Halloween Horror Nights returns Sep 8-Oct 31 with Jordan Peele’s Nope & Us crossover Terror Tram, The Weeknd haunted house, 8 mazes & Death Eaters in Hogsmeade.
When Universal Studios Hollywood announces its Halloween Horror Nights lineup, horror fans from Beverly Hills to West Hollywood to Santa Monica know they’re in for the most terrifying—and most entertaining—nights of the year.
The 2022 event, running select nights from Thursday, September 8 through Monday, October 31, delivers something unprecedented: an expanded “Terror Tram” featuring a cinematic crossover of Jordan Peele’s blockbuster films Nope and Us at the original Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope, where The Tethered, the revolutionary army of vengeful doppelgängers from Us, stage their uprising in a choreographed massacre created by conceptual artist Madeline Hollander.
For upscale audiences, horror enthusiasts, and cultural observers who appreciate when genuine artistry meets terrifying entertainment, this year’s Halloween Horror Nights represents Universal’s most ambitious programming yet:
eight frightening haunted houses including “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare,” “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” the original “Halloween,” Blumhouse’s “The Black Phone” and “Freaky,” “Universal Monsters: Legends Collide,” plus original creations “La Llorona: The Weeping Woman,” “Scarecrow: The Reaping,” and “Universal Horror Hotel.”
Add the all-new Jabbawockeez hip-hop show, scare zones throughout the park, and select attractions open including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (where Death Eaters roam Hogsmeade for the first time ever), and you’ve got Halloween entertainment operating at the absolute highest level.
The Terror Tram: Jordan Peele’s Cinematic Universe Comes to Life
This year’s iconic “Terror Tram” expands to include a cinematic twist on Jordan Peele’s blockbuster films in a crossover experience that reimagines Us—featuring The Tethered, whose uprising invades the all-new Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope—creating something unique to Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights.
The “Terror Tram” is exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood, inviting guests to explore by foot parts of the famous movie studio backlot, home to some of the most notorious movie sets in film history. Once guests disembark the tram, the terror is unleashed.
This year, the villainous Hollywood Harry unravels “Hollywood Harry’s Halloween”—a nightmarish spectacle with a demented cast of characters that winds past the iconic Psycho House, then through Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds set. As guests make their way through a choreographed massacre at the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope, they encounter The Tethered from Us in a frightening finale of epic proportions.
After the success of the 2019 “Us” house, this experience features all-new choreography by conceptual artist and choreographer Madeline Hollander. Hollander’s involvement signals serious artistic ambition—she’s known for conceptual dance work that explores repetition, synchronization, and uncanny movement, making her the perfect creative mind to bring The Tethered’s disturbing coordinated movements to life.
For horror fans and film enthusiasts who appreciate Jordan Peele’s sophisticated approach to the genre—where social commentary, psychological terror, and cinematic craft converge—this Terror Tram experience represents Halloween Horror Nights operating as genuine art installation rather than simple haunted attraction. You’re walking through actual movie sets where Nope was filmed, encountering characters from two of contemporary horror’s most important films, choreographed by an artist whose work bridges performance art and popular entertainment [Insert Internal Link].
According to Universal Studios Hollywood, the Terror Tram has been a signature Halloween Horror Nights experience since the event’s inception, offering something no other Halloween event can match: access to working movie studio backlot where iconic films were actually made.
The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare—Music Meets Horror
“The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare” takes guests into the twisted mind of multi-award-winning artist The Weeknd as they step into a surreal living nightmare filled with grotesque characters and themes inspired by his music and short films.
The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) has increasingly incorporated horror aesthetics into his music videos and performances, particularly around his After Hours album era. His visual universe features bandaged faces, bloodied characters, and surreal nightmare imagery that translates perfectly to haunted house format.
For music lovers and cultural enthusiasts throughout Los Angeles who’ve watched The Weeknd evolve from alternative R&B artist to stadium-filling pop phenomenon who commands Super Bowl halftime shows, this haunted house represents fascinating collision between contemporary music culture and traditional horror entertainment. Universal has collaborated directly with The Weeknd’s creative team to ensure authenticity—you’re experiencing his artistic vision made physically immersive, not a generic “scary music video” interpretation.
Classic Horror: Halloween, Universal Monsters, and Killer Klowns
Halloween Horror Nights 2022 balances contemporary properties with genuine horror classics and cult favorites:
“Halloween” ventures back to where it all began in an eerily authentic haunted house depicting the most chilling moments from the critically acclaimed original 1978 film. John Carpenter’s masterpiece established slasher film conventions and introduced Michael Myers—one of horror’s most terrifying and enduring villains. For horror purists who appreciate the genre’s history, walking through scenes from the original Halloween offers both nostalgia and genuine scares.
“Universal Monsters: Legends Collide” expands on the thrilling legacy from Universal Pictures as the most notorious horror icons—The Wolf Man, Dracula, and The Mummy—come together for the first time ever in an epic battle. Universal’s classic monsters defined horror cinema in the 1930s-40s, and this house honors that legacy while imagining what happens when these creatures clash.
MGM’s “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” traps guests in a frightening funhouse of murderous clown-like creatures. The 1988 cult classic film has maintained devoted following for its bizarre premise, practical effects, and darkly comic tone. Translating its colorful, grotesque alien clowns into immersive haunted house creates both terror and fun-loving absurdity.
“The Horrors of Blumhouse” brings to life Blumhouse’s supernatural thriller The Black Phone and horror-comedy Freaky—demonstrating Blumhouse’s range from serious psychological horror to genre-bending comedy-horror mashups.
Original Haunted Houses Rooted in Cultural Legends and Horror Archetypes
Universal’s original haunted houses showcase creative teams’ ability to build complete horror experiences from scratch:
“La Llorona: The Weeping Woman” features the legend of La Llorona who comes to life to terrorize the living as she mourns the children she murdered. This Latin American legend—about a woman who drowned her children and now wanders waterways weeping and searching for them—has terrified generations across Mexico and throughout Latin America. For Los Angeles’ substantial Latinx community and for cultural enthusiasts who appreciate when Halloween programming honors diverse horror traditions, La Llorona’s inclusion represents meaningful representation.
The horror extends into the “El Pueblo del Terror” scare zone, where guests discover there’s no escaping the frightening legend along with other supernatural characters from Latin America’s most frightening myths.
“Scarecrow: The Reaping” finds that Mother Nature’s retribution against homesteaders for their past sins will be carried out by the farmland’s scarecrows who have remained mute witnesses—and are now guardians of destruction for anyone who crosses their path. This original concept taps into primal fear of scarecrows and rural horror.
“Universal Horror Hotel” lives up to its reputation as the original owner—executed years ago for his dastardly deeds—continues to haunt the place today. Guests must escape his vengeful spirit or risk becoming permanent residents. The haunted hotel concept draws from The Shining, American Horror Story: Hotel, and countless horror properties exploring cursed accommodations.
Jabbawockeez Hip-Hop Show and Scare Zones
Award-winning hip-hop dance crew Jabbawockeez brings an all-new, high-energy show nightly featuring their gravity-defying dance moves, special effects, and pulse-pounding music. For audiences who’ve followed Jabbawockeez since their America’s Best Dance Crew victory through their ongoing Las Vegas residency, seeing them perform at Halloween Horror Nights creates unexpected intersection between dance culture and horror entertainment.
All-new scare zones taunt and torment guests as they navigate from one haunted house to the next:
- “El Pueblo del Terror” extends the La Llorona experience beyond the haunted house
- “Sideshow Slaughterhouse” turns New York Street into a battle zone as performers and workers from a seedy carnival sideshow go on murderous rampage
- “Clownsawz” features a demonic troop of clowns terrorizing guests with chainsaws as they enter the park
These scare zones ensure that terror isn’t contained within haunted houses—the entire park becomes immersive horror environment where danger lurks around every corner.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Death Eaters Invade Hogsmeade
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be open during Halloween Horror Nights, inviting guests to experience favorite attractions including “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff.”
Here’s what makes this year special: For the first time ever, Death Eaters—a group of Voldemort’s most devoted followers—will roam Hogsmeade village, looking to find others willing to show loyalty to the Dark Lord’s cause. This represents significant expansion of Halloween Horror Nights into The Wizarding World, creating encounter between Potter universe’s darkest characters and guests exploring the magical village.
For Harry Potter fans throughout Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and beyond, experiencing Hogsmeade with Death Eaters roaming creates entirely different atmosphere than typical daytime visits—darker, more ominous, genuinely unsettling in ways that honor the books’ and films’ most frightening moments.
Select theme park attractions remain open during Halloween Horror Nights, including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Transformers: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride,” and “The Simpsons Ride”—allowing guests to balance extreme scares with familiar theme park entertainment.
Ticket Options: From General Admission to R.I.P. Tour
Halloween Horror Nights offers various ticket options accommodating different budgets and desired experiences:
R.I.P. Tour is the premium product, inviting guests to scare with VIP treatment including expert guided tour with exclusive experiences along the way. For upscale audiences who want guaranteed access to every house with minimal wait times and behind-the-scenes insights, R.I.P. Tour delivers maximum value.
Universal Express includes one-time express access to each haunted house, Terror Tram, ride, and attraction. Express is a separate line with shorter wait times (doesn’t apply to food and retail). For guests attending on crowded weekend nights, Express dramatically improves the experience by reducing hours spent in queues.
After 2 P.M. Day/Night tickets allow theme park access before Halloween Horror Nights begins at approximately 7pm, then transition into the event.
Popular passes include Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass, allowing guests to experience the scares again and again across multiple nights. For serious horror fans who want to see every house multiple times, these passes offer best value.
General Admission provides entry to the event with standard queue access.
Halloween Horror Nights tickets can be purchased online or at the Universal Studios Hollywood front gate, providing guests with Early Event Admission to select houses beginning at 6pm each night (subject to change). For complete information including terms and conditions, visit HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Halloween Horror Nights 2022 run at Universal Studios Hollywood?
A: Halloween Horror Nights begins Thursday, September 8 and runs select nights through Monday, October 31, 2022. The event typically operates Thursday-Sunday nights plus special dates. Check the official website for the complete event calendar.
Q: What’s special about the 2022 Terror Tram?
A: The 2022 Terror Tram features an expanded cinematic crossover of Jordan Peele’s films Nope and Us. Guests walk through the actual Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope (built on the Universal backlot for the film) while encountering The Tethered from Us in a choreographed massacre created by conceptual artist Madeline Hollander. The experience winds past the iconic Psycho House and through Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds set.
Q: How many haunted houses are included in Halloween Horror Nights 2022?
A: Eight frightening haunted houses are included: “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare,” “Halloween,” “The Horrors of Blumhouse,” “Universal Monsters: Legends Collide,” “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” “La Llorona: The Weeping Woman,” “Scarecrow: The Reaping,” and “Universal Horror Hotel.” Additionally, the Terror Tram serves as a large-scale outdoor scare experience.
Q: Are regular Universal Studios attractions open during Halloween Horror Nights?
A: Yes. Select attractions remain open including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Transformers: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride,” “The Simpsons Ride,” and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (with “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff”). For the first time ever, Death Eaters will roam Hogsmeade village during Halloween Horror Nights.
Experience Horror Entertainment at Its Absolute Peak
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties—and 2022’s lineup represents the event at its creative peak.
From Jordan Peele’s cinematic universe colliding on the actual Nope movie set to The Weeknd’s surreal nightmares, from John Carpenter’s Halloween to Universal’s classic monsters, from cult favorite Killer Klowns to culturally significant La Llorona legend, this year’s programming spans horror’s entire spectrum while maintaining the production values, creative ambition, and genuine scares that make Halloween Horror Nights the gold standard for Halloween entertainment.
For upscale audiences throughout Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and beyond who appreciate when entertainment operates at the highest level—world-class production design, sophisticated storytelling, genuine artistry alongside pure terror—Halloween Horror Nights 2022 delivers experiences impossible to replicate anywhere else.
The event begins Thursday, September 8 and runs select nights through Monday, October 31. Visit HalloweenHorrorNights.com to purchase tickets, explore ticket options, and plan your most terrifying—and most entertaining—nights of the year.
Universal Studios Hollywood has assembled eight haunted houses, expanded Terror Tram, Jabbawockeez show, multiple scare zones, and Death Eaters in Hogsmeade. All that’s missing is you—if you’re brave enough.
