Salt Lake City’s most famous haunted attraction is back and it’s scarier, bigger and better than ever. Nightmare on 13th, Utah’s longest-running, nationally ranked haunted house, officially opens its doors on Saturday, September 13, kicking off a spine-chilling season of fear and fun.
Consistently voted among the top-ranked haunted houses in America by outlets such as USA Today, BuzzFeed, Yahoo, City Weekly, America Haunts, Scare Factor, Travel Channel, and Utah Haunted Houses, Nightmare on 13th is a must-visit experience for anyone searching for the scariest haunted houses this Halloween season. With over 35 years of terrifying guests, this Salt Lake City icon continues to reinvent itself each year with all-new attractions, movie-quality sets and Hollywood-level scares.
Utah’s Best Halloween Tradition
For thrill seekers, horror fans and families alike, Nightmare on 13th has become more than just a haunted house, it’s a Halloween tradition. Visitors travel from all over Utah and beyond to experience the immersive sets, legendary monsters and innovative scares that set Nightmare apart from the rest.
From the moment guests arrive, they’re greeted by Nightmare’s massive outdoor façade, an ever-changing stage for monsters, photo ops and entertainment. Inside, visitors will find two world-class attractions under one roof:
- The Nightmare Haunted House: the flagship walk-through filled with new and returning nightmares designed to push your fears to the limit.
- Institute of Terror: a separate, equally terrifying attraction that extends your night of fear as you navigate your way through a demented insane asylum.
With new scenes every season, even repeat visitors never experience the same Nightmare twice.
New Horrors for 2025
This year’s Nightmare introduces the brand-new Horror Cinema double feature, a terrifying journey into the world of cursed movie screens. Guests will walk through a decaying New York-style cinema before entering two all-new horror films brought to life:
- The Thing With Red Eyes: An ode to the legend of Mothman, where a military bunker goes into lockdown after experiments and Mothman himself escapes and wreaks havoc.
- Final Cut: Our twisted tribute to classic slasher films. From a killer’s van to a secluded house in the woods, you’ll meet a family of maniacs eager to make you the star of their latest horror masterpiece.
Alongside these new attractions, Nightmare fans can expect a complete makeover of Rotten Seed, one of the haunted house’s most iconic characters, plus exclusive new merchandise in the popular Shop of Horror, from collectible plushies to brand new apparel.
Day Haunt: Family-Friendly Fun Without the Fear
Not every Halloween activity needs to be terrifying. For families with younger children or for those who want to experience the sets and monsters without the scares, Nightmare on 13th offers the Day Haunt: No Scares, All Atmosphere, a scare-free walkthrough of the entire attraction.
Day Haunt runs every Saturday from September 13 through November 1, and is designed to be kid-friendly, fun and photo-ready. Parents and kids can explore the haunted house together, take pictures, and enjoy the artistry of the sets, all without jump scares.
It’s quickly becoming one of the most unique things to do with kids in Salt Lake City during Halloween.
Special Offers and Promo Codes
Nightmare on 13th is committed to making its scares (and fun) accessible to everyone. This year, readers of the Deseret News can take advantage of exclusive promo codes:
- Use code DESERET to save up to $10 OFF tickets to the Nightmare Haunted House and Institute of Terror.
- Use code DESERETDAY to save $3 on Day Haunt tickets.
Tickets are available now at www.nightmareon13th.com, and it’s strongly recommended to purchase in advance — especially for prime October weekends.
Why Nightmare on 13th Is #1
With more than one million visitors over three decades, Nightmare on 13th is recognized as one of the best haunted houses in Utah and the entire country. The national press has consistently highlighted its size, scale and innovation, calling it a “can’t-miss” attraction for anyone who loves Halloween.
Whether you’re searching for:
- Scariest haunted house near me,
- Best Halloween attractions in Salt Lake City,
- Top-ranked haunted houses in the USA or
- Things to do in Utah this October
Nightmare on 13th belongs at the top of your list.
Plan Your Visit
- Opening Night: Saturday, September 13, 2025
- Season Runs: September 13 through November 7
- Location: 320 West 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT
- Tickets: Available online at www.nightmareon13th.com
For over 35 years, Nightmare on 13th has proven why it is Utah’s #1 haunted house and one of the best Halloween destinations in America. Whether you come for the scariest night of your life or a family-friendly Day Haunt adventure, you’ll walk away knowing exactly why it’s called Nightmare on 13th.
This season don’t just celebrate Halloween…live the nightmare.