. Beware of the bandaged maniacs and grotesque mannequins.
  • The Horrors of Blumhouse: Experience the horrors of the horror-comedy “Freaky” and the supernatural thriller ‘The Black Phone.’ Prepare to face twisted magic and the deadly consequences of a cursed dagger.
  • Halloween: Return to the iconic 1978 slasher film as you journey through Michael Myers’ dilapidated home and encounter the knife-wielding killer. Try to escape his clutches.
  • Universal Monsters: Legends Collide: Witness the epic battle between Universal Pictures’ iconic monsters – The WolfMan, Dracula and the Mummy. It would be best if you survived their deadly confrontation as they search for the Amulet of Ra.

Activities & Experiences 

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood offers other terrifying experiences, including immersive scare zones and thrilling entertainment.

Scare Zones 

Explore El Pueblo del Terror, an extension of the La Llorona house, where supernatural beings from Latin America await. 

Sideshow Slaughterhouse transforms New York Street into a murderous carnival rampage. 

In Clownsawz, encounter chainsaw-wielding clowns who set the stage for the horrors to come.

Entertainment

Brace yourself for the Terror Tram, a nighttime journey through the Backlot, culminating in a terrifying finale from ‘Nope.’ 

Enjoy the high-energy performance of Jabbawockeez and witness Death Eaters roaming Hogsmeade village.

FAQs

When do Halloween Horror Nights start at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood starts this year on select nights from 7 September to 31 October. 

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights hours are 7 pm to midnight or later, depending on the day. 

Specific dates include September 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 27-30, and October 1-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29 and 31.

What is the theme for Halloween Horror night 2023?

Each year Universal Studios Hollywood offers some new and some recurring attractions.

Halloween Horror Night 2023 will feature a new, highly anticipated haunted house based on the 
popular video game franchise, The Last of Us. 

Previous houses, including La Llorona, Universal Horror Hotel, Scarecrow: The Reaping, MGM’s ‘Killer Klowns from Outer Space’ and The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare, will offer new encounters and narratives.

Featured Image: Youtube.com

About the author

The thrill of stepping into new lands and meeting new people drives Renuka for her. Traveling is her "Seoul" mate.