Halloween Horror Nights 2025 - Hero
Photograph: Jacqueline Dole for Time Out
Photograph: Jacqueline Dole for Time Out

Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Orlando: our ultimate guide to tickets, dates and more

We went to Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort: Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Jacqueline Dole
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It’s time to return to the fog once more: Halloween Horror Nights is back at Universal Orlando for its 34th season, running from August 29 to November 2, 2025. From cult-favorite haunted houses to immersive scare zones and over-the-top shows, HHN has become the crown jewel of spooky season in Orlando and the premier Halloween event in the country for thrill-seekers and horror fans alike.

Halloween Horror Nights isn’t just an event; it's a rite of passage and annual tradition for Halloween fans. Universal’s movie-quality sets, talented scare actors, and ever-evolving lineup make this year feel bigger and bloodier than ever.

Whether you’re a horror enthusiast chasing the newest IP house or just looking for an excuse to scream with friends (and honestly, who isn’t?) Here's everything you need to know about this year’s can’t-miss event. 

When is Halloween Horror Nights 2025?

The event runs on select nights from August 29 to November 2, 2025. HHN starts at 6:30pm and runs until 2am. 

Do I need a separate ticket for HHN?

Yes, it requires a separate ticket from regular daytime park admission.

Halloween Horror Nights 2025 - Florist
Photograph: Jacqueline Dole for Time Out

Haunted Houses at Halloween Horror Nights 2025

The heart of HHN is always the haunted houses, and 2025’s lineup is stacked. Expect a mix of blockbuster IPs, as well as Universal Orlando originals:

  • Five Nights at Freddy’s: Step into Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, where larger-than-life animatronics, which Jim Henson’s Creature Shop crafted, have gone haywire.
  • Fallout: Wander through the retro-futuristic ruins of the Fallout universe, complete with Vault dwellers, irradiated creatures, iconic characters from the hit game and TV series, and of course, lots of okey-dokeys.

  • Jason Universe: Take a trip to Crystal Lake for all of the Friday the 13th scares you can handle. This house brings its most infamous kills to life, drenched in blood and packed with more jump scares than you can count.

  • Terrifier: Welcome to the world of Art the Clown from the Terrifier films. Fans can walk through some of his most gruesome kills, including smells that will haunt you for the rest of the night. Choose wisely: the “dry” path or the “wet” path that will leave you soaked.
  • WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks: Step into the arena and face the Wyatt Sicks head-on. A lantern-lit doorway leads you straight into the twisted minds of Uncle Howdy, Rambling Rabbit, Mercy the Buzzard, Abby the Witch, and Huskus the Pig. 
  • El Artista: A Spanish Haunting: In 19th-century Spain, a troubled artist retreats to a secluded estate in search of inspiration. But instead of muses, he finds madness as his paintings begin to stir and transform into something far more sinister.

  • Dolls: Let’s Play Dead: Shrink to doll-size and enter Lyla’s demented toybox, where her battered playthings come alive.

  • Gálkn: Monsters of the North: High in the icy fjords, a vengeful shaman returns and summons trolls, wolves, and goblins from Norse legends.  
  • Grave of Flesh: Welcome to your funeral. Descend into the grave and cross the gates of the underworld, where ravenous flesh-eaters prowl through endless cavernous lairs.

Scare Zones at Halloween Horror Nights 2025

Even outside the houses, the scares don't stop. Universal transforms its streets into open-air scare zones, complete with ornate sets and roaming scare actors. 

  • Origins of Horror: Celebrating HHN icons from years past.

  • Masquerade: Dance with Death: A decadent ball has turned deadly.

  • Mutations: Toxic Twenties: Jazz Age style with a radioactive twist.

  • The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane: Storybook whimsy gone dark, complete with lots and lots of cats.

Halloween Horror Nights 2025
Photograph: Jacqueline Dole for Time Out

Shows and extras to expect at HHN

  • Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay: An acrobatic and fire-filled sexy stage show that’s become a fan favorite.

  • Haunt-O-Phonic: A Ghoulish Journey: A lagoon show that blends projections with music.

How to get tickets and passes for Halloween Horror Nights 2025

  • Single-night tickets start around $85 on week nights and climb past $100 on weekends.

  • Express Pass lets you skip the long lines. If you’re only visiting once during the season, it’s a must.

  • R.I.P. Tours give you VIP treatment with a guided experience that lets you skip the lines.

  • Multi-night passes like Frequent Fear or Ultimate Fear are perfect for locals who want to come back multiple evenings.

Time Out tips for first-timers at HHN:

  • Try to visit on a weeknight for lower crowds and take advantage of Stay and Scream so you can be in the park as the event kicks off.

  • Start with the most popular IP houses: Freddy’s, Jason, and Terrifier tend to draw the longest waits and can easily reach 120 minutes or more during prime hours.

  • Be prepared with comfy shoes and rain gear.

  • Stay on-site if you can. Universal hotels offer easy access, extra perks and best of all, a quick trip back to your bed at the end of the night. 
  • Good news if you’re a scardy-cat but have always wanted to check out the event. Universal has debuted a ‘Deathly Afraid’ Necklace available for purchase, a sign to show scare actors that you’re not looking to be approached. This only works for common areas and scare zones, not the actual houses. 
  • Carve out some time to snack your way across the park, the Universal Orlando culinary team has crafted food and drinks exclusive to the event. Some favorites include the Flamin’ Hot Birria Ramen, Ramblin’ Rabbit Fried Carrot Cake and the iconic Cursed Cranberry Vodka Spritz.
Halloween Horror Nights 2025 - Florist
Photograph: Jacqueline Dole for Time Out




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