LOS ANGELES — Universal Studios Hollywood is already plotting next year’s screams. Halloween Horror Nights will return for the 2025 season on select evenings from Thursday, September 4, through Sunday, November 2, with an expanded slate of haunted houses, shows, and scare zones, according to a press release by Universal Studios Hollywood.
A Hollywood classic steps “into the light”
The headline attraction for 2025 is Poltergeist, a haunted house that recreates key moments from the 1982 supernatural blockbuster produced by MGM Studios. Guests will walk directly into the Freeling family’s cursed suburban home, navigating flickering televisions, storm-lashed bedrooms, and other signature scenes made famous more than four decades ago. Universal calls the movie “one of the scariest films of all time,” and designers are promising a mixture of practical sets, performers, and special effects to bring its restless spirits to life.
The backlot turns into a Blumhouse gauntlet
Back on the studio’s historic backlot, the permanent tram route again becomes “Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse.” Riders will disembark mid-tour and set off on foot through sets populated by villains from fifteen years of Blumhouse horror films. Expect encounters with The Grabber from The Black Phone, possessed victims from The Exorcist: Believer, the AI menace M3GAN, masked marauders from The Purge franchise, Blissfield Butcher from Freaky, and Babyface Killer from Happy Death Day, among others. Guests who upgrade to the R.I.P. Tour will have an exclusive character meet-and-scream along the Terror Tram path, while General Admission visitors will find a themed photo op when they step off the vehicle.
A fiery return for “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” stunt show
The WaterWorld arena will once again ignite for The Purge: Dangerous Waters, a rocket-propelled stunt spectacular that uses flame effects, high-falls, and pyrotechnics to thrust spectators into a lawless, one-night-only world. The show proved popular during the 2024 season and is slated for multiple nightly performances throughout the 2025 run.
Four new scare zones stalk park walkways
Between mazes, roaming scare actors will lay claim to four themed areas:
- Chainsaw Clownz — A brigade of carnival-style psychopaths wielding revving saws will greet guests near the front entrance.
- Carnival of Carnage — A twisted fun house where the games are rigged and the prizes bite back.
- Noche de Brujas — A dimly lit street haunted by witches that ties into the adjacent house, Monstruous 3: The Ghosts of Latin America.
- Murder of Crowz — A returning fan favorite filled with raven-masked attackers defending their nesting grounds.
Previously announced houses round out the maze roster
Poltergeist and Monstrous 3 will share the park with several experiences confirmed earlier this summer:
- Fallout — A pitch-black journey through Prime Video’s post-nuclear wasteland.
- Five Nights at Freddy’s — Animatronic nightmares from Blumhouse’s 2023 box-office hit.
- Terrifier — Cult clown Art trades the big screen for claustrophobic corridors.
- WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks — Supernatural wrestling lore materializes in maze form.
- Jason Universe — Camp Crystal Lake’s hockey-masked slasher strikes repeatedly.
- Scarecrow: Music by Slash — An original concept underscored by Grammy-winning guitarist SLASH.
That list brings the overall tally to eight haunted houses, the Terror Tram experience, a live stunt show, and four scare zones.
Tried-and-true rides stay open after dark
When guests need a breather from the scares, several signature attractions continue operating into the night: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Jurassic World—The Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: The Ride-3D, Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride, and The Simpsons Ride all make the after-hours list.
Ticket tiers cater to casual ghouls and hardcore haunters
Universal is again offering a layered menu of entry options:
- General Admission — One-night access to all haunts and select rides.
- After 2 P.M. Day/Night — Daytime park entry from 2 p.m., plus the evening event in a single ticket.
- Early Access Ticket — Entry to select houses beginning at 5:30 p.m., ahead of the 7:00 p.m. official start.
- Universal Express — One-time front-of-line privileges at each maze and ride.
- R.I.P. Tour — Guided small-group tour with continuous Express access, lounge seating, and the Terror Tram character meet-and-scream.
- Frequent Fear Pass — Multiple-night entry across the event calendar.
- Ultimate Fear Pass — Admission to every event night from September 4 to November 2.
Prices were not included in the announcement, but the entire slate of tickets is on sale now through UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/Halloween. Die-hard fans typically snap up Early Access and R.I.P. packages early in the season, so those interested may want to book sooner rather than later.
Planning your visit: Tips for travelers
- Arrive early — Even with timed entry, Southern California traffic around Universal City can add unplanned minutes; target a parking arrival at least one hour before opening.
- Dress for walking — The backlot Terror Tram segment alone involves steep ramps and long gravel paths; comfortable shoes are essential.
- Budget for add-ons — Express passes and R.I.P. Tours reduce wait times dramatically during high-attendance nights (typically Fridays and Saturdays).
- Check the Discover Universal Blog — The park posts behind-the-scenes videos, construction photos, and itinerary ideas leading up to opening night.
- Know the scare zones — Guests cannot avoid Chainsaw Clownz or Carnival of Carnage when entering or exiting, so those sensitive to jump scares should prepare accordingly.
- Mind age recommendations — Universal does not prohibit children, but the event is marketed for mature audiences and features intense imagery, strobe lights, and gore.
Why plan now?
Haunt enthusiasts know that September sneak previews often sell out first, citing lower crowds and shorter wait times. Meanwhile, hardcore fans looking to marathon haunts lean toward the Frequent Fear Pass for repeat visits. Whether you aim to be among the first through Poltergeist’s flickering portals or want to brave every scare zone under the October full moon, locking in tickets early ensures access to the most coveted dates and upgrades. One thing is certain: Universal Studios Hollywood is betting big on nostalgia, cult hits, and cinematic spectacle to keep Los Angeles thrill-seekers flocking back night after night. “Every corner of the park will be alive with storytelling, practical effects, and relentless scares,” Universal’s entertainment team said in the announcement. Travelers eager to face The Purge’s flamethrowers, M3GAN’s mechanical malevolence, and Jason Voorhees’s machete all in a single evening can secure their experience now. The countdown to September 4 has already begun. — Source: Universal Studios Hollywood press release
